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Scottish Disability Equality Forum along with thistle logo in purple and green

SDEF Newsletter No.11 - September 2003

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WONDERFUL NEWS

As Convenor of SDEF I have waited a long time to be able to make this announcement.Our organisation has received the support of the Access Panels to become the Umbrella Body for the Network.

It is said that “everything comes to those who wait”, and we have certainly had our share of that for what seems to have been an eternity (actually 21 months) awaiting the result of the Access Panel Steering Group’s discussions and recommendations.We are delighted to tell you that our persistence, determination and hard work have finally paid off.The Ballot, which was the penultimate stage, showed an overwhelming majority of the votes cast in favour of SDEF becoming the Umbrella Group.The votes were counted on 15th August.The Steering Group has endorsed this democratic verdict and recommended to the Scottish Executive that SDEF take on the role.However, as so often happens, there is a downside, and when dealing with Government Departments we have another tight deadline to meet.We have to submit costings by 29th September, the final date for applying for Section 10 funding from the Scottish Executive.This whole programme and timetable were completely outwith our control.

This is certainly not the way we would have chosen to handle the issue, but we have been given no choice in the matter.After a process which has lasted twenty one months, we have been left with only a period of three weeks to submit an application.Had we been given sufficient time, our oft repeated choice and intention had been to call a meeting of representatives of all the Access Panels recognised by the Local Authorities, to ascertain their wishes and needs, before submitting budget proposals.However, unfortunately, the time factor has made this impossible.

Nevertheless, as promised, it is still our intention that such a meeting will be held at the earliest opportunity to discuss issues and concerns which may exist. We have already arranged funding for holding this meeting a little later than we would have liked.

Until the official announcement was made, our hands were tied as to beginning preparation work, as this would have been seen as pre-empting the vote and leaving us wide open to accusations of “jumping the gun”.We have always played by the book and will continue to do so in all matters.

Now that this preliminary period is past and a democratic decision has been reached, we would appeal to everyone to work together to make this network the great success it deserves to be, and what everyone really wishes for.

Elma Mitchell M.B.E - Convenor SDEF

COMPABLE

“Compable”, (computer enable) was formed about two years ago, after I had acquired a Post Graduate Diploma.

It seemed a good idea to use this new expertise by obtaining and re-distributing computers to people with a disability.I consulted with the Chairman of Peterhead Disability Forum and it was agreed that “Compable” be set up and run from their office.It was to be a non-profit-making arm of the organisation and the remit was to acquire computers and computer parts by any means possible - e.g. Oil Companies.

computer cartoon graphic

After up-grading, these computers were to be distributed to any disadvantaged people of any age or disability, at a basic cost of �20-�40, which would cover administrative and travel cost.To build the computers we needed volunteers, most of whom are disabled, who helped, from the lady who did the ‘begging’, to the man who had to abandon his computer course because of his disability, but was able to go on and build computers.All who have helped enjoyed the experience and our finished products have been widely distributed throughout the North-East.

When the Peterhead Forum had financial difficulties a decision had to be made to protect the future of “Compable” and a small group was formed solely for the purpose of continuing “Compable”.It has not been altogether easy working from my home but I enjoyed the work and believe that a computer is a great equaliser.Computers allow disadvantaged people to

perform tasks just the same as anyone else.It is my hope that by finding computers for those who would not

normally be able to get one, we are giving

them a chance to learn and eventually to be able to enter the workforce on an equal footing with anyone else.

“Compable” was approached to see if they would be willing to work along with Aberdeenshire Council and other organisations.The way forward was to form a steering group, create a Business Plan and Constitution, and to negotiate for funding and premises.Some funding has now been secured.

Our hope is that people involved in the project would come from all the disadvantaged community so that no one is excluded in the mainstreaming process, thus helping others to help themselves.

computer graphic

MAIN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To develop training opportunities in the development of re-use of computers for people with a disability.

Educate the public regarding the importance of computer re-use.

Tony Miller

Chairman of “Compable”

E.U.S. MICROBEACON

Who are we?We are part of Edinburgh University Settlement, along with “A1 for Jobs” and “2nd Chance to Learn”.

We help disabled and disadvantaged people to enhance their skills to enable them to join the workforce in mainstream jobs.

The Microbeacon Centre has twenty years of experience in assisting people with a range of disabilities back into the workplace.We operate as Job Brokers for the Department of Work and Pensions to deliver the ‘New Deal for Disabled People’ programme.

