Art is inclusive – Triumph over adversity
Art is inclusive, your disability should never stop you from learning a new skill. Adapting and finding the right tools for you can help you triumph over adversity. Here Ucan2 talks with Leanne Beetham a member of the Mouth and Foot painting artists group, to find out how she overcame her challenges and shares her tips for other budding artists. Tell us about yourself: My name is Leanne Beetham and I’m an artist who paints using my mouth as part of the Mouth and Foot painting artists group. What inspires your work? I am really inspired by nature and love to capture and preserve moments in time that can never be replicated, something I strive to capture in both my artwork and photography. So, whether you are painting a landscape or an animal – no two people will ever see in the same way you will do in that particular moment. That is why each artwork created is unique and a personal part of that individual – providing an insight into how they see the world and interpret their surroundings. As an artist I am constantly striving to raise awareness of the things I am passionate about through my work – such as disability and wildlife conservation. I work hard to challenge stereotypes, change perceptions, and push boundaries, hoping to inspire others to create no matter what their artistic abilities. Conservation issues and preserving natural spaces remain central to all my work. The value we place on wildlife shouldn’t just inform our idea of traditional beauty or stereotypes. For example, the role of the common spider is just as vital as that of an elephant; both deserve our respect and admiration – the world is an amazing place if you take the time to truly look. If my artworks can help the viewer appreciate the beauty in the everyday wildlife around then, or even highlight the simple fact that a disability doesn’t have to stop you achieving your goals – then I am happy. How does your disability inform your work? Moving away from the stereotypes the subject of disability – disability does not mean ‘inability’ as we are all able in our own way. Having a disability just means that we may do things in a different way or take a different approach to doing things – and while in certain circumstances that can include physical help from others, there are often times where we need to use our imaginations more in order to innovate and discover entirely new ways of doing things. With this in mind my work is not just something pretty to hang on a wall, it also serves as my voice. I spend a lot of time focused on public talks and painting demonstrations to inspire others and show that disability should never be a barrier to creativity. What are you working on now? I’m currently working on a painting demonstration video in time for World Animal Day (4 October). This has been quite a large-scale project, which I commenced last year in collaboration with The Sumatra Camera Trap Project (based in Indonesia) and The Big Cat Sanctuary (based in Kent, UK). I’m currently in the process of editing months of content down into something bitesized, to give viewers a glimpse into how this artwork was created, it’s exciting backstory, and what was involved. Watch this space! How did you get to where you are now? I have always been creative, and back in 2000 while still at school, I had interest from a local publisher who printed a piece of my work as a Christmas card that attracted a lot of interest in the press. From there my career took off, and I was introduced to a number of different artists with the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) who encouraged me to submit my work and mentored me to continue my work. In 2004, I received a Student Scholarship with the MFPA, and continue to work with them to this day! What is the MFPA and how can it help artists who have lost the use of their hands and feet? The MFPA is an international self-help association of artists who paint without the use of their hands; the group is not a charity, but an organisation run by the artists for the benefit of the artists. The vision is simple – to live fulfilling lives without charity, and we do this by creating artworks that are then used to produce cards, calendars, jigsaws, and a whole range of other products available to buy! For me personally, the MFPA enables me to live the life I want, doing the thing I love most in this world, and enables me to have complete artistic freedom. With so many mouth and foot painters across the globe, the MFPA often feels like a huge extended family, providing a constant source of inspiration, support, encouragement, and security to artists like myself. What advice for budding artists? 1. We can only fail if we give up, while anything else is simply a learning experience. It’s those mistakes and missteps you make that bring you closer to finding what’s right for you and achieving your goals! This certainly applies to both finding the right tools and adaptations for you, as well as the process of producing a painting itself. It’s a constant learning process, even if you’ve been painting for years. 2. Find inspiration everywhere you can and don’t be afraid to push yourself beyond your comfort zone! For my creative process that’s being outdoors and learning the best process to capture the content I want to depict in paint, however everyone is different and inspired by different things. If it’s not possible to get outdoors, there are also element you can focus on in your immediate environment. For example, how the light falls on different objects or how it reflects through a glass of water. There are learning opportunities everywhere, with inspiration and artistic
