Devon Link Spring 08 PROOF 1 low res RGB · Devon Link Spring 2008 Q k ... iáåâ readers...

Published by Devon County Council and Torbay Council

Are you disabled or a carer? Call 0845 1551 007 for your regular free copy!

The regular magazine for people with physical and sensory disabilities in Devon

Devon LinkSpring 2008 Free

LinkNo limitsNo limitsWelcome to the world ofoff road wheelchairs

Visit our website www.brotherwood.com

A U T O M O B I L I T Y L I M I T E DBROTHERWOOD

Pillar Box Lane, Beer Hackett, Sherborne, Dorset. DT9 6QP

Fax: 01935 872853 • e-mail: [email protected]

Phone now for more details and availability 01935 872603

HOME DEMONSTRATION, NEW, EX-DEMONSTRATOR & SECOND HAND VEHICLES, SHORT AND LONG TERM HIRE

Choosing the right caris the key to starting your journey!

Brotherwood Automobility manufacture a range of newwheelchair cars in which you can enjoy the freedom to

travel and visit family and friends. Appointments andshopping trips become a simple everyday outing for those

who need a wheelchair for their personal mobility.

Quote: RC 01/8

For passengers who wish to travelseated beside the driver the Brotherwood

Fiat Multipla was the first, and is stillthe best, small car.

Our range of conversions is based on the following new cars:

Volkswagen Sharan, Volkswagen Caddy Life, Volkswagen Caravelle,Kia Sedona, Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo and

the unique Nissan X-Trail.

Devon Link Spring 2008

`çåíÉåíë Spring 2008

aÉîçå iáåâ is published byDevon County Council andTorbay Council,working withLiving Options Devon.Thecontents of the magazine aredetermined by the editor andan independent team ofcorrespondents (as well asconsultation with readers) toensure the independence ofthe magazine.

Devon Link – péêáåÖ OMMUEditor: Martin CornishManaging Editor: Sarah AveryEditorial Offices: Devon County Council,Adult & Community Services,County Hall,Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QRTel. 01392 382332 / Fax: 01392 382363Email: [email protected]: Devon Design & PrintDesigner: Martin Cornish

`çéóêáÖÜí Unless an alternative arrangement is madewith the author, the copyright of all contributionspublished belongs to aÉîçå iáåâ and the originator.While every care is taken with material submitted, noresponsibility can be taken for loss or damage.

^ÇîÉêíáëÉãÉåíëWhile every care is taken in theselection of advertisements, no responsibility can beaccepted for claims made in any advertisementspublished in aÉîçå iáåâ. Complaints about advertisedproducts or services should be addressed to themanufacturers and suppliers.

^ÇîáÅÉ Please note that responsibility for any advicegiven in ~åó part of aÉîçå iáåâ magazine rests withwhoever is credited as author of the relevant piece,not with the editor – nor with Devon County CouncilorTorbay Council.ISSN 0266-5964

^ÇîÉêíáëáåÖ Zara Media & DesignTel: 01392 201227 Fax: 01392 201228e-mail: [email protected] advertising matters only (not classifieds).

`çîÉê éáÅíìêÉ The Boma Off RoadWheelchair,courtesy of Molten Rock – www.moltenrock.co.uk

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Editorial

News

No limitsPhilippa Greenslade from the IndependentLiving Centre tells us about a new breed ofoff road wheelchairs.

Disability Living AllowanceSheena Trethowan from the DisabilityInformation Service explains what you needto know about Disability Living Allowance.

Teaching a new dog old tricksWe catch up with local dog agility handlerPhilippa Armstrong and her two dogs – Zippyand latest arrival, Binky.

Digital divide deepens39 per cent of adults living in the UK are stillnot online. Are you one of them?

Independence dayA report from the Active Independent LivingEvent that took place in Plymouth.

Link letters

Information

Classifieds

aÉîçå iáåâ áë ~äëç ~î~áä~ÄäÉáå i~êÖÉ mêáåí ~åÇ çå ^ìÇáçq~éÉK`çåí~Åí ìë Ñçê óçìêêÉÖìä~ê ÑêÉÉ ÅçéóK

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Your district

logo here

SPECIMEN

Want to find out more?Talk to your existing passprovider* or visitwww.direct.gov.uk/buspass

If you’re 60 orover, or eligibledisabled, yourbus pass ischanging.From 1st April 2008 you canenjoy free off-peak travel onlocal buses anywhere in England.

* For residents of Exeter City, MidDevon, North Devon, South Hams,Teignbridge,Torridge or West Devonvisit www.devon.gov.uk/nationalbuspassor call 01392 383688.

*For residents of East Devon visitwww.eastdevon.gov.uk/bus_passesor call 01395 571500


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bÇáíçêá~ä

Spring into actionONCE THE clocks

go forward we all start tofeel the benefit of lighter

evenings.

Longer days meanmore time to pursueoutdoor hobbies likegardening, eveningbeach walks or evenmore adventurous activites. If thelatter appeals to you, turn to page9 to read about the new craze inoff road wheelchairs.

If you’d love to take up a newhobby, but worry that yourdisability might hold you back,

take furtherinspiration frommÜáäáéé~ ^êãëíêçåÖ,champion dog agilityhandler on page 12.

Spring weather isunpredictable, and the internet isa great way to pass the time onrainy days. If you want to getonline but don’t know how, avoid

being a techno-phobe by readingour feature on page 14.

Other highlights include aninformative look at DisabilityLiving Allowance on page 10, anda theatre review of qÜÉ cäçïÉêdáêäë on page 21.

Finally, congratulations to Mr RonThomas from Tavistock, winner ofthe binoculars competition lastissue – they’re on the way!

Best wishes, Sarah

IF YOU HAVE a disability and travel by bus, you may bealready aware of the new England-wide concessionarybus pass introduced on 1 April.

The scheme replaces previous concessionary passesoperated by local authorities.The main advantage ofthe new pass is that holders are entitled toconcessionary ‘off-peak’ bus travel anywhere inEngland, rather than being limited to their local area.

But depending on where you live, you may or may notbe entitled to other benefits – such as free bus travelfor carers – which are subsidised by your local council.

^êÉ óçì ÉäáÖáÄäÉ\

If you are aged 60 or over or are ‘eligible disabled’you are entitled to concessionary bus travel.

tÜ~í ÇçÉë ÚÉäáÖáÄäÉ Çáë~ÄäÉÇÛ ãÉ~å\

you are eligible disabled if you:

● are blind or partially sighted

● are profoundly or severely deaf

● are without speech

● have a disability, or have suffered an injury,whichhas a substantial and long-term adverse effect onyour ability to walk

● do not have arms or have long-term loss of theuse of both arms

● have a learning disability, or

● would have an application to drive a motor vehiclerefused on grounds other than persistent misuse ofdrugs or alcohol.

tÜ~í ÇçÉë íÜÉ åÉï é~ëë ÉåíáíäÉ óçì íç\

Previous local schemes entitled holders to a statutoryminimum concession of free local bus travel in theirlocal area from 9.30 am to 11.00 pm Monday to Fridayand at any time during weekends and public holidays -and this will continue under the new scheme.

However, holders of the new pass will also get freelocal bus travel in all other areas of England duringthese off-peak times.

Local councils may offer extra benefits to theirresidents as part of their concessionary scheme – forexample, free travel for carers travelling with a disabledperson or free bus travel before 9.30 am Monday toFriday.Check with your district council for moreinformation.

Do remember that additional benefits are subsidisedby the local council and will normally only be availableto that region’s own residents. So if you visit an areathat offers additional services, you probably won’t beentitled to them – make sure you check first.

cçê ãçêÉ áåÑçêã~íáçå ~Äçìí óçìê ~êÉ~W

Exeter City,Mid Devon,North Devon, South Hams,Teignbridge,Torridge orWest Devon:ïïïKÇÉîçåKÖçîKìâLå~íáçå~äÄìëé~ëëTel. 01392 383688.

East Devon:ïïïKÉ~ëíÇÉîçåKÖçîKìâLÄìë|é~ëëÉëTel. 01395 571500.

Torbay:ïïïKíçêÄ~óKÖçîKìâLÅçåÅÉëëáçå~êóÑ~êÉëTel. 01803 207766

Don’t let new bus scheme pass you by!

“We all feel thebenefit of lighterevenings.”

