Enchanting Caribbean Evening Saturday 15th Nov
Come to the West Indian Centre, St Peters Road. 8pm till late. Admission £5 at door (food included). Optional- to dress with a Caribbean theme and enjoy Caribbean Speciality foods
RDF midsummer barbecue (in pictures)
A damp middsummer did not dishearten RDF members at this celebration Vice-Chair Sue Hillman's report and pictures tell the story
Job Vacancy
BME Disability Project Co-ordinator (Fixed Term for 1 Year) 25 hours per week Based Nuneaton/Leamington
This new role will seek to increase the motivation and participation of black and minority ethnic disabled people in local decision making processes. The role will involve working with local agencies to address issues Closing date for applications is 6th August 2008.
For an application pack visit www.wrep.org.uk, call us on 0844 800 9990 or e-mail info@wrep.org.uk
Mobility Roadshow was a great success
A busload of RDF members piloted their first joint outing with a visit to this informative and enjoyable event on Saturday 14th June. RDF Vice-Chair, Sue Hillman has reported this excursion with full pictorial coverage
Mobility Roadshow is at
Stoneleigh Park near Coventry - on Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June
Organised by registered charity Mobility Choice, the Mobility Roadshow is the world’s largest event of its kind, attracting thousands of disabled and older visitors from all over the UK and abroad who seek to improve their quality of life with products and services to aid all aspects of mobility. The unique facility to test drive a wide variety of adapted vehicles, whether as a driver or a passenger, is a major attraction while a range of additional lifestyle products and services at the show ensures maximum choice across the whole mobility spectrum - all on one site. As well as providing a wealth of advice and expertise, the Roadshow is primarily a ‘hands on’ event. Alongside the test drive opportunities for which the Roadshow is renowned, visitors to Stoneleigh Park will also be able to take part in a range of other driving pursuits, including 4x4, Skid Car, Go -Karts, and a
specially designed manoeuvring and parking feature, plus a Mobility Test Track area.Contact Sue Hillman 01788/552219 for RDF visit coordination
Radio 4's Any Questions? Friday 30th May from St Andrew's church 8p.m.
Your opportunity to be involved in this popular radio debate, hosted by Eddie Mair the panel will include:
NICK HERBERT MP: Shadow Secretary of State for Justice
NORMAN LAMB MP: Liberal Democrats' health spokesman
Professor GERMAINE GREER: author and columnist
"We hope in particular that the tickets will go to people prepared to play a positive role in the broadcast - people who will think about topical issues beforehand and then do their best to contribute useful questions, bearing in mind the interests of the Any Questions? panel that evening and the events of that week. The minimum age limit for audience members is 14."
For tickets, please call 01788 565 609, or email rtmoffice@dsl.pipex.com
Or apply Church OfficeSt Andrews Parish Church, Church Street, Rugby, Warks CV21 3PT.Open 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
The repeat is at 1.10 on Saturday.followed at 2 p.m. by Any Answers?
Churchill stair lift available worth £3k
A Churchill stair lift worth £3,000 is available. A modest contribution would be welcomed. If you are interested please contact Julie on 01788 534618 or e-mail julie.osborne@morganest.com. There is also a double bed and a five-foot wall unit available.
BME healthtopics
A well attended afternoon at Rugby West Indian Centre focussed on the special needs of the black and minority ethnic communitees. Providers spoke of their availability, Jeremy Wright M.P took up questions and informative stands showed the support available in Rugby.
A brief report with pictures of the organizers is available in Rugby Advertiser 24th April page 2 (Download word copy 456 kb)
From Rugby Forum to Nation!
Following an airing in Rugby Disability Forum, the dangers of speeding mobility scooters have been taken to the local press by Chairman David Foster and local police Chief Inspector Robert Musgrove. The issue has been taken further with a TV spot, radio interviews and national press coverage, see Daily Mail 11th April. RDF have two slogans "Ask Us First" so providers save money and pfaffing around and "Tell Them First" (which can have the same beneficial effect)
RDF's strong response to disability employment consultation
Responding to a consultation from Department of Work and Pensions on Specialist Disability Employment Services ten RDF members spent a productive three hours concentrating,from bitter experience,on the issues. Here is the result,including firm recommendations (download in Word 54kb) with the hope it gets a more sensitive reception than earlier work on Equality
Caldecott Park Restoration meeting Thursday 31st January
Rugby Disability Forum has been directly consulted in this project since its inception, in the productive spirit of "ASK US FIRST".At the initial planning stage several site inspections were made by members,advised by a disability parks specialist consultant, as reported by Jack Lawton. Project Officer Rebecca Webber made a full presentation to the Forum. RDF is now represented by committee member Geoff Wilde at Friends of Caldecott Park, who meet at the Town Hall 7.30 p.m. on Thursday 31st January THE MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL More from 1st Newsletter (4Mb) or phone Rebecca Webber 01788 533533
"Futurepad" helps Ben talk
A mute boy from Clifton can now finally communicate with his family and friends thanks to generous fundraisers and electronic innovation. More from Rugby Advertiser 24th January (page 12)
Do comment on the Strategy for a Healthy Warwickshire!!