For further information contact:-

Margaret Durie on [email protected]


Or at the Microbeacon Centre Tel: 0131 550 6808

PROJECT ABILITY

PROJECT ABILITY is a Glasgow-based visual arts charity with nearly twenty years experience in developing projects for disabled adults and children, people with mental health problems and others such as minority ethnic groups and homeless people.

We support individuals to develop their own artistic practice and to participate in local, national and international arts events through our developmental workshops and exhibitions at the Centre for Developmental Arts and in our extensive outreach programme.

Collaboration with the participants, some of whom have been coming to the centre since it opened in 1991.

Mental Health

The Trongate Studios opened in 1994 to provide a safe and supportive artists’ resource for people with mental illness.The Studios are open throughout the year offering around eighty members access to their own studio space.

Children and Young People

In addition to the above projects we also have an artistic programme for children and young people with disabilities in Glasgow, East Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire.New funding will allow us to roll out an extensive out-of-school programme for young people.This will enhance the activities we already provide for young people at weekends and school holidays, as well as the school activities we provide in partnership with education.Children with autistic spectrum disorders who attend our Saturday Art classes

The Centre for Developmental Arts (CDA) is a multipurpose space, housing:

Two Galleries

Our administrative offices

The Trongate Studios (Project Ability’s

mental health project)

A fully accessible workshop

Learning Disability

Each week, around one hundred learning disabled adults take part in the workshop programme at the CDA.The programme is long-term and designed to be relevant, inspiring and thought provoking.The artistic programme is developed in�����

throughout the year had the opportunity to exhibit their work at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the “Young Talent 2003” exhibition.

Outreach Work

Outwith the CDA we provide a number of different workshop programmes in partnership with various local authorities.One project for people living in East Renfrewshire is now in its fourth year.The programme provides, often one-to-one, creative support for people preparing to leave long-stay hospital and for those who have recently moved into their own homes.

For further information on Project Ability, please contact Kirstin Bannerman,


Tel: 0141 552 2822


E-mail: [email protected]


Or log on to: www.project-ability.co.uk

**********

McCABE ANNOUNCES ACTION TO IMPROVE SERVICE


FOR PEOPLE WITH SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS

An action plan to improve community care services for people with sensory impairments was published today for consultation by Deputy Health and Community Care Minister Tom McCabe.

The action plan - community care services for people with a sensory impairment - builds on what is already in place and sets out short, medium and long-term goals to improve services in the future.

The action plan was written in consultation with

����������� Deafblind Scotland,

����������� The Royal National Institute for the Blind

����������� The Scottish Council on Deafness an, importantly

����������� Sensory impairment users.

��� The action plan proposes:

�������� every social work or care facility should have a member of staff who can meet the basic communication needs of a person with a sensory impairment by April 2005;

�������� local research projects should be undertaken to find out what is working well in both urban and rural areas and identify possible improvements to services and;

�������� devise a national training strategy that strikes a balance between

generic and specialist needs, placing the needs of users and carers at its heart.

��� Launching the consultation Mr McCabe said:

“Good quality community care services for people with sensory impairments are often important lifelines that offer a better quality of life that might not otherwise be possible.

We have already consulted with representative from Deafblind Scotland, the Royal National Institute for the Blind and the Scottish Council on Deafness and, importantly, with sensory impairment users.

We are now consulting widely and I hope people will use this opportunity to give their views which will help shape the future of community care services that people with a sensory impairment want and deserve.”

NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS

1.�������� A Social Work Services Inspectorate report, Sensing Progress, was published in 1998, which inspected sensory impairment services in local authorities in Scotland. The action plan published for consultation today actively encourages existing good practice and identifies common priorities for the future with principal stakeholders.

2.�������� Last year the Scottish Executive set up a planning group with representation from Deafblind Scotland, the Royal National Institute of the Blind and the Scottish Council on Deafness. Its purpose was to outline what common community care needs might be for those with a sensory impairment.Their ideas formed the basis of a consultation seminar that engaged with users of sensory impairment services. The clear message given was that people with a sensory impairment would appreciate better access to information about services, better access to services, clear service standards, improved training for staff who provide the services and increased user participation in how services are developed.

3.�������� Taking the seminar views into account, the planning group then formed an Action Plan, which includes short, medium and long-term goals which, it is thought, will make a positive difference to those who use these services.

4.������ As advised by the planning group, a summary of the Action Plan will be available in Braille, audiotape, CD, BSL Video and community languages(Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi and Gaelic).The consultation will take place over a period of thirteen weeks.