Devon Link Spring 2008Q

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News from North Devon

g~ÅâáÉ läÇÜ~ã [email protected]

News from West DevonpéêáåÖ ~í oçëÉãççêThe Royal Horticultural Garden at Rosemoor nearTorrington isone of my favourite gardens; no matter what time of year there’salways something interesting to see. I find that nearly all of thegarden is accessible on my scooter and that routes avoiding difficultareas are well sign posted.There is blue badge parking as well as anaccessible restaurant, shop and toilet.Wheelchairs are available foruse and due to a new Leisuremobility scheme, scooters can behired on thursdays (must be booked in advance). For moreinformation phone 01805 624067 or visit www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

q~îáëíçÅâvçìíÜ `~ÑÉ mäìëLocal parents of children and teenagers with special needs havestarted a new group on Mondays from 5-8pm at theYouth Cafe inPixon Lane.There are computers, Play Station games,TV, a pooltable and snack bar.The cafe, for youngsters aged 5-19 togetherwith their parents or carers, is proving to be a great success andwelcomes new members and volunteers. For details ring CathySharp on 078771 96835 or Allan Lewis on 01822 614335.

kÉï ~ÅÅÉëëáÄäÉ íê~áäë áå íÜÉq~ã~ês~ääÉóNew trails through the woodland slopes above theTamar, that linkold mine sites are due to open this spring.TheTamarValley MiningHeritage Project intend to set up a group to test the trails beforethe official opening; problems identified by this group should lead toimprovements with the aim of making the trails accessible.Jemma Sharman from the Mining Project welcomes aÉîçåiáåâ readers interested in joining this group, she can becontacted on 01579 35168.Those taking part may evenfind themselves featured in a podcast that will be availableon the project website!

m~í j~óëíçå [email protected]

máçåÉÉêáåÖ ÉñÜáÄáíáçå ê~áëÉë ¡ORIMMMA moving exhibition of artwork by sick and disabled children hasraised £25,000 for children’s hospices at a charity auction.Theexhibition, titled ‘This is Me:The Art of Children’ includedpieces by children receiving respite care at Barnstaple’sLittle Bridge House.The project was set up by theAssociation of Children’s Hospices to showcase picturesby children from all over the country.

THIS ISSUE we welcome DianaFrost as our new correspondent forTorbay and Teignbridge.

Diana, who lives in Dawlish and isoriginally from Exeter, has beenmarried for 35 years and has threegrown-up sons, as well as fourgrandchildren.

Her working life has mainly centredon caring for other people,especially children. Previous jobsinclude lollipop lady, playgroupsupervisor and childminder!

While working as a care assistant 14years ago Diana fell and broke herleg whilst leaving work.The accidentresulted in having metal plates andpins placed into her leg and ankle.

As well as difficulty walking, theaccident led to other long-termimplications – including chronicasthma, Raynaud’s and arthritis.

Diana enjoys swimming, going asoften as four times a week – andfinds the regular exercise helps herrespiratory condition and joints.

Her other interests include skittlesand reading.

“I love to read and will quite happilytake myself off upstairs for hourswith a good book,” Diana says.

“I’m currently reading a book byJoan Jonker. My favourite books arereal-life stories and autobiographies.”

Diana hopes that by joining theDevon iáåâ team she will be able togive something back to otherdisabled people.

oÉ~Ç aá~å~Ûë qçêÄ~ó åÉïë Åçäìãå çåé~ÖÉ R ~åÇ qÉáÖåÄêáÇÖÉ åÉïë çå é~ÖÉTK fÑ óçì Ü~îÉ ~åó åÉïë Ñêçã ÉáíÜÉê çÑíÜÉëÉ ~êÉ~ëI aá~å~ ïçìäÇ äçîÉ íç âåçï>bã~áä Çá~å~KÇÉîçåäáåâ]ÄíáåíÉêåÉíKÅçã

Diana joinsDevon Link


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News from

Mid DevonvçìåÖ Å~êÉêë éä~åëThe KidsWho Care group inTiverton have received £1,000from Devon County Council,which will allow young carers toenjoy monthly outings, youthevenings and other activities. It’shoped a visit to CrealyAdventure Park can beorganised.The group gives thema well-deserved break fromtheir responsibilities. For moreinformation ring Helen Isaac on01392 384108 or [email protected]

afv íê~ÑÑáÅ ï~êÇÉåëDue to a temporary lack ofofficial traffic wardens inCrediton, volunteers are takingaction against drivers illegallyusing disabled parking areas, andpavements, by placing notices ontheir windscreens. LocalCrediton policeman Sgt GarethTwigg welcomed the scheme.

içåÖ ~ï~áíÉÇ ~ÅÅÉëë ÖìáÇÉThe Crediton and DistrictAccess Guide, funded by theNational Lottery and lastupdated 10 years ago, has been17 months in the making.Thisinvaluable book includes accessinformation about premisessuch as churches and toilets. Itis available from doctor’ssurgeries, hospitals and librariesin the EX17 postcodearea.The 140 page guidecan also be obtainedfrom Mrs Pope on01363 773557.

m~íêáÅá~ `äçï[email protected]

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FOR ROBIN DAVIS, a visit toAnfield football ground to see hisbeloved team Liverpool was adream come true.

The trip was made possible thanksto Eddie Pike from the AcornCentre in Exeter, local charityDream-A-Way, and Exeter MultipleSclerosis Centre.

Robin,who has MS and is awheelchair user, has been aLiverpool fan for 43 years.

When Eddie found out aboutRobin’s devotion he applied toLiverpool FC for tickets on his

behalf.The success of gettingtickets was then followed by moregood news when Dream-A-Waykindly offered to pay for them.Thecharity supports people withphysical and learning disabilities inthe SouthWest by funding holidaysand days trips.

Exeter Multiple Sclerosis Centre,where Robin attends for weeklyphysiotherapy, also provided awheelchair-friendly minibus forRobin’s trip to Liverpool.

Robin had a fantastic timewatching his team draw 1-1 againstfellow premiership stars Chelsea.

Robin cheers on Liverpool

News from Torbaydê~åí âáÅâ ëí~êíë ÑáíåÉëë ÅäìÄA lottery grant has helped to set up a fitness club for disabledpeople in Brixham. Residents of the Dragon’s Tail flats in DouglasAvenue have run fitness classes for some time and wanted toextend them for other disabled people in the town.The new classesare held at Central Church Hall in Fore Street onWednesdays,where an instructor is available to show people weight and circuittraining.The classes cost £2 per session with the first session free.

`~êÉ ÜçãÉ ÄÉåÉÑáíë Ñêçã ÖçîÉêåãÉåí ÑìåÇáåÖTorquay care home Falkland Lodge has been able to create a newsensory garden thanks to financial help from the Department ofHealth.The sensory garden has wheelchair access and a barbecuearea, and residents are able to access herbs and spices for cooking.Falkland Lodge is one of 29 successful Torbay homes to receivegrants from the government’s ‘Dignity in Care’ campaign.

p~áäçêë éä~å êçó~ä ä~ìåÅÜTorbay Disabled Sailing Association is to invite Princess Anne tolaunch its third sailing boat, hopefully in September.The group isable to buy or build a new boat after winning £80,000 in the BigLottery People’s Millions last year.A team of disabled members havevisited several boats, including some at the London BoatShow, to research suitability and access for people withdisabilities.The boat will join the association’s otheraccessible vessels Moonshine and Sainte Foy. For moreinformation contact Dave Musgrove on 01803 408886or email [email protected]

aá~å~ cêçëí [email protected]


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Devon Link recognised atawards ceremonyTHE PARTNERSHIP betweenDevon iáåâ magazine and LivingOptions Devon was nominatedfor an Equality Best PracticeAward at a special ceremonyhosted by Devon County Councilon 24 January.

Devon iáåâ was one of only eightnominations in the category,which also included the DisabilityInformation Service website.These initiatives, chosen from 48areas of good practice in total,had all been identified as leadingthe way at delivering equality ofservices to Devon residents.

The annual Customer ServiceAwards, held at County Hall, arenow in their third year. However,this was the first time theceremony had included anequalities award.

In partnership with LivingOptions, Devon iáåâ employs andmanages a team of four localcorrespondents, all of whomeither have a disability or care for

someone who has.This not onlyoffers an employment opportunityand training for staff withdisabilities, but provides a cruciallink and voice for disabled peoplein Devon.

Devon County Council ChairmanBrenda Taylor presented a runner-up certificate to members of theDevon iáåâ team, including EditorSarah Avery and EditorialAssistant Mairi Hamilton, as wellas Correspondent for Mid & EastDevon, Patricia Clow and TeamCo-ordinator Helen Smith fromLiving Options.