Warwickshire's Primary Care Trust has drafted a strategy that spells out changes in emphasis on how best to attend to health in the county. This document reflects views expressed at a series of public consultation meetings.The authors are now checking that "they heard it right" before a January PCT Board meeting. The draft is open for comment until 21st December: get to it through PCT website or telephone 01926 493491 ext 228 or ext 237
Talk on education and autism in Rugby 26th November
Dr Glenys Jones, Lecturer and Researcher in the Autism Team of Studies within the School of Education (University of Birmingham), will be speaking on educational interventions in autism, covering primary/secondary transition and statementing on Monday 26th November 2007, at 7pm for 7.30pm Rugby Methodist Church Centre, Russelsheim Way, Rugby CV22 7TB. This talk is free to attend.
Rugby Autism Support Group invites parents/carers and professionals to attend this event. Light refreshments will be served before the talk. For more information , please contact Howard Binns - howard.binns@virgin.net.
RDF prominently placed in Rugby Compact celebration Day
Rugby's Voluntary and Community Forum celebrated its members' achievements. in partnership with statutory agencies, at a ground-breaking,celebratory morning in a packed Benn Hall, last Friday, 2nd November .They also looked forward to future success as listed in the borough Compact Plan.
The day was chaired by David Foster(asVCSF chair) introducing addresses; Simon Warren, RBC Chief Executive,spoke on the Voluntary Sector's relationship to the Council. Paul Tolley spoke for the Sector, followed by four voluntary bodies (RDF among them) explaining successes achieved through partnership working. RBC Compact Champion. Andrew Gabbitas talked on the Compact Plan and Cllr Leigh Hunt told of a relaunch of the Local Strategic Partnership.
The formal platform programme was followed by refreshment and the opportunity to network among the many attenders.There were some forty informative well laid out display stands fom our sector,doing brisk business; including a burgeoning RDF stand with strong member staffing . More on Compact
Assertiveness Skills
A course of particular value to RDF members and other disabled people starts at Rugby CVS in November. Early registration is advised! In outline it covers:-
Exploring ways to gain confidence and become more assertive
Topics include
- Identifying strengths
- Developing self esteem
- Asserting oneself effectively
- The art of saying no!
- Managing conflict
- Techniques for handling stress
- Setting your goals
Course Length: 6 weeks (2 hours per week)
More from Nicola or Sue 01926.736502 or download Word poster
Diwali lights are on for 9th November
This year Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, falls on the 9th of November.For more about the meaning of this seasonal celebration
Black History & bicentenary of the abolition of slavery act celebrations
Celebrations to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the slavery act will be held at the Rugby West Indian Community Centre in St Peters Road , Rugby on Saturday October 20th starting at 2pm.
The programme for the day will include various workshops, exhibitions, music, poetry reading, storytelling, etc.
There will be a steel band as well as tasty Caribbean food on sale to tempt the taste buds. Bring the family to enjoy the day. Entrance is free and everybody is welcome.
There will also be a celebration dance starting at 9pm until late (£4 on door) as well as a raffle.
'Exercises for dyslexics took me to World Cup'
Tom Rees went on a course designed to help people with dyslexia and after months of bouncing up and down on a ball, spinning on the spot and catching bean bags in one hand, his game has been transformed.
Less than a year after starting the programme, Rees made his full England debut against Scotland in February, was named man of the match after England's victory over France in March and was nominated for the rugby union's young player of the year award
More from Daily Telegraph 01/09/2007
Petition for tougher EU legislation on disability rights !
The European Disability Forum has launched an online petition calling for tougher European legislation on disability rights. It is aiming to collect over 1 million signatures from European citizens. The petition is open until September 30th. Click here to sign.
Marriage Celebrated between RDF members
Anne Clarke and Paul Cooper were married at St Mary's Church on Saturday 4th August. RDF adds its good wishes to the new Mr and Mrs Cooper.
Live web chat with new Minister for the Third Sector (July 31st)
A live web chat with Phil Hope MP, the newly appointed Minister for the Third Sector took place to discuss topics including volunteering, the potential of the voluntary and community sector to promote equality and the issues facing disabled people’s voluntary organisations today.
A report is available on the Disability Agenda website - www.disabilityagenda.org
Disabled entrepreneurs: What support is on offer?