WeThe15: A global human rights movement for the 1.2 billion persons with disabilities
WeThe15 aims to end discrimination towards persons with disabilities and act as a global movement publicly campaigning for disability visibility, accessibility, and inclusion. Spearheaded by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Disability Alliance (IDA), WeThe15 brings together the biggest coalition ever of international organisations from the worlds of sport, human rights, policy, business, arts, and entertainment. Together they will work with governments, businesses, and the public over the next decade to initiate change for the world’s largest marginalised group who make up 15% of the global population. Harnessing sport’s unique ability to engage massive global audiences and create positive change, the IPC, Special Olympics, Invictus Games Foundation and the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (Deaflympics) have teamed up for the first time in history. The four organisations will use the profile of their international sport events and athlete communities to further raise awareness and understanding of the issues facing persons with disabilities around the globe. Joining the sport organisations in this decade of action are International Disability Alliance, UN Human Rights, UNESCO, the UN SDG Action Campaign, the European Commission, The Valuable 500, Global Citizen, Global Disability Innovation Hub, the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), International Disability and Development Consortium, C-Talent, Global Goals Advisory, ATscale – the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, Zero Project, and the Global Alliance of Assistive Technology Organisations (GAATO). Aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, WeThe15 aims to change attitudes and create more opportunities by: IPC President Andrew Parsons said: “WeThe15 aspires to be the biggest ever human rights movement for persons with disabilities and aims to put disability right at the heart of the inclusion agenda, alongside ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. “By uniting several leading international organisations and the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities behind one common movement, we will make a tangible and well overdue difference for the planet’s largest marginalised group. “Sport, and events such as the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, are hugely powerful vehicles to engage global audiences. By partnering with Special Olympics, Invictus Games, and Deaflympics, there will be at least one major international sport event for persons with disabilities to showcase WeThe15 each year between now and 2030. These sports events add great value to the campaign and underline the hugely positive impact sport can have on society. I strongly believe WeThe15 could be a real game-changer for persons with disabilities.” Ana Lucia Arellano, Chairperson of the International Disability Alliance, said: “Over the past 20 years, a lot has been achieved regarding the inclusion of persons with disabilities. We successfully advocated for the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as to be included in the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. “Looking into the future, we recognise that there is still a lot to be done if we want to achieve the full inclusion of more than a billion persons we represent. We need new creative and innovative approaches, and we need much broader coalition to achieve that. WeThe15 has a unique opportunity and responsibility to achieve exactly that – to be a platform where more and new actors will come together making the ‘Nothing about us without us’ a real change for all persons with disabilities.” Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: “WeThe15 is bringing together a unique group of partners – disability-specific sports organisations, the disability rights movement, people from the private sector, researchers and the United Nations – to work together to change the narrative on disability, and to make human rights-based development a reality for persons with disabilities. “We plan to build on the multiple Paralympic Games in Beijing, Paris, Milan and Los Angeles, particularly in the local communities, to make it clear that upholding and advancing the human rights of persons with disabilities is relevant, doable and necessary – for everyone’s benefit.” Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said: “More than one billion people live with a disability today, and yet the world is still far from truly recognizing and honouring this 15 percent of society. It is time to change our perception of people with disabilities, and make their voices heard everywhere. The sporting achievements of the Paralympic athletes are, in this way, formidable sources of inspiration and examples for all of us. UNESCO is proud to join the WeThe15 movement and its unique coalition to build a world that puts inclusion front and centre.” Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “One of the reasons why I was inspired to create the Invictus Games was to help destigmatise physical and invisible injuries and give the men and women who have experienced them a platform to show the world that they and we can accomplish anything, when we put our mind to it. Everybody at the Invictus Games Foundation is honoured to join the WeThe15 campaign and believe in its mission to inspire meaningful change in communities around the world.” Launch activities on 19 August To mark the launch of WeThe15 several high-profile activities are planned. For further information about WeThe15 please visit www.WeThe15.org and follow @WeThe15 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Scuba Diving for people with disabilities – Follow your dreams
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) the world’s largest ocean exploration and diver organisation is highlighting the work of two Paralympians who are helping to inspire people with disabilities to take up Scuba Diving and show that having a disability shouldn’t hold you back from your dreams Diving is an inclusive sport – Divers are all equal underwater and we all speak the same language. Through PADI’s Adaptive diving courses, divers and instructors learn how to better support their dive buddies and students with varying physical and mental abilities, so all can seek adventure and save the ocean. Becoming a PADI certified diver has helped veterans with PTSD and other life-altering injuries, Paralympians, individuals with spinal paralysis and countless others to find healing and transform their lives above the surface as much as it does below. Alana Nichols of the USA and Edina Müller from Germany have been competing at the Paralympics since 2008. Both have spinal injuries and require wheelchairs, but the two athletes have found freedom in the underwater world and are encouraging more people with disabilities to learn to dive. On 24th August, the world is reuniting for the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. This once in every four-year event brings the best athletes together for the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet with the goal of building a better world through sport. But Paralympians past, present and future don’t just wait every four years to take action for a better planet. From every corner of the globe Paralympians are masking up as PADI Scuba Divers to create balance between humanity and the ocean and inspire others to follow in their footsteps once again. Alana Nichols: American Paralympian (2008-2021), Wheelchair Basketball, Kayaking and Alpine Skiing Alana Nichols has always been a competitive and motivated athlete. She was an up-and-coming snowboarder when she broke her back in a freak accident attempting a flip while snowboarding at 17, resulting in a spinal cord injury. But that didn’t stop her from becoming a Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball player, Sprint Kayaker and Alpine Skier—competing in six Paralympic Games and preparing to compete in her seventh in Tokyo this month. She has led by example, breaking down barriers for those that are disabled, becoming the first ever winner of the female adaptive surf competition and both a Winter and Summer Paralympic athlete and gold medalist. But she also continues to inspire others underwater, showing that being a PADI Open Water Diver is an inclusive sport, while mentoring other divers with disabilities. What inspired Alana to take up diving: “There were two reasons that I wanted to become a certified diver with PADI. Firstly, I love the ocean and have always had a nagging curiosity to know what’s below the surface! Secondly, I have a good friend that’s PADI certified and he and I are long time trash talkers. He bet me I couldn’t do it… I said, game on!” Alana received her PADI Open Water certification with Leo Morales, a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor from Cozumel who lost his leg due to cancer. What skills has Alana acquired from diving: “The skills I have learned from diving have helped me as a Paralympian, especially in managing feelings of anxiety and thinking critically and clearly, those skills absolutely transfer both ways! I would encourage other Paralympians to consider getting certified because diving is a great way to calm your mind and focus on your breath which is super helpful when competing at a high level.” blog.padi.com/gold-medalist-padi-diver-alana-nichols Edina Müller: German Paralympian, Wheelchair Basketball and Kayaking (2008, 2012, 2016, 2021) On top of the water, Edina Müller is one of the fastest Paralympic kayakers in the world, having won Paralympic Gold and Silver, along with setting Paralympic and World Record for her specialty, the K1 200m sprint. Her sights are set on gold this month at the Tokyo Paralympics as well. But she is also a sports therapist, PADI Rescue Diver and PADI Freediver who is equally passionate about showing the therapeutic benefits of the ocean and diving with her patients. Edina was a competitive volleyball player who, as a teenager, developed a blood clot and was diagnosed with paraplegia. She tried a variety of para-sports and ultimately focused on wheelchair basketball. After being a two-time Olympic medalist at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympics, she switched over to para-canoe sprint and won a silver medal at the 2016 Paralympics. She got into diving because she wanted to take up an activity that would counterbalance the constant expectation for her to go higher, faster, farther. 