Devon County Council staff hadbeen given the opportunity tovote online for a winner in theweeks running up to theceremony.The winning initiativewas the ApprenticeshipProgramme – which providesyoung people with theopportunity to develop skills, gainqualifications and securepermanent employment.

kÉïë

News from

East DevondççÇ åÉïë Ñçê Çá~äóëáë ìëÉêëBuilding work has started atHoniton Hospital on a satellitekidney dialysis unit. Betweeneight and twelve treatmentstations are due to open inAugust, and will mean localpatients will no longer have totravel to Exeter and beyond fordialysis.The haemodialysis unitwill cost around £1.5m andsupport around thirty patientsat a time, who often needtreatment three times a week.

cìåÇê~áëÉêë ëïáã ÅÜ~ååÉä>AudreyWolstenholme and SueHunter raised £400 for thecharity ASPIRE by swimming 22miles in Honiton SwimmingPool – the equivalent distanceof the English Channel. ASPIREsupports people with spinalinjuries. For more informationring 0208 954 5759 or email:[email protected]

`Üêáëíã~ë ÖáÑíë Ñçê íêççéëDisabled volunteer Peter Bond,from Lympstone, organised 140Christmas boxes to be sent totroops on over-seas dutiesduring the Christmas period.Contents included high factorsuntan lotion, chocolatesbiscuits, nuts and warm socks!He plans to do the same againthis year with help from anetwork of volunteers.For more informationring 01392 225722 oremail [email protected]

m~íêáÅá~ `äçï[email protected] from left to right: Helen Smith, Patricia Clow, Brenda Taylor, Sarah Avery and Mairi Hamilton

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News from South Hamsd~êÇÉå ëÜ~êáåÖ áåqçíåÉëMany people in and around Totnes have gardens that for variousreasons they are unable to keep tidy or even use themselves.Transition Town Totnes and South Devon Community SupportedFarming have developed a scheme to put enthusiastic gardeners intouch with local people who would like to share some of theirgarden to grow produce. If you would like more information pleasecontact Lou on 01803 867358.

a~êíáåÖíçå íçqçíåÉëAs a regular visitor to Totnes I have discovered a very enjoyablelevel accessible walk which starts at the Cider Press Centre andtakes you to the Town Centre giving lovely glimpses of the RiverDart and surrounding countryside.There is parking for blue badgeholders at the shops and restaurants at the Cider Press Centre.From here follow the “Access for All” footpath, crossing thebottom of Dartington Hall Drive to take another footpathwhich skirts the river and the railway station to eventuallyfinish in the town.A taped guide is available at the TotnesInformation Centre. Details of this walk can also be foundon www.southdevonaonb.org.uk

m~í j~óëíçå [email protected]


News from

ExeterjìëáÅ íÜÉê~éó Ñçê óçìåÖëíÉêëLocal children with cerebralpalsy can get with theirdevelopment at a new music-based education class. ErzsebetGordon, who runs sessions atthe Scout Hut by St Michael’sPrimary in Heavitree, uses herexperience as a conductor tohelp the youngsters.The sessionscurrently cost £20, but Erzsebethopes to set up a charity to getfunding. For information ring01392 819646 or visitwww.pathforthedisabled.co.uk.

dêÉ~ítÉëí oìå éäÉ~Exeter Community TransportAssociation (ECTA) is appealingfor runners to take part inExeter’s GreatWest Run in Mayon its behalf.As well as runners,ECTA needs volunteers to helppeople do the route in theirwheelchairs.The wheelchairusers each require teams of noless than four people to pushthem round the route andvolunteers must be fit and strong.For more information ringDeborah on 01392 494001 oremail [email protected]

_ê~áääÉ ã~éë ÜÉäé ëÜçééÉêëBraille maps are planned forExeter’s Princesshay shoppingcentre following successful trials.The maps are designed to helpblind and partially-sightedpeople navigate theshopping centre.Anaudio guide is alsoavailable from ExeterTourist InformationCentre.

g~ÅâáÉ läÇÜ~ã[email protected]

News from TeignbridgepìéÉêã~êâÉí ÖÉíë ëíêáÅí çîÉê Çáë~ÄäÉÇ é~êâáåÖAsda in Newton Abbot is helping to combat a growing parkingproblem for disabled people and families using the store, by finingmotorists illicitly using disabled or parent-and-child parking bays.Profits from the fines are split between Motability – the car schemefor disabled people, andTommy’s baby charity – which funds researchinto the prevention of premature birth, stillbirth and miscarriage.

aÉäáÖÜí ~ë éä~ååáåÖ éäÉ~ áë Ñáå~ääó ~ééêçîÉÇA Dawlish family has been granted planning permission to build amuch-needed extension. Jeff and Joanne Lloyd had applied toTeignbridge Council to extend their property to help them to carefor their children Amy and Scott. Both have a rare condition calledSanfilippo Syndrome, which has left them blind, deaf, unableto walk and with speech difficulties. Despite being refusedpermission by planning officers,Councillor ShirleyMaddicott and others ensured that common senseprevailed in getting the application passed.

aá~å~ cêçëí [email protected]

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ShopmobilityShopmobility can provide manual and powered wheelchairs and scootersto help people with limited mobility shop with independence.Do you have difficulty getting around the shops?Are you only able to walk short distances?Would you like to borrow a scooter or wheelchair?If you have a disability whethertemporary or permanent,then try Shopmobility on:

Ring and RideDo you have physical difficulty using local busservices?If so why not try the Ring and RideWheelchair accessible minibus from your own frontdoor to town and return.

For further details and to book a journey please ring the coordinator for your area.

Axe Valley 01404 46520Crediton 01363 773303East Teignbridge 01626 888777Exeter 01392 494001Exmouth 01395 266662Honiton 01404 46529

Ilfracombe 01271 855951Ivybridge 01752 690444Northern Devon 01271 328866North Tamar 01409 259001Okehampton 01837 55000Tavistock 01822 618028

Tiverton 01884 242099Torbay 01803 201000Torridge 01237 423232Totnes & Dartmouth 01803 867878West Teignbridge 01626 334428

Barnstaple 01271 328866

Brixham 01803 858304

Exeter 01392 494001

Honiton 01404 46529

Newton Abbot 01626 335775

Paignton 01803 521771

Teignmouth 01626 777775

Tiverton 01884 242099

Torquay 01803 380982

HE NEW BREED of ‘offroad’ wheelchairs promiseto take you over sand, mud

and gravel, enabling you toparticipate in all of your chosenoutdoor pursuits.

The qê~Å ^Äçìí fos OMMMpowered wheelchair spreads itsweight on unique poweredtracks over mud, sand andeven snow. It is used byanglers, trekkers andramblers giving access to‘all’ areas.With a pricetag of £8000 it might stayon yourwish list,but if you

fancy a test drivethe IndependentLiving Centre(ILC) hopes tohave one availableat our open dayin June.

The qê~ãéÉê is another allterrain vehicle that could easily bedriven over fields, footpaths andgravel. It has the moreconventional look of a mobilityscooter with added suspension tocushion you from rough terrain.You can even attach a trailer forcarrying equipment.

For those of you more inclinedtowards the beach than the hills,the i~åÇÉÉò all terrainwheelchair could be ideal for atrip to the seaside. Its soft PVClow pressure pneumatic tyres aredesigned to carry you over sand,gravel and mud.The i~åÇÉÉò hasa weight capacity of 325lbs andcan be propelled by an attendant

or the userwith a self propelling

hand cycle system.

ïïïKÅ~ê~î~å~ÄäÉKÅçKìâ listsUK beaches where you can hirethe Landeez. Communitytransport schemes in Barnstapleand Teignbridge hire out i~åÇÉÉòwheelchairs for a refundabledeposit and hire charge.

If you would rather self propelthen you may prefer the all-terrainqêÉãçê from `çäçìêëwith its c~íëç wheels with handrim, to take you along the shore

and into theshallows.The UKsupplier, based inKent, also sell orhire the c~íëçwheels which fitonto most self-propellingwheelchairs with

detachable 24” wheels. However,some spindles may not be suitablefor the wheels and standardbrakes may not function whileusing them.The wheels cost £800per pair, or £120 per week to hire(plus refundable deposit).

Chris Swift is the driving forcebehind UK company jçäíÉåoçÅâ who produce the evenmore adventurous _lj^ lÑÑoç~ÇtÜÉÉäÅÜ~áê.With fourwheel drive and all-roundadjustable independentsuspension, the _lj^ can beadapted for use without handfunction. Chris is hoping to bringone down to the ILC open day on18 June, where he will be happyto show you it’s unique features.

