News
Silver Surfers overcome "computer dread" at Rugby library
Learn to find your way on the Internet in an hour. Or set up and run your own personal e-mail address,accessible through any online computer, anywhere. Its easy ,its free, with mentors who understand over 50s learning styles "One to one" does it, at Monday morning sessions 10.30-11.30 or 11.30-12.30 Book through Library Learning Zone Tel 01788 533258 or find more information and links on Silver Surfers website www.nbsilversurfers.org.uk
Also there's a unique "SEE SOME RESULTS RAPIDLY" opportunity for extra Volunteer Mentors across Warwickshire
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
Informative newsletter from WREP
Warwickshire Race Equality Partnership has prouced a fact filled newsletter containing
CEO Overview - EHRC Funding
for 2008-09 - Casework
BME Forum
Events -
Workstep - New and
Emerging
Communities - New Polish
Community
Association
WREP Details
WORKSTEP is in tune with RDF recommendations on the process of getting back to work
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
RDF event on BME health topics
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
Radio 4 gives first hand stories of Hate Crime
Experiences of visually impaired people are noted in this twenty minute"In Touch" programme that went out on 12th February. For programme, transcript and factsheet
A poem is quoted "The White Stick Blues"
Dont suffer Hate Crime in silence
"Hate Crime scars its victims beyond the legacy of any physical injury. If it is not professionally and successfully countered, its effect can create alarm and fear, undermining the fabric of social cohesion. Warwickshire Police is committed to tackling all aspects of hate crime. We are aware of the unique needs and vulnerability of hate crime victims and our duty to provide a common standard of response and quality of service.
In order to ensure that the victim's first contact with Warwickshire Police is professional and appropriate we are launching a new
Hate Crime Help Line:
0845 129 2221
The staff that answer these calls will be aware that there may be considerations present in terms of language, religion, disability and cultural/lifestyle backgrounds and will do their utmost to meet the diverse needs of each victim".
Textphone users call:
18001 0845 129 2221
New support service for disability groups
Organisations run and controlled by disabled people across the West Midlands are set to benefit from a major lottery windfall announced today.
Disability groups in the West Midlands over the past few years have suffered rather difficult times, resulting in a number disappearing altogether. The reasons for this are numerous and varied but this situation has left disabled people with a tremendous lack of representation or influencing capability in the area of regional decision making.
The award of £347, 535 from the Big Lottery Fund will support the development of new groups where non exist in the region and support the sustainability of those that have managed to survive.
The Regional Disability Network (RDN) project will support these groups and their members to develop into a unified voice in order to have a stronger influence on strategies and decisions which impact on them.
Tony Walsh, the acting chief executive officer for the Council for Disabled People (CDP) said “It would be fair to say that, in a number of quarters, a general thought, is that with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 95) disabled people have achieved their goal of full inclusion in all aspects of society. This is not the case, even with the last part of the DDA 95 coming into force in 2004, some four years ago, common experiences of disabled people can still be characterised with lower standards, providing less flexibility and limited choices. There is a strong need for disabled people to have the opportunities to influence decision makers on issues such as housing, social services, health services, employment where traditionally the views of disabled people and their organisations have not been properly taken into account.
Donna Smith, Chair of CDP said, "we are absolutely delighted that we now have the funding to support Disabled people to sustain and develop their own groups. We have experience of doing this work and have been involved in supporting a number of groups over the years such as the Coventry Partnership Board Physical & Sensory Reference Group, Headway Coventry & Warwickshire, Rugby Disability Forum, Asian Disabled People and Carers Group. The funding from the Big Lottery Fund will allow us to expand on this work across the Midlands" .
The project is set to be launched in June of this year. If you would like further information about the work of the CDP or the RDN project please contact the CDP on 02476 712984 e-mail: justice@cdp.org.uk or visit www.cdp.org.uk.
Town centre parking 'Disaster for disabled'
RDF Chair David Foster's research indicates a serious underallocation of town centre parking spaces to disabled users- well below council-set guidelines. The Advertiser has reported on this in its issue of December 13th and invites feedback on the subject
Guideposts proposals to reorg-
anise Carer Support Service in Rugby 29th November
A well attended meeting at the Methodist Centre heard and responded to proposals to strengthen Rugby's Carer Support Service, presented by Desiree Lambert, Carer Support Manager. Download 218k 3pp
The need for DDA compliance was highlighted by RDF chair, David Foster, together with an invitation to the forum for all those concerned with disability.
