Independent Living Newsletter - 18th January 2012

Welcome to the latest Independent Living newsletter. To read the articles in further detail, please click this link

Contents:

1. Welfare Reform latest

2. Communication Needs Not Met

3. Blue Badges and more on Motoring

4. New Funds for Housing Adaptations

5. Care Training Resources

6. Latest Updates - Pat's Petition and more

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1. Welfare Reform Latest

Welfare reform is back at the top of the news agenda again. The government's proposals to means-test ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) after a year, and to restrict access to it for young people with disabilities, were defeated in the House of Lords last week, and they have now just avoided another Lord's defeat by 16 votes: this time, for the planned replacement of DLA (Disabled Living Allowance) by PIP (Personal Independence Payment). Click to read more

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2. Communication Needs Not Met

2011 was the National Year of Communication, and marking its end, the outgoing Communication Champion Jean Gross has called for the NHS Commissioning Board to provide communication aids and services for children and young people who are unable to communicate verbally as a consequence of disability.

AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) is the term used to describe methods of communication which can support or replace the more familiar methods of speech and writing when these are impaired. AAC includes unaided systems such as signing and gesture, as well as aided techniques ranging from picture charts and paper-based systems to the most sophisticated computer technologies currently available, referred to as communication aids. AAC can help someone understand communication, as well as a means of expression.

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3. Blue Badges and More on Motoring

Blue Badge fraud and abuse has been a constant irritation both for legitimate badge holders and those policing the system. So the changes that are coming this month are very welcome. With a belated nod to current technology, the familiar cardboard badge with its handwritten details is being replaced by an electronically printed permit which includes a hologram, digital photo and serial number, making it easier for traffic wardens to check whether it is genuine. According to transport minister Norman Baker, the new Blue Badge will be as secure and hard to forge as a banknote.

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4. New Funds for Housing Adaptations

An extra £20 million has been pledged for the fund which helps elderly people and those with disabilities to carry on living independently in their own homes.

The Disabled Facilities Grant is worth a total of £200 million this year, and is awarded to pay for adaptations such as grab rails, accessible bathroom or kitchen facilities, wheelchair ramps, etc. The extra funds were announced by Grant Shapps, the Housing Minister, as part of a £51 million programme to support independent living.

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5. Care Training

Having the right equipment is important, but being properly trained in how to use it is equally essential. We are frequently asked by site visitors to help them find suitable training in using specific products – very often, involved with moving people who have limited mobility and can't move themselves independently from place to place, or products to manage the risks of pressure damage.

Pressure management specialists Squirrel Medical are now offering free training for staff and management of care facilities, to help combat some prevalent problems, such as bed falls, development of pressure ulcers, spread of mattress acquired infections. You can find out more about the training events available (now fully booked until February 25) from Squirrel Medical.

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6. Latest Updates

Coming up next time, an update on the latest developments in moving and handling technology, including a look at the Moving and Handling People event 2012.

Pat's Petition still needs your help, if you haven't yet signed. It is calling for the government to stop and review the cuts to benefits and services which are falling disproportionately on disabled people, carers and families. This is the link to sign online

And that's it for now. I hope you've found our latest newsletter interesting. If there are any specific topics you would like covered in future editions, please let me know! Don't forget you can access all the news as soon as it is uploaded in our News Centre.