Made available by Ron Skinner MBE

LEGAL ADVICE FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY DISABILITY

Since June 2003, SDEF has been taking part in a project to improve the ways in which legal advice is given to people affected by disability.The initiative dates from late 2000, when the Scottish Executive set up a group to consider how ‘community legal services’ could be developed in Scotland.The main aim was to look at how access to justice could be improved and how an effective and consistent network of advice provision could be established.

One of the first results was a pilot scheme run in the Glasgow area in 2001-2 to look at advice services for all people in the city. Subsequently four other pilots were announced, three geographical: respectively in Edinburgh, Fife and Argyll & Bute; and one ‘thematic’, looking at legal advice in Scotland for disabled people. SDEF has been assisting in the development of the latter.

We all know that advice, much with legal overtones, tends to come to us from a variety of agencies.Some is specifically about legal matters, such as the Disability Discrimination Act: other information may have a legal component, such as advice on benefits or housing entitlements.

The aim of the ‘thematic’ steering group is to look at how the quality and availability of legal information for disabled people

can be improved.A further consideration is physical access for disabled people to advice, irrespective of whether the information itself relates to disability matters.

The Steering Group has been formed to reflect four interest groups. SDEF is there to represent ‘user interest groups’; ‘funders and policy makers’ are represented by the Scottish Executive, COSLA and the Scottish Legal Aid Board; ‘providers of advice to disabled people’ are represented by a range of agencies, including the Disability Rights Commission and Update; and ‘providers of general advice’ include Citizens Advice Scotland, Scottish Association of Law Centres and Money Advice Scotland.

The group will meet over a period of one year and make its recommendations on how the spectrum of information services can provide advice that is consistent, widely accessible and to a high standard. We will tell you more as the process continues.

Submitted by Wyn Merrells

Project Manager

SDEF

��������������������������������������������

bus graphicDIAL-A-JOURNEY PARKING���� disabled graphic���������������������������������������������

Submitted by Wyn Merrells - Project Manager - SDEF

As you may know, the Scottish Disability Equality Forum has been asked to carry out a survey of the community transport service provided in central Scotland by Order of Malta Dial-a-Journey.

People affected by disability have the opportunity to order suitable mini-bus transport within the area, with a given period of notice and on a first-come-first-serve basis. The organisation also operates the local taxi-card scheme, carries out certain school runs and, during school holidays, also arranges excursions further afield for disabled people of all ages.

Recently, SDEF was told that, with immediate effect, Dial-a-Journey would no longer be able to drop off and pick up in the pedestrianised part of Port Street, Stirling. This had been a very handy spot, being extremely central and right next to the main shopping area, the Thistle Centre, Marks & Spencer and other major retail outlets. Their mini-buses had been given permission some years ago to proceed cautiously into the area and to keep waiting to a minimum.

Unfortunately, the agreement had only been verbal and recently certain reports had been received by the local authority that this was unfairly discriminating in favour of disabled people. SDEF was asked to attend a meeting on site with representatives of Dial-a-Journey, the council, police and parking wardens.

The case was made that social inclusion has to involve taking positive action to help everyone share the same amenities. When it was proposed that buses could come in before 10 am and after 4 pm, the point was raised that, to get in early in the morning meant, in some cases, having a carer come in before 7 am to make preparations.

At first the alternative being offered was a steep cobbled road nearby with raised kerbs. Kathleen Welsh MBE, who chairs Dial-a-Journey, quickly set the record straight on that suggestion.

Finally, a compromise was reached which, when implemented, should satisfy everyone. The immediate ban was lifted and Dial-a-Journey offered a temporary dispensation to continue while a permanent solution is found. This will involve setting aside a flat paved area for dropping off and picking up, at a point adjacent to the pedestrian precinct. This is to be for the exclusive use of Dial-a-Journey, with the arrangement strictly enforced by traffic wardens. The spot chosen is within yards of the Thistle Centre and other amenities.

In the end the various agencies co-operated to find a sensible solution. However, the story does illustrate the message, that social inclusion needs positive action, not just treating everybody as though they naturally have equal opportunities. If there are any updates on this story, we will mention them in later editions.

Disabled People from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities

Some months ago, SDEF was asked by the Disability Rights Commission to take part in a group working to improve information services to disabled people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

In Scotland, 2% of the population comes from BME communities, the figure rising to 5.5% in Glasgow. In Glasgow, nearly two thirds of BME people are from India or Pakistan.

Many readers will have tried to gain information on different rights and entitlements in their time. To do this you have to: know a service or benefit exists; establish whether you qualify; understand how to set about securing it; deal with the bureaucratic system; and be prepared to be persistent.