There were many examples given, as personal testimony, of past effective Rugby carer support and its varied requirements- particularly sympathetic,responsive and sensitive face to face personal contacts.
More from www.guidepostswarks.org.uk
especially the Rugby Carers blog
RDF tribunal recommendation missing from Office for Disability Issues equality report
The thirty four page report on Disability Equality from the Office for Disability Issues omits one of the key recommendations from RDF,that tribunals might greatly ease the path to equality. Nonetheless it is a report that should be read and compared with the RDF submission in our News Archives 47k 5pp.More is expected in December's forthcoming ODI Annual Report.
National Recognition for WREP
Warwickshire Race Equality Partnership was recently commended by the
new Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), a national
government funded body . The new commission has been impressed by
projects undertaken by WREP including the new protocol on reporting
and recording of racist incidents across Warwickshire, as well as the
recent Rural Racism Report conducted in the rural districts of
Warwickshire. The EHRC has asked to include the projects within their
database on good practice examples.
Arun Kang, Chief Executive said, “This is great news for WREP which
has only been around for the last 18 months. Hopefully this will
build our reputation as an organisation that supports victims of
discrimination and is committed to assisting public agencies in
meeting their general duty in eliminating racial discrimination and
promoting race equality.”
Items in the latest Newsletter include
Hate Crime
Scrutiny
Panels
Casework
BME
Consultation
Forums
Rural Diversity
Events
Roots and
Culture Club
WREP Website
Contingency
Plan
For full text (Adobe Acrobat)
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
| 'Carers save the UK '£87bn a year' |
||
The unpaid work of carers saves the UK £87bn per year - more than the total amount spent by the NHS in the last financial year, say experts. The figure, calculated by the University of Leeds for the charity Carers UK, is up 52% since the last estimate, calculated in 2002. The average person caring for a sick or frail relative is now estimated to save the nation more than £15,260 a year. |
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The Mobility Market
Are you interested in buying or selling a mobility aid? If so, you may find this website useful. It has been created to put potential buyers and sellers in touch with each other. Click on Mobility Market for more details.
Aiming High for Disabled Children
This new Government report sets out the key elements of the £340 million package for disabled children.
£280 m to improve short breaks
£35 m to pilot assessible childcare
£19m for a Transition Support Programme
£5m for parent involvement, including parents forums
>> to watch Ed Balls so you can post questions and comments
Silver Surfers Sessions started at Rugby Library
Absolute newcomers to computers and computer novices over 50 are welcomed at free drop-in sessions in Rugby Library on Monday mornings 10.30 to 12.30. Learn Internet access in an hour! Master e-mails. Develop fresh skills through friendly one to one coaching (at your own pace)
More from www.nbsilversurfers.org.uk Office telephone 024 7634 2250
or Tel 01788 533258 Rugby Library Learning Zone (adviseable for prebooking)
Disabled Parking at Walsgrave
This layout picture may help avoid confusion
Rugby Sport for the Disabled
We meet at the Ken Marriott Leisure Centre each Sat. morning from 9.00am till 12 noon in the main hall and 9am till 11am in the pool. As the name implies we do sport for disabled people.
In the main hall, we do X-Bow, Archery, Pool, Table Tennis, Short mat Bowls, Darts, New age kurling, Boccia etc. and all the usual table games Dominos, Draughts, Bag-a-tgell + lots more.In the pool we have a lift and ramp and experienced helpers on hand.
This only a taster of what we do, why not come along on a Saturday morning and have a look for yourself?
Or look on the web www.rugbysda.org.uk
Tell them "it Hurts!"
Warwickshire County Council (the responsible body) disbelieve the experience of RDF members who find traffic calming measures on the A428, between Brandon and Binley Woods, cause severe jarring and discomfort to the arthritic, whatever their speed of travel . Rugby Disability Forum would like to highlight the realities for members and the disabled community in general, of negociating this stretch of highway.Please download complete and forward our petition form
New Enforcement Powers for Blue Badge Scheme
The government has listened to feedback and strengthened the Blue Badge Scheme. It will be easier to identify and convict those abusing the scheme with fines up to £1000.The Department for Transport,Mobility and Inclusion Unit on 020 7944 6550 will answer queries or e.mail ---blue.badge@dft.gsi.gov.uk .