Devon Link Spring 2008V

cÉ~íìêÉ

No LimitsThis issue PhilippaGreenslade tells us why so-called all-terrain wheelchairsreally do mean ‘ALL’ terrain.

“It has the look of ascooter with addedsuspension tocushion you fromrough terrain.”

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fåÇÉéÉåÇÉåí iáîáåÖ `ÉåíêÉ^ääqÉêê~áåtÜÉÉäÅÜ~áêë ~åÇ`~ê^Ç~éí~íáçåë çéÉå Ç~ó18 June, 10-1pm FREEFor more information contact:Independent Living CentreIsca HouseHaven RoadExeter EX2 8DSTel. 01392 [email protected]

qê~Å ^Äçìí fos OMMMwww.cotswoldmobility.co.ukTel. 01608 658899

qê~ãéÉê www.tramper.co.ukTel. 08456 588 699

i~åÇÉÉòTel. 0121 568 7326

`çäçìêë ÚqêÉãçêÛwww.kentmobility.co.ukTel. 01732 770251

_çã~ lÑÑ oç~ÇtÜÉÉäÅÜ~áêwww.moltenrock.co.ukTel. 07773 278768


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Disability Living Allowance(DLA) is a benefit that manypeople either do not knowabout or do not think thatthey can claim.This issueSheena Trethowan attemptsto dispel the myths and giveyou tips on how to make asuccessful claim.

For more information and adviceabout DLA contact:

aáë~Äáäáíó fåÑçêã~íáçå pÉêîáÅÉTel. 0845 155 1005Textphone: 0845 155 [email protected]

If you live in Torbay, contact:

qçêÄ~ó aáë~ÄáäáíófåÑçêã~íáçå pÉêîáÅÉTel. 01803 552175Fax: 01803 [email protected]

Disability Living AllowancecÉ~íìêÉcÉ~íìêÉ

ISABILITY LIVINGAllowance (DLA) is paid tohelp you access things that

will help you cope with yourdisability.

DLA is made up of twocomponents: mobility and care.The mobility component, if paid atthe higher rate, can be used viathe ‘Motability’ scheme to lease acar using part or all of it. Eithercomponent can be paid on itsown; you do not have to qualifyfor both to be eligible.

There are several myths aboutDLA, which will not affect yourclaim despite what you may havebeen told:

You are workingThe mobility component of DLAcan actually be used to helpdisabled people to stay in work asit may help to pay for transportcosts or a car, with or withoutadaptations (Access toWork,through Jobcentre Plus, may alsobe able to help with this).However, if you are claiming DLAfor, say, a badly damaged back andwork in a job that involves a lotof bending and lifting, youreligibility for the award may bereviewed.

Your partner worksDLA is not means tested so it isnot affected if your partnerworks.

You have savingsAs above, DLA is not meanstested so even if you win thelottery it won’t matter!

You are in receipt of otherbenefitsDLA is paid on top of any otherbenefits and will not be taken intoaccount when other benefits arecalculated. In fact, an award ofDLA can often lead to increasedentitlement to Means-TestedBenefits and Tax Credits forpeople on low incomes.

You have not paid anyNational InsuranceContributionsDLA is not a contributory benefitso someone who has neverworked or paid NationalInsurance contributions, or whohas not worked for several yearscan still be eligible to claim it.

You have been told by ahealth/care worker that youwill not be eligibleDLA is a self assessment benefit,so although you will need toprovide contact details for yourdoctor or consultant on the claimform, the decision to awardbenefit is made by theDepartment forWork & Pensions.

You do not consider yourselfto be ‘disabled’Long term health conditions,which impact on your day to daylife are considered in DLAapplications even if you have notbeen diagnosed with a specificdisability or illness.

You have been turned downbeforeYou may be able to put forward astronger case a second time asmany people feel embarrassed atapplying and ‘play down’ their

D

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condition in their first application.Your condition andyour needs may have changed since you last applied. Itis important to get advice from your local CitizensAdvice Bureaux (CAB) or other advice agency if youare submitting a second claim.

You live alone and do not have any careDLA is for the care that you need, whether or notyou have someone to help you.

You don’t want any care put in placeYou do not have to use the money to pay for care. Itcan be used towards paying someone to do yourhousework or gardening, if it makes your life easier.

Someone you live with cares for youIt is also not about what care you already receive, it isabout the care that you need because of yourcondition or disability.

When you reach the age of 65, DLA will stopIf DLA is being paid before your 65th birthday, it willcontinue. If you are over 65 when you apply, then thebenefit that you may be eligible for is calledAttendance Allowance and consists of a carecomponent only. For more information contact CareDirect on 0845 1551 007 or your local CAB.

cçê ãçêÉ áåÑçêã~íáçåI áåÅäìÇáåÖ ìëÉÑìä Ñ~ÅíëÜÉÉíëÅçåí~Åí íÜÉ aáë~Äáäáíó fåÑçêã~íáçå pÉêîáÅÉK

Tips for completing the form● Provide as much information as possible – theform leaves little extra space to explain how yourcondition affects you.Use additional sheets ifnecessary.

● Detail your problems – describe how they affectyour daily life.Don’t forget to include the thingsthat you can’t do because of your condition. Betruthful but don’t play down your condition.

● Make it clear that the problems you have are dueto your condition or disability, not because youprefer not to do them.Don’t say ‘but I cope by…’

● Give examples – this gives the person decidingwhether you are eligible for the benefit a betteridea of daily tasks that cause you problems.

● Say how someone could help – you just need toshow that you ‘reasonably require’ help in orderto qualify.Give examples of how an activity wouldbe made easier if someone were there to help.

● Don’t worry about your handwriting, grammar,how many additional sheets you use or stayinginside the boxes. Remember that if you useadditional sheets, put your name and NationalInsurance number on the top and staple or clipthe pages to the form.


NO

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T’S EASY to understand whyachieving success in the field ofdog agility relies on a great

human-canine partnership.Handlers strive to find a dog thatcan meet the physical as well asthe mental demands of thisintense sport, where results areachieved by a combination oftiming and teamwork.

So it’s no mean feat that Totnes-based handler Philippa Armstrongis achieving success with not justone, but two dogs.

What makes Philippa’sachievements even moreimpressive is that due to herdisability, she has had to breakaway from thetraditional methods

of doghandling.

WhenDevoniáåâlast

featuredPhilippa in

winter 2004, worseningRheumatoid Arthritis had resultedin her decision to start handlingZippy from her wheelchair.

Having previously trained Zippyon foot, Philippa faced thechallenge of changing her ownbody language and verbalcommands, as well as gettingZippy to adapt to a new methodof handling.

The partnership between Philippaand Zippy went from strength tostrength – and they went on tocompete in and win a number ofcompetitions across the UK. In2005 Philippa was the first

wheelchair athlete to compete ina National Dog Final – and is stillthe only handler in the UK tohave done this.

However, Philippa reached a pointwhere she felt she would have toput in many more hours oftraining to progress further in thesport with her wheelchair. Shewas also unable to get thewheelchair in and out of hervehicle independently – whichwas frustrating as she oftentravelled by herself tocompetitions.

But rather than give up on thesport she loved, Philippachannelled her energy into

developing aninnovative newhandling method.

“When I firststarted in agility Ialways believedthat if a shepherdcan handle his orher dog from theother side of a

valley, then there must be a wayto work an agility dog from themiddle of the ring,” she says.

“However, I was new to thesport, and tried to do whateverybody else was doing, i.e.running with their dog – but at anoverstretched and unsuccessfulwalk.”

So, after several successful yearsusing her wheelchair, Philippadecided to go back to workingher dogs on foot – but this timefrom a stationary position in themiddle of the agility course.Theusual technique is for a handler torun alongside the dog.

Philippa teaches a new dogFour years ago, we featuredlocal dog agility handlerPhilippa Armstrong and herBorder Collie star Zippy.We thought it was abouttime we caught up withPhilippa, Zippy and thelatest addition to theirteam – Binky!

I

“Many said itcouldn’t be done...but it is possible,as our resultstestify.”

In 2005, Philippa co-founded theaáë~ÄäÉÇ e~åÇäÉêë^ëëçÅá~íáçå – with the aim tosupport fellow disabled agilityhandlers.

The association offers 'BestOverall Disabled Handler'trophies at various major agilityshows and has a DisabledHandlers Annual League.

For further information aboutthe association visitïïïKÇáë~ÄäÉÇÜ~åÇäÉêë~ëëçÅá~íáçåKÅçã

NP

old tricks!“More experienced, I took the massive decision totake two years out to retrain my dogs and to workat a distance the way I had always believed possible.”