2021 Tokyo Olympics: Edina will be representing Germany at the Paralympics in Tokyo, competing in para-canoe sprint. She tells us: “I wasn’t thinking about Tokyo at all until Rio was over. But at the Closing Ceremony in Rio, I heard that the next one would be in Tokyo, and I thought, ‘well, why not try for Tokyo too?’ My goal isn’t necessarily to win a gold medal. It’s just to accomplish all the little tasks I’ve set for myself, one by one. I think as I do that, I’ll be able to figure out what kind of goal I should set for myself two years from now.” Diving Involvement: Edina balances her time as a para-athlete with working as a sports therapist. She started a programme to get others facing injury to try diving and experience it for the first time. She is also an advocate for protecting the ocean and works to preserve local ecosystems for others to explore. “Water is barrier free, allowing you to feel weightless and experience the freedom of movement once again” blog.padi.com/gold-medalist-padi-diver-alana-nichols To follow in these Paralympians’ footsteps, join them as fellow PADI Torchbearers who protect and explore the ocean. About PADI PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) is the world’s largest ocean exploration and diver organisation, operating in 186 countries and territories, with a global network of more than 6,600 dive centers and resorts and over 128,000 professional members worldwide. Issuing more than 1 million certifications each year, and with over 28 million certifications to date, PADI enables people
Tyler Saunders – Your disability doesn’t define you
As the Tokyo Paralympics begins, here at Ucan2 magazine we are talking to people from across the UK who have not let their disabilities hold them back. Once such person is Tyler Saunders a Maximuscle fitness expert and ambassador, his story is an inspiration to us all. Introducing Tyler Saunders My name is Tyler Saunders. I’m 38 years old and work as a Personal Trainer, online Fitness Coach and Maximuscle ambassador. I’m not like most PT’s – I was born with my right leg missing from the hip, and don’t wear a prosthetic to hide it. For most of my younger years I wore the prosthetic to fit in and look ‘normal’, as a kid back then it wasn’t that cool to be ‘different’. Growing up I was the only person with a disability I knew so blending in was a high priority for me. In my early 20’s I made the transition to using crutches full time, and as challenging it was from a self-conscious standpoint, it was actually liberating because I wasn’t in pain all the time. I discovered wheelchair basketball in 2007 which helped change my life for the better. I joined the GB Men’s Senior Squad in 2008 (after Beijing) and was in the program until 2015, where my career took a new path and led me to the fitness industry. Even after gaining my qualification, I didn’t think people would take me seriously as a PT due to my impaired mobility. But was I wrong! The fact that despite my disability, I was still able to live an active life, look after my body and not let my physical limitation dictate what I could/couldn’t do – made people want to work with me. People would say to me ‘If you can do it, then what’s my excuse?’ People with disabilities are doing amazing things in the world right now. I’m happy that we live in a time where we are able to see first-hand what incredible beings we all are. With the Tokyo Paralympics due soon, it again will be a chance for the athletes to show the world how awesome we actually are. If you’re a PWD (person with a disability) and want to get into some sort of sport, there’s no better time than now. With the power of the Internet and social media it’s never been easier to discover and take part in recreational (and potentially Elite) sport! I still play Wheelchair Basketball. I’m going to try Amputee Football. I’m about to try Brazilian Ju Jitsu. I’ve done Tough Mudders & Spartan Races. I’ve competed at the National Fitness Games multiple times. I’ve been on ITV’s Ninja Warrior. Life is all about challenges and we become better versions of ourselves through challenge. ‘The only disability in life is a bad attitude’ Credit to www.maximuscle.com
Being disabled doesn’t mean you can’t challenge yourself – Legs4Africa