Not so long ago, disabled people who wanted to start up their own business were taken less seriously than Billy Connolly on stage, according to disability charity Leonard Cheshire. Today, 3.6 per cent of businesses have one or more disabled owner, representing roughly 10,700 companies, employing around 78,000 people.
>>>More from Independent July 3rd
Forum's Insightful Definition of Equality
In response to the Office for Disability Issues consultation questions,Rugby Disability Forum forwarded five pages of significant considerations on 20th March. These can be downloaded in Word format.
Individual members and others with disability,also carers, have the chance to give their own comments and thoughts on Equality until the deadline of 9th May. Asking yourself the questions may be every bit as valuable as telling the ODI ! See earlier items below.
RDF Think-Tank session on Equality
Twelve Rugby Disability Forum members devoted three afternoon hours together to the consultation "Making things more equal for disabled people" . From a great deal of hard earned experience in this group,realistic and valuable responses to the fourteen,challenging, questions asked by the Office for Disability Issues will be sent by RDF Secretary.
BUT this should only be the beginning of an avalanche of RDF reaction to this consultation (which is open to 9th May) We will each benefit, individually, from applying these questions to ourselves. We will be stimulated, as at our Think-Tank session, by the input of colleagues. DO follow up with your own voice - "THE ANSWERS BOOKLET" from Office for Disability Issues Tel 020 7712 2332 or website may be the best way.
Equality Consultation. How will we know we are making progress?
Your views are sought by Government on this vital issue. What would equality for disabled people look like? How should we monitor progress toward equality? A document (in a range of formats) is available from Michael Cooke Office for Disability Issues,DWP, 1 -11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6NT Phone 020 7712 2332 or the website www.officefordisability.gov.uk . The consultation runs until 9 May 2007 There are Consultation Events in Cardiff,Edinburgh,London and Manchester (19th March to 4th April)>>>details ODI
See our stuff for FREE at NEC NAIDEX 2007 April 24-26
Naidex 2007, the UK’s number one event for the national homecare and disability market.
With over 300 companies exhibiting and a number of new and rejuvenated features lined up for 2007, Naidex is the year’s best opportunity to see the latest new products and access the best range of free CPD-accredited seminars and features for healthcare professionals.
Register,programme,seminar details:naidex.co.uk
Launch of Rugby Borough Access Guide
The official launch of the Access Guide will be Friday 30th of March at The Brewers Fayre, Central Park Drive, off Leicester Road; at 9.30a.m.
Please come along if you can, the Access Guide is a joint initiative project between Rugby Borough Council and Rugby Disability Forum, tea and biscuits will be served and copies of the guide will be available.
>>> more from Craig Scott RBC 01788/533796
Your Questions about Social Care and Independent Living
Care Services Minister,Ivan Lewis will answer your questions on Social Care and Independent Living during the Disability Agenda live discussion between 10am and 11am on Thursday March 1st >>> more from DRC
Mirror backs Every Disabled Child Matters campaign
And you can too! The Daily Mirror has called upon its readers to sign up as supporters for children to get their rights. An article on 13th February,featuring Katherine Nicholson and her son Harry highlights the fact that eight out of ten families with disabled children say they are at breaking point. Support for the campaign and more details. including the lecture to be given by Ed Balls on 20th February, through Every Disabled Child Matters
RDF Dinner Friday 24th November at Royal Oak
Derek Hillman is currently organising the Annual Dinner for 2006.It will be held at the Old Royal Oak in Hillmorton with the meal at their 'Hungry Horse' restaurant. The dinner will cost either £10 for two courses or £12.50 for three courses. We will meet at 7.00 p.m. for the 7.30 sit down and menus are available from Derek on 01788/552219. However time is running short, so please contact Derek with your enquiries as soon as possible.
Help with the cost can be arranged on request and any taxi fares can be claimed for on the night. So far there are 54 people booked and monies are now due from these members. as there will be no payments collected on the night of the dinner.
Fresh Directions for Rugby
The well attended Annual General Meeting of Rugby Council for Voluntary Service was marked by the input of two new directors. Simon Warren,Chief Executive of Rugby Borough Council struck the vital note of ATTITUDE CHANGE. Paul Tolley, Director of CVS told of new initiatives, including weekly Grapevine, recruiting a Development Manager and relaunching an upgraded, interactive website.
>>>more from www.rugbycvs.org.uk
or phone 01788/574258 for Annual Report
Deadline on access reports for Town Centre 'Eating Out'
Robin Richter, of the Town Centre Company, has requested RDF members help in the production of an 'Eating Out Guide' showing the accessible eating places within the Rugby area. Various members have volunteered their time to visit and report on the places in the Town Centre. Co-ordinating it with Craig Scott, Derek has agreed to monitor the reports sent in by the members who are helping. There are 52 eating places ,so far 24 have been allocated to helpers with only 18 returned and passed on to Craig. With a definite deadline of December 8th more returns are needed and further volunteers. Please contact Derek on 01788 552219 if you can help
Make buses comply on disability
A correspondent to Rugby Observer raises a number of issues about disabled access, with good and bad examples.