“Many said it couldn’t be done. It is definitely workin progress, but it is possible, as our results last yeartestify.”

Now Philippa has a second dog, Binky, who isdetermined to chase Zippy’s heels.

The three year old Collie excelledduring her first foray onto theagility circuit in 2007 by winningher first ever competition. Philippawas both astonished and delightedwith the win.

“I wasn’t expecting such thingsfrom Binky yet. I’m lookingforward to continuing her trainingready for competitions in 2008 – I think ultimatelyshe will be the faster dog.”

Binky recently won her second competition – by anoteworthy six second margin!

However, not wishing to be outdone by the new dogon the block, Zippy herself just seems to get betterwith age and experience.

2007 saw Zippy achieve better results than she hadfor the previous three years combined, including twowins and a second and third place. From Juneonwards she only dropped below the top 10% in theUK once.

This is a fantastic achievement when you considerthat Philippa and Zippy compete in classes of up to300 dogs at a time – with non disabled handlers.

With Binky a rising star and Zippy at the peak of herabilities, what would Philippa like to achieve in 2008and beyond?

“Realistically, I would like to carry on where I left offin 2007 with Zippy. I couldn’t be more pleased withher. She has been a stalwart through all the changes,she always tries her socks off and does exactly whatshe’s told, which has been fundamental in helping medevelop the new system of handling.To stay in the

top 10 per cent with the occasional win would befantastic.

“I’ve just found out she is eligible to enter theprestigious Kennel Club Novice Cup at theInternational Agility Festival this summer so I’mreally chuffed!

“Binky, I hope will become as successful as Zippy. Isee no reason why she shouldn’t. I’m currently

working with two excellent trainersand both dogs are learning new skillsall the time, Binky particularly at aphenomenal rate.

“I’m also planning to get a new puppyin 2008, who all being well would beready to compete when I start to winddown Zippy’s workload.

“Other than that, my ultimate dream isto compete at the Royal International Horse Showat Olympia. It is unlikely to be this year, Zippy ismore comfortable competing outdoors andBinky isn’t quite ready – yet. However, she maywell be by 2009!”


Philippa has spent over four yearsshoehorning both dogs, equipment, and awheelchair into her ancient car to travel,train and compete all over the country.A suitable van would make life much easierfor the trio. Unfor tunately agility is ineligiblefor spor ts funding, so any offers of helpwould be gratefully received.You cancontact Philippa on MNUMP USTMTQ oremail éÜáäáéé~K~êãëíêçåÖ]äáåÉçåÉKåÉí

“Binky, I hope,willbecome as successfulas Zippy. I see noreason why sheshouldn’t.”

cÉ~íìêÉ

NQ

HOSE WHO are out ofwork, in poor health, live insocial housing, live alone, or

have a low level of qualificationare being set at a furtherdisadvantage by digital exclusion.A full 75 per cent of peoplecounted as socially excluded arealso digitally excluded.That meansthey’re missing out on theopportunities, choices, savings andservices computers and theinternet provide, and that otherpeople consider a normal andintegral part of their everydaylives.

The news comes in a newresearch report from rh çåäáåÉÅÉåíêÉë and researcherscêÉëÜjáåÇë.The research'Understanding Digital Inclusion''identifies that those still stuck onthe wrong side of the digitaldivide are more deeply excludedand harder-to-reach than everbefore.

rh çåäáåÉ ÅÉåíêÉë were set upby the government eight yearsago to provide public access tocomputers.rh çåäáåÉ ÅÉåíêÉëcan be found on high streets, inlibraries, internet cafés, mobilebuses and community centres andprovide millions of people withfree or low cost access tocomputers and the internet, plushelp and advice on using them.

As one disabled user explained:“When I started out at my rhçåäáåÉ ÅÉåíêÉ, I was confined toa wheelchair, and in a lot of pain.To be honest I didn’t thinkcomputers could be of any use tome. I couldn’t have been morewrong!”

“Although my legs are stilldisabled, my brain isn’t – andthat’s thanks to my centre. It’sstopped me from beingdepressed, made me want tolearn more and given me a reasonto get out of bed in the morning.It’s also made me feel useful again,because now I’m helping otherpeople make the same journey.”

There are lots of reasons forusing the internet and gettingonline. Here are just a few:

`çåîÉåáÉåÅÉUnlike shops and banks, theinternet is never closed. So youcan get whatever you need whenit suits you.

p~îáåÖ ãçåÉóOnline, you can compare pricesand get the best deals oneverything from gas and electricityto new cars and holidays. Plus lotsof companies offer extradiscounts if you buy online.

`çããìåáÅ~íáçåEmail makes it easier to stay intouch with friends and relatives,wherever they are in the world.There are also lots of differentwebsites that can help you makenew friends - or catch up with oldones if you want.

fåÑçêã~íáçåThere are literally billions ofwebsites out there. So whetheryou're helping the kids with theirhomework, renewing your car tax,booking a holiday, researchingyour hobby, looking for a new job,or just finding out cinema timesand football results, you'll find allthe information you need.

To help get you get startedwe’ve listed some well knownand useful websites you mightlike to try. (please note Devoniáåâ is not responsible for thecontent of these sites and noendorsement is implied).

ïïïKãóÖìáÇÉKÖçîKìâ– a simple introduction to theinternet.

ïïïKÇáêÉÅíKÖçîKìâ– a one stop shop for publicservices information.

ïïïKåÜëKìâ– health-related information

ïïïKìëïáíÅÜKÅçã– for price comparisons.

The digital divide deepens

TDid you know that 39 percent of adults living in theUK are still not online?One in twelve householdsdon’t have access to acomputer, mobile phone ordigital TV.

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NR

Autism/Learning Disabilities Residential ServiceC.C.S.H. LTD

CREEDY COURTShobrooke

Near CreditonDevon

EX17 1ADA specialist residential home providing

a comfortable environment for people within theAutistic Spectrum and with behaviours which may challenge

CREDITON CARE& SUPPORT HOMES LTDFor further information, colour brochure, or an informal visit,

contact the Home Manager, James Moore onTel: 01363 773182 / Fax: 01363 775822E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.autismcare.co.uk

Care Packages based on individual needswith ahigh staffing ratio on a 24-hour basisNon-intrusivemanagement of behaviourwhichis described as challengingStructured day services, including on-sitefacilities, community colleges and horticulturalwork placementsRespite and Emergency placements consideredIndependent external professional input

We can offer a service so that the carer can have amuch needed break.

If you care for a relative, friend or neighbour whois disabled, ill or elderly and cannot manage alone,

you will be entitled to use our service.Our sitters have been carefully chosen, recruited and vetted. They are trainedfor the tasks that they might undertake with the exception of nursing duties.We aim to maintain and offer the highest standard of care to all our clients.Incorporating an outreach benefits advice service covering Teignbridge.

ARE YOUA CARER?

DO YOU CAREFOR SOMEONE?

DO YOU NEED A BREAK?IF SO WE WILL BE PLEASED TO HELP

TEIGNBRIDGE

For more information phone01626 889288

tÜ~íDë åÉñí\

NK Call free on MUMM TT NOPQ to find out theaddress and phone number of your nearest rhçåäáåÉ ÅÉåíêÉ, or use the easy online searchfacility at ïïïKìâçåäáåÉÅÉåíêÉëKÅçãK

OK Phone your rh çåäáåÉ ÅÉåíêÉ.They'll tell youthe times the centre is open and how to getthere.

PK Visit your rh çåäáåÉÅÉåíêÉ to findfriendly peoplewho will help youget started withcomputers andthe internet.tÜó åçíÖáîÉ áí Öç\

www.mobilityservices.info

NS

Great HolidaysGGrreeaatt HH

GGrreeaatt HHoolliiddaayyss

GGrreeaatt HHoolliiddaayyGGrreeaatt HHoolliiddaayyss

Great Holidays

Great Holidays

Great

GGrreeaatt HHoolliiddaayy

Great Holiday

Great Holiday

Great holidays can be difficult to find if you happen to be less able. It’s now a loteasier thanks to a local charity. Accessible Coach HolidaysAccessible Coach Holidays is a small non-profitorganisation, which enables anyone to take a respite holiday with their own partneror carer. They offer an executive lift-accessible coach with wheelchair access.Holidays run once a year at present but the plans are to build on the service and runmore often. With a maximum of four people sat in wheelchairs the coaches can carrya maximum of 32 people. If you would like to enjoy a relaxing break then giveAccessible Coach HolidaysAccessible Coach Holidays a ring on 01395 27568101395 275681.