As the world gears up for the first day of the Tokyo Paralympics, here at Ucan2 Magazine we are championing on all the Paralympians who will be participating. Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t challenge yourself and go onto great things and the Paralympics is one such platform that showcases this. Coinciding with the first day is the launch of an amazing charities fundraising campaign: Leg up, raising money to help the people of Gambia. Legs4Africa was established in 2013 after founder Tom Williams took a trip to The Gambia. Tom was introduced to a gentleman called Paul who needed a prosthetic leg urgently, and his search began. Once back in the UK, Tom was able to successfully source a prosthetic leg for Paul. During this process, he discovered that access to affordable prosthetic legs was a problem faced by over a million people with limb differences on the African continent. Evie Dickinson, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Legs4Africa has been at the forefront of raising awareness and speaking with various organisations to encourage individuals to recycle their prosthetics to give people their independence back, she comments: Since 2014, our charity has recycled hundreds of prosthetic legs that would have otherwise, unbelievably, ended up in landfill. Our work has enabled us to help over 9,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa to be active once again. Aside from providing this practical aid, we have also been able to support community engagement and emotional rehabilitation. When you lose a leg through illness or an accident the trauma is significant. Through our one to one and group programmes we are able to provide holistic support to those that need it most. We know, first hand, how much our work is helping many people in Africa rebuild their lives, literally one step at a time and we want to do more. We have been fortunate to gain the support of Paralympians Julie Rogers (Team GB sprinter) and wheelchair basketball athlete Joe Beswick, (former Team GB, now representing Germany,) which has given us the inspiration for our fundraising campaign. Giving people the ultimate Leg Up On Tuesday August 24th, 2021, to coincide with the first day of the Tokyo Paralympics, we are launching our biggest ever fundraising campaign: Leg Up, with the ultimate aim of raising over £100,000 to continue our vital rehabilitation programmes in The Gambia. This campaign will run until December 24th, online and offline and is being match funded by a generous and modest long-term friend of Legs4Africa who wishes to remain anonymous, meaning every penny donated is doubled. Over the four months we hope to shine a light on limb difference, change public perceptions of disability, and ultimately raise £100,000 for our crucial programmes in The Gambia. We want to encourage as many people as possible to be a part of Legs4Africa’s legacy and give as many people as we can in The Gambia the ultimate leg up. Our Paralympians sporting experience Julie Rogers’ life transformed once she became involved in competitive sports, as she states: “I originally got into disability sport as a way to get back to being healthy and fit – following a period of isolation as a child. I did all sorts of sports growing up, including swimming and martial arts. My twin brother (able bodied) was a constant motivation and encouraged me to be active – he did everything competitively! I drew away from sport when I felt I was different to my peers and got pretty unfit between ages 7-10. I tried sitting volleyball when I was 10 and was selected to train with the GB women’s squad, this then resulted in my selection for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. I felt comfortable in this environment, and this facilitated a growth in mindset, confidence as well as my physical ability to be a stronger human.” “Following the games, at just 13 years old, I was keen for a new challenge. I was given a running blade and the rest has been history. I’ve been fortunate enough to participate as a 100m sprinter at the World Junior Champs, Rio 2016 Paralympics and London 2017 World Champs. Having the opportunity to take part in sport, whether it’s a level playing field amongst para sport or having the freedom to be active in local community events is extremely rewarding – the benefits in all aspects of life isn’t one to be underestimated.” “For those wanting to get into sport, I’d say the hardest part is figuring out what you’d like to do! But that’s offset by the fact you’re not limited to any one thing. The easy part is reaching out to relevant sports clubs/groups and just going for it. Different sports do different things, but Google is an awesome tool. Communities are more accepting than you may think and having a limb difference doesn’t dictate or determine your ability to get involved and get better. Everybody within a sport at whatever level, is there to better themselves and all things positive. So be fearless and have fun!” “The value and freedom a prosthesis gives to an amputee is something that is definitely taken for granted. The reality of others not having the same privilege has to be changed, which is why I think Legs4Africa is such a great charity to get behind.” We have been working with Julie Rogers since 2019, when she donated a bag full of children’s prosthetic legs. In May 2020 she became our official ambassador and has been influential in the planning and launch of the Leg Up campaign. Julie continues: “During the Paralympics, these wonderful superhumans get to show exactly what they’re capable of, it’s really important for us to donate to Legs4Africa to support Leg Up throughout this period because it’s literally giving people in Africa the opportunity to take their first step into an active lifestyle.” Joe Bestwick didn’t come from a particularly sporty family, but his grandad encouraged him to be active and try different sports. It took a letter from
Unlocking potential through horse riding