Many of us have a broad knowledge of how our systems work; for example, the difference between services provided by a local authority and those operated by central government. But how many of us honestly know, for example, what is a power devolved to the Scottish parliament, or which office to approach to secure home care for elderly people, or who is responsible for paying?

Imagine then, how much more difficult this would be if your first language were not English, or you were brought up in a foreign country, or care in your culture was not largely provided by the state at all. Many of the concepts which we take for granted, such as social work services, do not necessarily have direct counterparts in other countries. Add to this different cultural expectations and ways of living and you have a recipe for social exclusion.

The proportion of people affected by disability in any community is roughly the same. Therefore, information and service providers have to make special efforts to ensure that all people are aware of what services and benefits are available.

The Steering Group set up by the Disability Rights Commission and involving groups from all over Scotland, organised an event 14th August 2003 in Glasgow. The occasion brought together representatives of voluntary sector information providers. They were addressed by a number of professionals from the worlds of disability and race relations and workshops set up to discuss the difficulties faced by particular groups. These included people from BME communities with mental health problems, learning difficulties, physical, sensory and multiple disabilities.

The next step will be to organise a second event in the autumn aimed directly at disabled people from BME communities who use, or could use services. SDEF will continue to participate in the process and will bring further news when the next conference takes place.

Submitted by Wyn Merrells - Project Manager - SDEF

World Globe Graphic

BRIDGING THE GAP

DISABILITY AND ETHNICITY IN SCOTLAND

I had the privilege of attending the above Conference on August 14th.

Much of what was said is common ground, but we gained insights into the problems peculiar to being part of the ethnic minority.I found ‘minority’ a difficult word to deal with when listening to the speakers, e.g. “I was born in Yorkshire”, and “I came here over fifty years ago”, and so on.Surely people should be fully integrated by this time, and British.

Many of the problems that our ethnic friends experience are based on culture and religion being intertwined, and we need to recognise this.For some of them religion is a way of life.

We can’t assume what other peoples’ needs are.We need to get to know one another.Can we really know the problems facing a child who is being taught B.S.L. at school, and then goes home to parents who have no English?Can we begin to realise the difficulties faced?

I was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the people I met, and feel that other opportunities like this, where we can meet together, would go a long way to “Bridging the Gap”.

Submitted by Agnes Stewart - Board Member of SDEF

Jigsaw Graphic

RESPONSES TO NEWSLETTER NO. 10

Hamilton / East Kilbride Forum on Disability

Concerns over the proposals for the United Kingdom Disabled Peoples’ Parliament have been supported by others.

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

In reply to “To Whom it May Concern”, within your last Newsletter.������������ book

Whilst I agree that statutory bodies need to think more of support for students with disabilities, we ourselves can be more proactive in our own educational needs.

I myself have a disability, use a wheelchair, and have good days and bad.However, I have found this no bar to my interest in Life Long Learning.In the seven years since my disability forced me to retire from work, at the age of 40+, I have studied at college and university and found no problems that cannot be overcome.

I understand the student no wishing to rely on assistance from the Student Hardship Fund, but this is exactly what it is for.Parental help, if it is offered, can also be beneficial, and repaid at a later date with no interest.Student Services at Telford should be able to assist with information on various funding bodies that may be able to help.

1.� Does the college have a student transport bus that could pick up the student?

2.�� Do you have to physically enter the classroom to receive the information, or can you receive the information at home, and only turn up for tutorials?

3.�� Can the course be done on line?

Sometimes Colleges of Further Education, or Universities, need to have their methods challenged by people like myself with a disability, just to allow them to think on a different level.

Personally my further education was helped greatly by a national body known as LEAD SCOTLAND.This is Edinburgh based, and designed primarily to assist persons with a disability to access Further Education.I was so inspired by the help provided by my Local Co-ordinator that I am now a Student and a Volunteer with LEAD, helping others gain the benefit of further education and Life Long Learning for themselves.

Linda Miller (LEAD Volunteer)

WARNING

RE FALSE DATA PROTECTION

Stirling Council on Disability recently received a

“Final Notice” requesting a cheque for �95 for

Data Protection.

On looking up the Data Protection website it was discovered

that there are many addresses listed�
that are false companies.

Among those listed was: Data Protection Agency Services,

Summerseat House,�
39 Summerseat, Liverpool L3 6HB

from where the final notice had been sent.

The Blue Badge Scheme

Extracted from articles in The Hendon Times

07/08/03-Labour Councillor faces being ejected by Council after being charged with

������������������ deception.Colindale Councillor suspended by Labour Party and has been

������������������ subject of internal party investigation.