Holiday in 2008

SSSSccccoooottttllllaaaannnndddd9 days / 8 nights

Departing Saturday 23rd AugustCost: £365 per person

Single room supplement £80 per person(Sorry, but this is completely out of our control)

Deposit £80 per person(Non-refundable unless actual holiday is cancelled)

Price includes:Travel throughout by lift accessible executive coach with Hatts Coaches.Pick-up point at: Exmouth (coach park near railway station); Exeter (motorway services);Cullompton (motorway services); Tiverton (motorway services).Overnight stops at the Premier Travel Inn, Warrington on outward and return journeys,with dinner, bed and breakfast.Six nights at the 4 star Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee with dinner, bed and breakfast.Trips, including three full days with a professional tour guide.There are six disabled rooms at each hotel, which will be allocated on a first come first servedbasis. However, all rooms are wheelchair accessible.Personal travel insurance is not included.Anyone needing personal care/assistance, i.e. wheelchair pushing, must bring their owncarer as personal care is not supplied.

For more information and a booking form call 01395 275681Organiser: David Morris 53 Orcombe Court, Litleham Road, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 2ET. Email: [email protected]

Trustees: David Morris, Frances Morris, Ian Newman and David Fisher. Charity No: 1114985

NT

HE ACTIVE IndependentLiving event held at PlymouthPavilions brought together

over 75 exhibitors from disability-related organisations and othervoluntary, commercial and publicsector agencies.

The aim was to promote healthyand active independent living fordisabled people as well as theirfamilies and carers.

The event was organised by theDevon Disability Forum (DDF),which is led by Living OptionsDevon, the county’s leading user-led disability charity.

Visitors got the chance to attendworkshops with interesting titlessuch as: pÉ~íÉÇ máä~íÉë, ^ÅíáîÉ Ñçê iáÑÉ,and eçï íç ÖÉí íÜÉ ãçëí çìí çÑ óçìêÜÉ~êáåÖ ~áÇ.Assistance Dogs couldbe seen in action and there wasthe opportunity to meet and talkto James Lake the disabledsculptor.

In addition, there were interactiveperformances from the BeaconWheelchair Dancers and a chanceto try mobility ice skating free ofcharge, courtesy of PlymouthPavilions.

Emma Treby from Living Optionssaid:“We really wanted to makethis the most comprehensivegathering of voluntary, public andprivate sector organisationsworking in the field of physical andsensory disabilities that the countyhas ever seen.

“The aim of the event was toprovide information andworkshops for individuals to see

how they can become healthierand more active in society.

“People with disabilities face manybarriers in everyday life and theseinclude access to and inclusion inpositive activities to improve healthand well-being.”

Organisers of the ActiveIndependent Living event madesure that all activities wereaccessible by providingcommunication support (BritishSign Language interpreters,electronic note takers and sightedguides).The venue itself was fullyaccessible and all workshop leadersreceived guidance and training onaccessibility.

The DDF was launched in June2006, following research by LivingOptions Devon to see how peoplewith physical and sensorydisabilities could be better servedin Devon.

Living Options Devon developedand leads the DDF, and issupported by a steering group ofdisability organisations from aroundDevon.

The purpose of the forum is toprovide an opportunity fororganisations to share information,work in partnership and reach outto individuals living with physicaland sensory disabilities throughregular events. Events are alwaysfocused on information and actionrather than just being ‘talkingshops’.

The DDF is now going fromstrength to strength in its thirdyear of existence.

To find out more about the DDFcontact Rachael Diffey at LivingOptions Devon.Ring MNPVO QRVOOO or emailê~ÅÜ~ÉäKÇáÑÑÉó]äáîáåÖçéíáçåëKçêÖ

‘Healthy and activeindependent living’ was themessage promoted at anevent organised by theDevon Disability Forum inJanuary.

Independence day

T

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NU

❋ Sympathetic, expert advice andassessments by qualified therapists.

❋ Wheelchairs, scooters, chairs, beds,stairlifts, small aids, slippers, bathequipment etc.

❋ Cosyfeet extra wide shoes.

❋ Stairlifts installed by our ownengineer.

❋ HIRE - Holiday and occasional formost equipment.

❋ Home visits.

Andy Wilson Dip COT SROT SRMN

Specialist Building / Installation Service● Level Access Showers● Wet Rooms● Kitchen Adaptations● Ramps● Stair lifts● Extensions

Visit Our Showroom16 Rydon Industrial Estate

KINGSTEIGNTON

Tel: 01626-332210

First Class Independent Living

www.firstclassindependentliving.co.ukFirst Class Independent Living has many years experience in providingfuture-proof and family friendly adaptations.

Our aim is to help you remain in your own home despite loss ofmobility as you get older. We undertake the alterations necessary tohelp you cope with changing circumstances.

This could be in the kitchen, bathroom, sleeping or living areas,gardens or entrances. Our staff are committed to helping make yourhome safer and more convenient for you, your family and visitors.

Everyone is made welcome at the Kingsteignton showroom. Withparking immediately outside and level access throughout even thosewith severely limited mobility can see for themselves examples ofsuitable showering facilities or discuss adaptations to their kitchen orhome. Or an assessment with an Occupational Therapist can bearranged using any of our facilities - with no obligation.

NV

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING

Independence is important to us all,

whatever our age, whatever our situation.

But, if we become vulnerable for any reason,

it shouldn’t mean that we have to feel

reliant on family and friends. Now you can

help yourself by installing Call24Hour in

your own home. Call24Hour provides round

the clock telephone response in the event

of any urgent need. Per day, Call24Hour

costs less than a pint of milk, including

all the standard equipment. And there

is no deposit, monthly connection fee or

maintenance fee. Call24Hour is suitable for

anyone of any age, including the elderly,

individuals with an illness or a disability

and people living in remote locations.

For more information, a free, no obligation,home demonstration, or an installation:

Freephone 0800 085 0407or visit: www.call24hour.com

Independence, safetyand security...

...all atthe touchof a button

OM

Housing and Council Tax Benefit can be claimed by

people who are unemployed or on low income to help

them pay their rent and/or council tax.

If you want to apply for one of these benefits you can

ring us and we will send you a form to fill in. Or you

could visit one of our offices� in Tiverton, Cullompton

and Crediton�and pick up a form. A form can also be

found on our website. If you need help with filling in the

form we can arrange for one of our officers to visit you.

You can use our website on-line calculator to find out

roughly how much you could get, or if you ring us we will

do this for you.

Remember�if you are receiving Benefit or have recently

put in a claim you must tell us at once of any changes to

the details you have given.

M ID DEVON D ISTRICT COUNCIL

Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit

Housing Benefits SectionPhoenix HousePhoenix LaneTivertonEX16 6PP

Phone: 01884 234259

Website: www.middevon.gov.uk

M ID DEVON D ISTRICTCOUNCIL

DO YOU KNOW OFSOMEONEWHO ISCLAIMING BENEFITAND SHOULD NOT?

Are they working and notdeclaring it?

Do they have a partner theyhave not told us about?

Are they taking advantage ofthe Benefits system?

RING THE FRAUD 24 HRCONFIDENTIALHOTLINE

01884 234223

Devon Link Spring 2008ON

The Drum, Theatre Royal, Plymouth

This moving but often humorous playis about a group of disabled women livingin a North London residential home, who make aliving by producing silk flowers in the shelteredworkshop attached to the home.The action of theplay seesaws betweenWWII and the 1960s andtells the interwoven stories of the six women.

Although fictional the characters are based ontestimonies of former residents from theCrippleage (not a name we would use these days)residential home, which actually existed between1932 and 2000.

The Flower Girls is produced by one of thecountry's leading disabled-led theatre companies,Graeae, and vividly conveys the lives of the women– the strength of their friendships, the difficulties allof them had overcome, and most of all the dreadfulwaste of human potential.

The fantastic women who were the real-life FlowerGirls have largely been forgotten. Both RichardCameron who wrote the play and Graeae should becongratulated on a fantastic production, whichshould be brought to a much wider audience.