Bethany Parkin began riding at Batley Hall Riding School when she was seven-years-old as her parents wanted to find an outlet for her complex emotions and help to improve her focus. At first, Bethany wouldn’t communicate with staff or engage with the other children but once she sat on a horse she immediately changed and became a chatty, confident young girl who was a pleasure to teach. Gradually, Bethany began to look forward to her weekly riding lesson and even joined the centre’s Pony Club. Seeing her new found confidence and dedication, Bethany’s parents Tracy and Lee took the bold step to buy Bethany her own pony. Henry and Bethany instantly clicked and even though Henry was just four-years-old and very green, Bethany worked hard to ensure Henry became a safe and sensible ride – her ability is reflected in the fact that Henry is now a real favourite in the Batley Hall Riding School. Now 14 years on, Bethany is a volunteer at the riding school and having grown too tall for Henry, she is now the proud owner of a skewbald sports horse called Lady. As an accomplished rider she is working towards competing Lady across all disciplines. Heather Taylor from Batley Riding School has nothing but praise for Bethany: “Bethany is a great person to have on the yard and always has time for anyone who needs help. She has become invaluable during our Accessibility Mark sessions for children with both physical and learning disabilities, as she has a great understanding of the children and their needs. “She is just one of our success stories and it just proves to us as a riding school what a positive effect horses can have on people.” Here Bethany tells us in her own words how horses and riding has had a profound effect on her life. What made you decide to take up riding? I tried other sports like swimming and gymnastics but was advised that I needed one to one lessons as I became a hazard when I was in a group activity and horse riding gave me that. How has horse riding helped you? It’s helped with my confidence a lot and I found it easier to talk to people at the centre as horses became the only thing I was interested in. I have made lots of great friends at the yard and I always looked forward to going more than anything! I never felt judged or pushed to do better, there was no goal to achieve but to enjoy just being able to be myself. Tell us a bit about your favourite horse or pony I can’t choose! Henry will always be the horse that got me to where I am now. We just connected when I first saw him and he understood me, he would follow me around the field. We entered a horse show at Upper Batley and won lots of rosettes – he just looked after me. I have learnt so much more with Lady, we are like one. We have done our first dressage test and go on long hacks; our confidence is growing all the time. I feel very lucky that I still get to see Henry at the yard every day. What is your biggest riding achievement and do you have any goals for the future? My biggest achievement is entering the dressage competition and having to remember all the movements and directions, I hope to start show jumping soon. In the future I hope to be a vet for big animals and look after horses. What do you enjoy about being a volunteer and what jobs do you do? I started out scared and misunderstood and the horses knew that. They know when someone sits on them if they are inexperienced or just learning. I love to see children in the same position I was a few years ago, now happy and smiling. I help out with mucking out, tacking up, bathing horses, feeding and helping to lead during lessons. Sum up what horses mean to you. Horses have been my life from that first one to one lesson, through Pony Club, helping out on the yard at the weekend, to finally getting my own horse – Batley Riding School has become my second home. I love the outdoors and being active, I am a happier, more confident and calmer person than I ever thought I could be. I am looking forward to the future; I am doing really well at school too and hope to be able to go to university. Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by the RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that it can offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure it provides a first-class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial to riders of varying levels of disability. There are currently 53 Accessibility Mark-approved centres across the country. To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk
Horse riding for disabled children – the perfect staycation holiday