Rugby's Magnificent Seven accessible taxis
The council lists licensed accessible taxis operating in the borough as follows
Owner -Phone No- Plate No -Type of vehicle
Mr Babar Shahzada -7862220454-Plate 44 Peugeut E7
Mr Alvin South- 01788575757 -Plate 49- Peugeot E7
Mr Kerry Jackson- 07724174280- Plate 43 Peugeot E7
Mrs Sajida Farooq- 01788574355- Plate 48 London Taxi TXI
Mr Farakh Nawaz- 07814916688- Plate 17 Metrocab
Mr Farakh Nawaz- 07814916688-Plate 46 -London Taxi TXI
Mr Brian Brazier- 07763013427- Plate 45 Metrocab
>>> future ? read J.Lawton in RDF Minutes
Landmark test case could benefit millions of Britain's carers
A British woman received the green light to take her employment case to Europe later this year, in a case that will have major implications for millions of Britain's unpaid carers. The Disability Rights Commission has argued strongly that "Associated Discrimination" should be an explicit feature of U.K. legislation.
>>> more from Disability Rights Commission
Folding scooter problems on buses
A Kentish owner of a folding mini scooter tells of his problems with Arriva which may recur across the U.K. The saga is fully reported in "Mature Times" and the magazine would welcome comment and other experiences with scooters on public transport. The subject is also covered in a recent 82 page Feasibility Study from the Department of Transport,available free from DfT Mobility and Inclusion Unit Tel 020 7944 6102 and on line at www.dft.gov.uk
Switchover help for Elderly and Disabled
Older People and those with a disability will get help to pay for the switchover to digital television, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has announced.
Disability Equality Schemes
The Disability Equality Duty for the Public Sector came into force on December 4th 2006. Rugby Disability Forum has been involved with interactive consultation in drafting schemes for Borough and County Councils and Police. Rugby Borough Council have developed a Disability Equality Scheme with a supporting action plan (more from RBC site) Coventry and Warks NHS Trusts have Disability Equality Schemes some of some twenty two pages downloadable
Website in "Symbol" picture language
A website designed for children with disabilities has been launched by the Children's Society.
The Askability website is designed to give disabled children access to news, sport, film and music reviews and other fun stuff that they would normally be excluded from because of the way most websites are designed.
Every Disabled Child Matters
The government says that Every Child Matters – so why aren't disabled children getting their rights?
- Only 1 in 13 families get support from social services
- Disabled children are 13 times more likely to be excluded from school
- 8 out of 10 families with disabled children say that they are at breaking point
"Services for disabled children and their families are a national scandal" - Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Children's Commissioner for England.
>>>Campaigns need YOUR support
Open doors to Guide Dogs
The survey for "Rugby Eating Out Guide" reminded us of the practical notes on welcoming guide dogs available through the guide dogs website.
Bid for better pavements
Rugby Disability Forum's campaign on the state of pavements and dropped kerbs, to help wheelchair and mobility scooter users and those with shopping trolleys and pushchairs, is reported on page 2 of Rugby Advertiser 0f November 2nd.
U-Turn on hospital parking
Pressure from Rugby Disability Forum Chair, David Foster, variously reported in Rugby Times, Rugby Observer and Rugby Advertiser has led to the reversal of a decision to charge disabled blue badge holders for hospital parking at St Cross and Walsgrave.
More Valuable Voluntary Support to Mental Health
RUN is a free magazine, by and for Rugby Users of Mental Healthcare. Packed with users' "been there" experience, it has a handy list of contact resources.
Editor:- Gordon Boyle at MIND, 28 Cromwell Road CV22 5LY,Tel 01788/570826 e-mail rugbymind@btconnect.com
Rugby Council's Disability Equality Duty
Your chance to influence this, as disabled or carer comes as an easily completed, user-friendly questionnaire.
>>> more from Rugby Borough Council
Rugby Eyesight Drop-in
A Resource and Information Service for the visually impaired in Rugby and district provides-Advice-Group Activities-Equipment Display-Magnifier Training. Every Wednesday 10-1 at CVS House 8 North Street.
For details ring - 01926/888789
Page last updated: August 17, 2008