Graeae uses the skills of actors, writers anddirectors with physical and sensory impairments.Their productions are built round the creative useof sign language and audio description.The companyregularly brings productions to Plymouth. For moreinformation visit ïïïKÖê~É~ÉKçêÖ

m~í j~óëíçå

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kçï óçì Å~å ëÉåÇóçìê äÉííÉêë ÑêÉÉ>

gìëí ìëÉ íÜáë ~ÇÇêÉëëWaÉîçå iáåâI cêÉÉéçëí k^qONOVUI bñÉíÉêI buO Q_oKçê Éã~áä ÇÉîçåäáåâ]ÇÉîçåKÖçîKìâ

låÉ äÉííÉê ïáää êÉÅÉáîÉ ~ ¡OR j~êâë CpéÉåÅÉê îçìÅÜÉêK

The Flower Girls

Nature’s wonderse~îÉ óçì ëÉÉå íÜÉ ëâó ~í Ç~ïå\píêÉ~âÉÇ Äó ~å ~êíáëíÛë ÄêìëÜ áåëï~íÜÉë çÑ éáåâ ~åÇ ÖçäÇKfå íÜÉ Çáëí~åÅÉ íÜÉ ëìå Ç~åÅÉë çå íÜÉ êáééäáåÖÅçÄ~äí ëÉ~K`çííçå ïççä ÅäçìÇë çÑ ã~åó ëÜ~éÉë ÇêáÑí ~ÅêçëëçåÉ îáÉïI`çÄïÉÄë ÑáääÉÇ ïáíÜ ëé~êâäáåÖ ÇÉïJÇêçéëëïáåÖáåÖ áå íÜÉ ÄêÉÉòÉKb~êäó ÄáêÇë ëÉÉâ íÜÉ ïçêãë ~åÇ ëÉÉÇëIcäçïÉêë íìêå íÜÉáê Ñ~ÅÉë íç íÜÉ ëìåK_êáÖÜí éÉí~äë ÄêçìÖÜí íç äáÑÉIíÜÉáê ÇÉäáÅ~íÉ éÉêÑìãÉë ï~ÑíáåÖ çå íÜÉ ÄêÉÉòÉK^ãáÇ íÜÉ Çêçïëó Üìã çÑ ÄÉÉë ~åÇ ÑäáÉëIqêÉÉë ~åÇ ÄìëÜÉë áå Ñìää äÉ~ÑI ëíáê ïáíÜ ~åìåëÉÉå Ü~åÇKiÉí ìë êÉÅçÖåáëÉ íÜÉëÉ Öäçêáçìë ïçêâëI^ää éÉêÑÉÅíÉÇ Äó çìê içêÇK

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Lost in translationA funny thing happened on the way home from ourrecent hearing support group,where we had beendiscussing basic signing, including greetings.Whilewaiting at a pelican crossing, a car stopped to let mecross. Instead of mouthing the words ‘thank you’ I didthe sign for it instead.The response?The driver blewme a kiss!Well I suppose there is a similarity!

m~íêáÅá~ `äçïIeçåáíçå

Praise for Ring & RideI find your magazine informative and a pleasure toread so thought I’d write in. I’d like to say how muchdifference the Ring & Ride service has made to mylife. I get picked up at my door and dropped back fortrips into town or to local supermarkets.Ourwonderful driver helps carry the shopping to thedoor, and is always smiling and has such patience.Going out with the same group of people every weekand the outings in the summer are so enjoyable.Thank you Exeter CommunityTransport.

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Devon’s aáë~Äáäáíó fåÑçêã~íáçå pÉêîáÅÉ providesinformation and impartial advice for people withdisabilities, their carers and their families.Open from8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 1pm Saturdays.Tel. 0845 1551 005. Email: [email protected]: 0845 1551 020. SMS: 07773 333231.

The qçêÄ~ó aáë~Äáäáíó fåÑçêã~íáçå pÉêîáÅÉwelcomes enquiries by telephone, fax, minicom, by postor in person.Open Monday to Friday from 10am - 1pmand Monday toThursday from 1.30pm - 4.30pm.Based atThe ChadwellAnnexe,Torquay Road, Preston,PaigntonTQ3 2DW. Tel. 01803 552175Minicom: 01803 523981 Fax: 01803 556060Email: [email protected]

afp`éäìë provides information for the parents andcarers of children with special needs.Tel. 0800 056 3666 Email: [email protected]/discplus

b~ëí aÉîçå péÉÅá~ä kÉÉÇë^Åíáçå dêçìé is a freeinformation service for people with physical and sensorydisabilities, carers and professionals. Information includeseducation, employment, support groups, charities,benefits, recreation, access, transport and mobility.Contact the group, by writing to: East Devon SNAG, StClares, Fore Street, Seaton EX12 2AN or call:

Seaton Tel: 01297 24498 on MondaysAxminster Tel: 01297 34684 onTuesdaysExmouth Tel: 01395 265787 onWednesdaysSidmouth Tel: 01404 813916 onWednesdaysOttery St Mary Tel: 01404 813916 onThursdaysHoniton Tel: 01404 46113 on Fridays

iáîáåÖ léíáçåë aÉîçå lìíêÉ~ÅÜ mêçàÉÅí runsdisability forums for people with physical or sensorydisabilities. Regular meetings are held across Devon,and are a way for people to comment on the servicesthey use and become actively involved in improvingthose services. Representatives from the forums haveaccess to service providers and pass on views frommembers. Service providers are also invited to our

meetings occasionally to hear feedback and takequestions.All meetings are held in accessible venuesand communication support is provided to ensure thateveryone can participate fully.Travel costs are alsopaid. For more information contact Living OptionsDevon, Isca House,Haven Road, Exeter, EX2 8DSTel. 01392 459222. Fax: 01392 423427.Email: [email protected]

qÜÉ aÉ~Ñ bèì~ä ^Åíáçå cçêìã is a group ofpeople who have similar experiences and understandeach other. It’s where Deaf people can share theirexperiences and support each other. It looks at thebarriers that Deaf people face and thinks about howDeaf people could better access services. It’s also aplace to meet service providers face to face andimprove services together.The group is part of theDeaf community.How can DEAF work for you? Canyou understand your Doctor? Are you unhappy in thecinema or theatre because there are no interpretersor subtitles? Have you had problems with the Police,hospital, education, transport, events or anything elsebecause of communication or other issues? If so, joinus! Contact Living Options Devon, Isca House,Haven Road, Exeter EX2 8DSFax: 01392 01392 423427, SMS: 07958 517919e-mail: [email protected]

New béáäÉéëó pçÅá~ä dêçìé – members of theExeter branch of the Epilepsy ActionTrust hope todevelop the social side of their support group,whichmeets every month.The branch has recently appointedone of their existing members –Tina Sandford – asthe branch’s social group organiser.Tina hopes togenerate more interest in the group by making theevenings more relaxed and informal. She would alsolike to see more young people benefit from the groupas well as friends and family of those with epilepsy.Members of the group meet on the secondWednesday of every month, at the Palace Gate Centrein South Street, Exeter, to provide information andsupport to those with epilepsy. Speakers are ofteninvited to the meetings, and members are activelyinvolved in fundraising and raising awareness ofepilepsy.Anyone is welcome to drop by to themeetings from 7.30pm onwards for a coffee and achat.Alternatively, to find out more contact you cancontact the group on 01392 272771 or emailTina [email protected]

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aáë~Äáäáíó bãéäçóãÉåí^ÇîáëÉêë and fåÅ~é~Åáíó_ÉåÉÑáí péÉÅá~äáëíë offer assistance for disabledpeople looking for, or seeking to maintain,employment.Devon’s contacts are:Exeter 01392 473929Plymouth 01752 616154North Devon 01271 392115South Devon: Torquay 01803 356065

Paignton 01803 354239Newton Abbot 01626 236327

For Access toWork assistance in your employment(equipment, help with taxi fares and other support)contact Colin Reeves or Karen Battye on 01803354318. For Pension enquiries contact the PensionsService for Devon,Tel. 0845 6060265.

mäìëë provides employment, training and equipmentservices for people with disabilities and long termhealth issues.We do this by offering disabled people arange of training and recruitment services, andthrough direct employment in our own manufacturingand mobility equipment businesses.OurÉãéäçóãÉåí ëÉêîáÅÉë include training, personaldevelopment,work experience, job-matching,job-search, in-work support and rehabilitation.OurÉèìáéãÉåí ëÉêîáÅÉë offer a one stop shop includingassessment, purchase, hire, servicing and aftercare ofdisability equipment by fully trained staff, many ofwhom have a disability themselves. mäìëë is the largestprovider of disability service with 26 sites acrossSouthWest England.We have been in business forover 35 years and are owned by Devon County,Plymouth City,Torbay and Somerset County Councils.To find out more about your local service, please callus on 0800 91 777 92, email [email protected] orvisit www.pluss.org.uk

dç `~Äë taxi service, based inTorbay, offer taxis withdisabled access and space for other passengers totravel at the same time.Drivers are CRB checked.Tel. 01803 606060.Website:www.gocabs.net

mÜ~êã~Åó íç óçìê éÜçåÉ – New NHS text service.Text 64746 followed by the service you require (eg.chemist or GP) and info about the nearest will be sentto your mobile with map/tel no.