14/08/03-The Colindale Councillor was a tireless campaigner for the survival of

������������������ Edgware Hospital Charitable work, including setting up Larches Trust, a

������������������ Charity for people with learning disabilities, and he founded a friendship

������������������ Organisation for Jews and Hindus.

In Court he admitted using a blind man’s expired parking badge to help his son escape parking fees.He sent a letter, on Council headed notepaper, to Camden Council asking for four parking tickets and a clamping release charge, worth about �260, to be dropped.He attached a photocopy of an expired disabled parking badge belonging to an old friend.The friend had left the area two years previously, giving his car, containing the Orange Badge (which had expired in 1998) to the Councillor’s son.The Councillor had had no contact with his friend during the two years since he had left, but claimed in his letter to Camden Council that the parking fees were causing great distress to his friend, although he (his friend) was unaware of this.

Although his misdemeanour could have carried a six month sentence, or �5000 fine, he was, in fact fined �250 for deception, and ordered to pay �60 costs.Ironically, as a diabetic, he has a disabled parking badge.

He claimed that all politicians were arrogant people and he had allowed his arrogance to go too far in trying to ensure his son did not have to pay parking tickets by using an expired disabled parking badge belonging to a visually impaired man.

(Names and Addresses withheld)

Living with Disability

Family Fund has produced a range of new materials about living with disability.

Taking Care was written by parents and looks at how families cope with caring for a severely disabled child.

Your Life, Your Future is a brief guide to opportunities and choices for young, disabled people, with tips on planning and finding the right support.

www.after16.org.uk details the opportunities and services available to young, disabled people in the UK after leaving school.It has information on finances, learning choices, housing and holidays.

Leaflets are free to young, disabled people and their carers.

Call 01904 550 033

LEGAL LOOPHOLE

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) claims employees with a progressive medical condition could be at risk of discrimination unless a legal loophole is closed.In its first major review of current disability discrimination law, the DRC has urged the Government to introduce legislation which would protect employees from the point at which they are diagnosed.The Disability Discrimination Act currently comes into force only when an individual develops symptoms.The Government is due to publish new disability rights legislation in the summer but has not indicated when the draft bill would become law, or what further protection it would provide for disabled people.

The DRC is also calling for people with a generic predisposition to a progressive condition to be protected by legislation.

For a copy of Disability Equality: Making it happen call

08457 622633, or visit www.drc.org.uk

HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The 3H Fund, a UK charity which provides holidays for disabled people, is looking for volunteer carers, preferably with experience of looking after someone with a disability.The carers will help a range of physically disabled people on group holidays in the UK.A contribution of �50 is expected, to cover accommodation and food.

If you are interested, or would like more information please call

01892 547474

GEAR UP

Four new consumer guides for older and disabled motorists have been launched by independent charity, Ricability (Research and Information for Consumers with Disabilities).

Titles include:

“Getting a Wheelchair into a Car”

“People Lifters”

“Ins and Outs of choosing a Car”

All the guides are free and contain practical advice on equipment and adaptations.For more information or to receive free copies

call 020 7427 2460 or visit www.ricability.org.uk

ASDA SUPERMARKETS AND PARKING

Have you noticed changes at your ASDA?

Some stores have changed to private parking operators and fines of �50 can be expected.

News has just reached us of one store who ejected three lads, late at night and refused to let them shop there, for failing to move from a disabled space when asked.

Signs have been erected warning the public of the parking conditions.�

Please let us know of any other positive action you may have come across at a Supermarket near you.So far we have no action in Dunfermline and Aberdeen.

Articles submitted are not necessarily the views of Scottish Disability Equality Forum

CONTACT US!

If you would like your organisation to feature in the next Newsletter, please send your article of interest point to:

The Editor, Mrs. Agnes Stewart, either c/o SDEF, or directly to:

72 Riverside Drive, Aberdeen AB10 7LE, or e-mail to :

[email protected]or[email protected]

Scottish Disability Equality Forum, 12 Enterprise House, Springkerse Business Park, STIRLING, FK7 7UF

Tel: 01786 446 456������ Fax: 01786 450 902������ email: [email protected]

www.sdef.org.uk

Scottish Disability Equality Form

Working together with people affected by disability

SDEF is a recognised Scottish Charity: No. SCO31893

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SDEF address, 12 Enterprise House, Springkerse Business Park, Stirling, FK7 7UF.  Scottish Charity Number SCO31893.  Company Number SC 243392.   Scottish Executive Logo and SDEF gratefully acknowledges the support of the Scottish Executive