A holiday activity can sometimes inspire a lifelong hobby and with many families choosing a staycation over a trip abroad this year, now could be the ideal time to have a go at something new. Finding an activity for disabled children and adults can sometimes be more of a challenge, with fewer options available. Horse riding is a great holiday activity and there are several Accessibility Mark accredited centres close to UK holiday hotspots. Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by the RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that it can offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure it provides a first-class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial to riders of varying levels of disability. The south coast has a number of Accessibility Mark centres across Hampshire, Cornwall and Dorset, with centres also in other popular holiday destinations such as Yorkshire and Norfolk, all providing fantastic riding experiences for disabled people. Louise Buckner, Centre Manager at Island Riding Centre based in the stunning location of the Isle of Wight said: “At Island Riding Centre we have the most wonderful facilities for disabled riders, including one of the Island’s few Changing Places facilities and a range of self-catering holiday accommodation suitable for disabled people with ground floor bedrooms, wet rooms and even adjustable height kitchen worktops. “The site is fully accessible for wheelchair users and has a motorised para-rider hoist to help with mounting, and large indoor and outdoor arenas. Anyone who is visiting the area over the summer months is more than welcome to book a session or even a riding holiday available all year round. It also provides an opportunity for all the family to get involved with one activity together.” Taking to the saddle has many benefits for people with both physical and mental disabilities, from the sense of freedom felt when on the horse to being able to connect with other people enjoying the same activity. Wherever you are holidaying this summer there is sure to be an Accessibility Mark approved centre close by, so book your lesson today! To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk
Bristol charity workers prepare to skydive for people with learning disabilities
A graphic designer from Bristol is preparing to skydive for the first time in ten years after previously experiencing a canopy malfunction, to raise money for the national learning disabilities charity, Hft. Sarah Connop, together with her colleague, Matt Rogers, who both work in Hft’s External Communications team, will be free falling for around 50 seconds from a height of 10,000ft at speeds of up to 120mph to raise funds for the cause. Matt will be overcoming his fear of heights to take on his first ever skydive, while Sarah, who previously took up skydiving hasn’t jumped since experiencing a canopy malfunction. On her sixth solo jump, she experienced what is known as a ‘line over’. This meant after the chute was released one of the lines became tightly stretched over the inflated canopy instead of being underneath it. The result was an uncontrollable spin and Sarah needed to cut away the canopy before deploying the reserve chute. Sarah, 44, from Bradley Stoke, said she has always intended to jump again and had booked to do so on a couple of occasions but been forced to cancel due to bad weather conditions. She feels skydiving to raise money for Hft was just the opportunity she was looking for. “Throughout the pandemic, our frontline care staff have worked so hard to keep the people they support safe,” said Sarah. “Their stories of courage during a time of adversity have been truly inspirational. I am hoping some of that courage will rub off on me as this will be my first jump in ten years since experiencing a canopy malfunction. I am feeling a little nervous but I think this is just the right cause to get me back up in the air again. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the rush of the freefall and then seeing the world appear through the clouds.” Sarah will be jumping on Saturday 21st August at Dunkeswell airfield in Honiton together with her co-worker, Matt, 42, from Fishponds. The pair will be among the skydivers taking part in Hft’s Summer Plunge at various airfields across the country to raise money for the charity which supports adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible. Matt said: “I’m looking forward to the fall itself but I am terrified of heights so I am most scared of initially jumping from the plane. However, knowing I am raising money for Hft hardens my resolve to do this. The charity’s work is vital and incredible at the best of times, but even more so during the Covid-19 pandemic. Support workers have gone above and beyond to keep the people they support safe during lockdown. That has motivated me to do my first ever challenge event and confronting my long-standing fear of heights felt like the way to go. To sponsor Sarah and Matt please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarahconnop77 and https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mattrogers79 Anyone interested in finding out further information or signing up to take part in the event can visit www.hft.org.uk/get-involved/events/summer-plunge/
All you need to know about the Motability scheme UK