£200,000 boost for Coventry disabled access
Coventry City Council is set to plough £200,000 into improving disabled access at leisure facilities and libraries. This follows checks at 190 buildings across the city, a bid for a further £500,000 will follow for easier use by disabled people.
>>> more from Coventry Telegraph
Promising Police Disability Consultation
At RDF July meeting (see minutes) we were told of the launch of a comprehensive police consultation on disability. They want to get it right with input of disability realities, for which a questionnaire is available from Warwickshire Police, at local station reception desks or electronically. Response can be anonymous if desired, but also,if follow up is required,this can be arranged for individual cases. The draft of a Disability Plan is intended by December but a feedback of progress should be available in September
>>> more from Warwickshire Police
U-Turns on hospital parking charges for disabled
Following very active objection, representations, petitions, threats of legal action, hospital bosses have backtracked on disabled parking charges at St Cross and Walsgrave. Rugby Times of 24th and 3rd October features David Foster addressing the topic. Warwickshire Telegraph October 20th blazons VICTORY followed by three full pages as its lead story.
>>> more from Warwickshire Telegraph
More quality input towards Disability Equality
"sometimes disabled people must be treated more favourably" Disabled people will give their views at a choice from three sessions (morning,afternoon or evening, with free refreshment) on 12-13 September at Sydni Centre, Leamington Spa. Organised by Council of Disabled People for the Warwick District Disability Forum, there may be valuable ideas to be added to the ongoing Rugby Disability Equality consultations.
>>> much more and registration from CDP
Free course in Rugby to ease all the strains of Arthritis
A six week course on "Challenging Arthritis" runs at the Ken Marriott Leisure Centre from 12th October.Sessions start 12.30 p.m. Details from 0845.650.4400
Council cash blow means disability group may close
A group, which represents 700 local disabled people faces closure next month because it says Birmingham City Council has failed to pay £40,000 promised to them.
Rugby Race & Disability Conference 2006
The event (20th May) was very well organised by the Rugby Race and Disability Forum who are a group of Black Disabled People that meet at the West Indian Centre once monthly. Interactive awareness raising by several speakers (listening as well as talking) our M.P. leading the field, made for a productive, informative and enjoyable afternoon to evening. We await follow up.
M.P highlights disability issues
Jeremy Wright's Westminster Diary (a feature in Rugby Observer) makes a plea for disability awareness and action
>>> more
The eInclusion Charter for disabled and older people
A consortium of leading charities and the Alliance for Digital Inclusion are asking business and industry, government and the voluntary sector to work together to ensure that ICT such as PCs, mobile phones and TVs are made accessible to disabled and older people.
>> more from >RNID
>>>or Computer Active May 25 2006
Disabled users to test websites
Disabled people are being drafted in to help ensure websites are usable by all
>>> more from news.bbc.co.uk
Deaf for a day
A brave reporter underwent the disabling effect of an "ears off" time in Rugby and writes of his revealing experience.
>>>more from Rugby Advertiser May 11th 2006
Welcoming Diversity and Prejudice Reduction
FREE interactive day training workshops come to Warwick and Leamington in May
Free Cinema Tickets for Carers
A new national card scheme aimed at disabled people entitles the holder to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema. The card applies to almost every UK cinema. To apply for the card a person must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or be a registered blind person or hold a disabled person's rail card.
The card is valid for three years from the issue date and costs £5. To apply for a card, telephone 0151 348 8020 0r visit www.ceacard.co.uk
Access "Victory" is stark warning to business
A private action by David Foster,chair of Rugby Disability Forum, on wheelchair access to business premises,has been settled for the construction of a new ramp.
Fuller detail is covered in local press reports:
> Disabled man's bank ramp win.
Rugby Advertiser February 9th 2006
> Bank pays up over disability blunder.
Rugby Observer February 9th 2006
> Ramp row is settled out of court.
Rugby Evening Telegraph February 9th 2006
Disabled access help
A report on access for the disabled on Rugby's streets has been passed to Warwickshire County Council by members of the Disability Forum.
The forum has been busy finding the dropped kerbs and pavements in the town centre and on the main routes into the town which are not accessible to disabled people, especially for those in wheelchairs and those with vision problems.
The report has now been passed to the county council's highways area manager, Paul Cowley, in a bid to help the county council meet its promise to making all the borough's pavements fully accessible within ten years.
Rugby Observer February 16th 2006