aÉîçå iáåâ çå í~éÉ spare regular copy available(also Spring 08 issue) [email protected]

Open mornings on wednesdays at the IndependentLiving Centre (ILC) in Exeter23 April – Children’s mobility and seating equipment21 May –Walking equipment and manual wheelchairs18 June – Car adaptations, powered wheelchairs andscooters.New premises Isca House,Haven Road, ExeterEX2 8DS.Tel. 01392 687276 Fax: 01392 423427.Events are free and open to all.Call us for a map anddirections. Isca House has ample parking and levelaccess.Tea, coffee and biccies provided!

qÜÉtÜÉÉäóÄç~íqêìëí hopes to place one of theirwheelchair accessible boats on the GrandWesternCanal inTiverton.However, the canal manager needsto find out if there will be enough demand for theboat to justify the plans. If any Devon iáåâ readers feelthat such a resource would be of value to them, pleasecontact Rex Harpham, SouthWest Co-ordinator ofTheWheelyboatTrust, or Mark Baker,GrandWesternCanal Manager.All boats have a drop down bow rampfor wheelchair access and are suitable for anyone witha disability, not just wheelchair users.Contact RexHarpham on 01822 615953 or Mark Baker on 01884254072.

pÜ~êÉ jìëáÅ pçìíÜJtÉëí aims to provideopportunities and encouragement to people withdisabilities in the SouthWest to take part in a widevariety of musical activities such as theatre, dance andvisual arts. Share Music is running a one-day, non-residential workshop atWest Buckland School(situated between Barnstaple and South Molton) onMonday 28 April.Open to anyone with a disabilityaged between 17 and 50. Being able to play aninstrument is useful, but musical skill is not required toparticipate in, and enjoy the workshop.Carers andrelatives are welcome.Cost £25 per person. For moreinformation and a booking form ring 01598 740141.

a~êíãççê Ñçê^ää works in partnership with theNational Park Authority and landowners to improveaccess on the moors for disabled people.Theyproduce the excellent guide ‘Easy Going Dartmoor’and members regularly monitor the condition andaccessibility of paths and trails.New members arealways welcome. For more info ring Gill Kirkman on01626 830621 or email [email protected]

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Devon Link Classified advertisement form

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Postcode: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Details of advertisement: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

`ä~ëëáÑáÉÇë

To put a classified advert in Devon iáåâ, send your advert of no more than 40 words to the Devon iáåâ address onpage one (NOT Zara Media),with a cheque for £5.88, payable to aÉîçå `çìåíó `çìåÅáä. Please note that thecut-off date for the next issue is cêáÇ~ó S gìåÉ OMMU and the magazine will be published in mid July 2008.

OQ

^áÇë C bèìáéãÉåíeìåíäÉáÖÜ eÉ~äíÜÅ~êÉ káãÄìë P ~áê ã~ííêÉëë ~åÇÉäÉÅíêáÅ éêçÑáäáåÖ ÄÉÇ as used in hospitals - but withwooden bed ends. £1,000 or near offer. Buyer collects.Tel. 01805 601584.

`ê~Ñíã~íáÅ ëáåÖäÉ ÄÉÇ Independent head and foot liftwith massage control.Almost new.Very good condition.Buyer collects. £700 ono.Tel. 01803 329198 after 6pm.

tÜÉÉäÅÜ~áêë C pÅççíÉêëo~ëÅ~ä Çáë~Äáäáíó ëÅççíÉê Good condition.Will needbatteries recharging or renewing. Free to a genuine person.Space needed.Tel. 01392 860857 (Silverton, Exeter)

fÄáë ÉäÉÅíêáÅ ïÜÉÉäÅÜ~áê Indoor / outdoor. Seat tilt facility.With charger and manual.Warranty unused.As newcondition.Costs over £5,000. Selling for £1,500.Tel. 01803 613721.

sÉëë~ OMMM ïÜÉÉäÅÜ~áê Indoor / outdoor. Batterypowered.All chromed frame. Recent overhaul.New castorwheels. Batteries in good order. Extra padding on seat andback. Besst reasonable offer to £350.Tel. 01805 622232.

iáííäÉ dÉã P ïÜÉÉä ëÅççíÉê Hardly used. Fully portable– will fit in boot of small car. £400 ono.Tel. 01392 495265.

fåî~Å~êÉ NM Ó Ñçìê ïÜÉÉä ëÅççíÉê Excellent conditionwith lights, indicators, horn and basket. Battery maintainedand kept indoors. Sturdy machine. £500 ono.Tel. 01364 642002.

sÉÜáÅäÉëtÜÉÉäÅÜ~áê ~ÅÅÉëëáÄäÉ îÉÜáÅäÉ £975.Access from therear via a ramp, securing straps for wheelchair user andchair.MOT until November 2008, taxed disabled class atpresent.Tel. 01822 615034 10am-10pm.

eçìëÉ ÉñÅÜ~åÖÉbñÅÜ~åÖÉ ï~åíÉÇ Ñçê çåÉ ÄÉÇêççã Ñä~í áå kÉïíçå^ÄÄçí for a ground floor flat inTotnes (housing trust run).Tel. 01803 201332.

eçäáÇ~óë^ÅÅÉëëáÄäÉ eçäáÇ~ó ÜçãÉ áåtççä~ÅçãÄÉIk aÉîçåAttractive site. Ramp accessible. Full use of facilitiesincluding indoor swimming pool and licensed club house.Sleeps four.Grab rails.Wheel-in shower.ContactWoolacombe & District Lions.Tel. 01291 883677.Email: [email protected]

lìê ÅçêêÉëéçåÇÉåíë ~êÉ ï~áíáåÖ íç ÜÉ~ê Ñêçãóçì Ó Éã~áä íÜÉã çê éÜçåÉ aÉîçå iáåâ çå MNPVOPUOPPOI çê ïêáíÉ íç íÜÉ ìëì~ä ~ÇÇêÉëë Eé~ÖÉ NF

qÉáÖåÄêáÇÖÉ ~åÇqçêÄ~ó Diana [email protected]

kçêíÜ aÉîçå ~åÇ bñÉíÉê Jackie [email protected]

pçìíÜ ~åÇtÉëí aÉîçå Pat [email protected]

jáÇ ~åÇ b~ëí aÉîçå Patricia [email protected]

Contact our correspondents

Living Options Devon exists to ensure people with physicaland/or sensory disabilities, and Deaf people with sign languagecan make an active and equal contribution in society.

Living Options DevonIsca House,Haven Road, Exeter EX2 8DS

Tel: 01392 459222 Fax: 01392 423427SMS: 07958 517919

[email protected]

StairliftsThe Acorn Superglide 120• Inertia Safety Belt • Emergency Stop Sensors• Optional Hinged Rail • Easy to use Joystick• Swivel Seat • Optional Transfer Platform• Transfer Platform Lowered• Battery backup as standard

Quickie P220 powerchairDesigned to suit the active person.Armrests can be easily removed.Quick dismantling for easytransport. Highest speeds of6.5mph. Range of 50km.Abilityto climb gradients of up to 18%.Tremendous manoeuvrabilityand stable construction.

Elite XS Scooter with comfort, performance and styleFor those who want to go just that bit further. An 8mph scooter with all round suspension

and a fully adjustable seating solution. Offers you the ability to enjoy an active lifestyle

•SHOWER SEATS•COMMODE CHAIRS•KITCHEN AIDS••STAIRLIFTS•OVERBED TABLES•WALKING STICKS/FRAMES•

53 Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon TQ3 3EN. Tel: 01803 528716

We offer

● Full personalassessment

● Monitoring

● Support andaftercare

● Highly qualifiedengineers

● Spaciousshowrooms

Occupationaltherapist availablefor assessment ifrequired

With twoshowrooms inDevon each witheasy access and freeparking

Exeter Disability Centre Tel: 01392 824428Unit 2, Exeter Trade Centre, Silverton Road, Exeter EX2 8LD

Visit our new showroom specialising in bathingand hoists:Lifestyle Solutions Tel: 01392 824011Unit 4, Oaktree Place, Matford, Exeter EX2 8WA

Web exeterdisabilitycentre.co.ukemail [email protected]

The Disability Centrefor all your mobility needsLargest suppliers of electricwheelchairs in the South WestA family run business with a customersales service that is second to none

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