So many of us take our freedom for granted, we can simply head to a forecourt, pick a model of car we like (and can afford), get behind the wheel and drive away that day. Without even considering how important this car will become to our life, we use it to get everywhere from commuting to and from work, to picking up the kids from school. Unfortunately, not everyone has that freedom. For people living with a disability, or with a disability in the family, finding a car to suit their needs can be incredibly difficult. What’s more, disability can affect a family’s earning potential and an adapted car built to accommodate disability can be more expensive than a standard model. This can leave families somewhat stranded, compounding the difficulty of tasks many of us take for granted. Which is where the Motability Scheme comes into play – a government-back incentive designed to help disabled drivers regain their independence by providing access to allowance-covered cars. To provide more insight into the Motability Scheme – Chris Adams, Operations Director of car dealership Brindley Group, answers some of the most common questions. What is the Motability Scheme? The Motability Scheme helps families affected by disability to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair, giving them greater freedom to carry out everyday tasks. The scheme covers almost all of the costs of owning and running a vehicle, as long as a member of the family is eligible for a relevant allowance. The scheme isn’t just for disabled people who wish to drive themselves – carers and parents of children with a disability can also apply. This is great for carers and parents of disabled children who need specific models or specially-adapted cars with additional space, increased access or special features. Whilst some families affected by disability may not require the Motability scheme, it is especially helpful for those who are struggling to afford the vehicle that will really improve their quality of life. What are the benefits of the Motability Scheme? The simplicity of the Motability Scheme is perhaps one of its great advantages. If you are eligible for (or already receiving) certain allowances (which I’ll cover later), then these can automatically cover the leasing and running costs of cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs. Not only will your allowance pay for the car, it’ll also cover insurance for up to three named drivers, servicing, maintenance, tyre and windscreen repair. You’ll even get breakdown cover courtesy of the scheme! Furthermore, it’s possible to get a huge range of different vehicles from top manufacturers as part of the scheme, as well as specially-adapted cars. This is great if you’re a keen petrolhead – you don’t have to compromise on the make and model as part of the scheme. For wheelchair users, there’s a great range of WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles) available – with extended leases of five years. For disabled people with very specific needs, the costs of manually adapting a vehicle can also be covered by the scheme – really opening it up to a greater number of families. The insurance is also very comprehensive, covering the following: There is also a generous mileage allowance of 20,000/year – significantly higher than many standard leasing terms! We find this is ideal for families with disabled children who may have to regularly drive great distances for specialist schools and medical appointments. How does the Motability Scheme Work? The Scheme works by exchanging all or part of your mobility allowance to lease your chosen vehicle at a price that works for you. The payments are deducted from your allowance every four weeks, before being paid directly to Motability UK by the Department for Work and Pensions. The standard lease is over three years, or five years if you are leasing a WAV. It really is that simple! From there, you can pick the make and model you like, and then enjoy the freedom than a Motability vehicle can provide! Am I eligible for the Motability Scheme? If you are new to the Scheme, you must have at least 12 months’ award length of your allowance remaining and receive one of the following mobility allowances: It’s worth noting that the Personal Independence Payment is a recently-added allowance that grants eligibility for the scheme. So, if you’ve been declined before, but receive PIP, then you could be entitled to lease a great new car, scooter or powered wheelchair! Once your lease is completed, you can simply lease a new vehicle – provided you still have at least 12 months of your allowance remaining. What if my allowance doesn’t cover the Motability Scheme? If you’re struggling to afford the right mobility solution to meet your needs, then Motability may be able to provide you with some financial aid, including grants that can be put towards Advance Payments for cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), driving lessons and extra adaptations. The Motability Scheme is all about helping more people enjoy the freedom of vehicle ownership. So, if you’re concerned that you’re not eligible or can’t afford the vehicle you require – just talk to your local Motability-approved garage. They’ll help you discover what you’re entitled to, and direct you to your perfect car. Can I add or transfer any adaptations on my Motability vehicle? You can add multiple adaptations during your lease, but you’ll have to inform Motability’s Customer Services team as well as RSA. When adding adaptations, you’ll need to use a Motability Adaptations installer. It’s worth noting that many of the most common adaptations are available at no extra cost when fitted at the start of your lease. In terms of transferring previous adaptations, it depends on whether they’re suited to your new car. Your adaptation installer will be able to advise if your existing ones can be transferred, plus they can point out which cars may be best suited to them. For the majority of cases, there is no extra cost for the transferal of adaptations at