Real Power - wheelchairusers.org.uk folder/newsletter.pdf · A Combined Approach to Independent...
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Real Power Page 2 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 3 Page 4 Welcome - Holiday ideas News on Personal Support Individual Budgets Report Aids & Equipment Membership KASS Self Directed Support (SDS) Living made easy Website Pages 9 -10 Personalisation of Support Services DLA for visually impaired Department of Health Consultation Real Power Newsletter Summer 2009 Issue 3 The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of CiLK/Iam or WUG, and although every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained there-in is accurate and up to date, CiLK or WUG take no responsibility for any errors or omissions. CONTENTS DDA Landmark accessibility ruling The RADAR Key Scheme Page 12 Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Page 13 Contacts Page 14 A combined approach to independent living for disabled people providing liberty, equality and independence. Wheelyboat Trust Council Tax Reduction Scheme Page 15 Page 16 Mobility and freedom Page 11
Transcript of Real Power - wheelchairusers.org.uk folder/newsletter.pdf · A Combined Approach to Independent...
Real Power
Page 2
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 3
Page 4
Welcome - Holiday ideas
News on Personal Support
Individual Budgets Report
Aids & Equipment
Membership
KASS Self Directed Support (SDS)Living made easy Website
Pages 9 -10
Personalisation of Support Services
DLA for visually impairedDepartment of Health Consultation
Real PowerNewsletter
Summer2009
Issue 3
The views expressed inthis newsletter are notnecessarily those ofCiLK/Iam or WUG,and although every
effort has been madeto ensure that the
information containedthere-in is accurate
and up to date,CiLK or WUG takeno responsibility
for any errorsor omissions.
CONTENTS
DDA Landmark accessibility rulingThe RADAR Key Scheme
Page 12
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
Page 13
Contacts
Page 14
A combined approach to independent living for disabled peopleproviding liberty, equality and independence.
Wheelyboat Trust
Council Tax Reduction Scheme
Page 15
Page 16
Mobility and freedom Page 11
A Combined Approach to Independent Living for DisabledPeople Providing Liberty, Equality and Independence.Page 2
This moderncottagebungalow has3 bedrooms,ensuite wetroom, plentyof room to
manoeuvre and a wonderful relaxingatmosphere will help make yourholiday a happy one.
Special September rate.Tel: 01757 248203, or visit website:www.southnewlands.co.uk
Welcome to our summer edition of Real Power. At last thewarmer weather is here, so let’s hope for the long hot summerwe deserve! Enjoy Real Power, and any comments on whatyou would like to see more of are gratefully received.
Holiday Cottage Yorkshire‘Pound Cottage’ is an ideal base fordiscovering Yorkshire. 15minutes drive from York and itswealth of history, the Dales, moors,coast all within an hour's drive.
TenerifeSt. Miguel
Scandinavianstyle chaletwith Hydropooloverlooking sea. In the grounds ofthe chalet there is a highly qualifiedPhysiotherapist available who trainedin 1989, specialising in illnesses likeMS, ME etc., additionally training inTraditional Chinese Acupuncture.
The bungalow sleeps 4 with 1bedroom; sitting room with put-u-up;kitchen; bathroom with shower. Thereis a large garden facing South withMount Teide behind.
Contact details:
UK: Maureen (0044) 01223 316050Ten:Marianne (0034) 666 523 409Eml: [email protected]: [email protected]
Page 3A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
News on Personal Support
The government's efforts topersonalise social care services arefailing to improve the lives of manydisabled people, a report has found.
The report, by the Commission forSocial Care Inspection (CSCI), looked atthe quality, range and availability ofsocial care services in the public, privateand voluntary sectors.
It found that in general, the careservices available to people who areentitled to support are better than theyhave ever been.
But it said that despite steadyimprovements, people with high supportneeds still experience an inflexible'one-size-fits-all' model of care that is notgeared towards their individual needs.
CSCI Chair Dame Denise Plattcommended the government's ambitionto transform the social care system. Butshe said that there was "a long way togo" to turn the government's policy intopractice.
Dame Denise said: "People whoneed social care should be seen asindividuals, first and foremost. Thesupport they receive should betailor-made, allowing people to live theirlives as they choose." She added: "If weget it right for people with complexneeds, it is likely that we'll get it right foreveryone."
Heather Honour, Director of theLearning Disability Coalition, said that theincrease in social care spend had failedto keep up with demand for services.
She added: "The harsh reality ofthis funding shortfall is being felt bypeople with a learning disability and their‘carers’ across the UK, with some of ourmost vulnerable citizens having theirsupport services reduced or withdrawncompletely."
Sue Bott, Director of the NationalCentre for Independent Living said that
it was "relatively good news" that morethan seventy three thousand people werereceiving direct payments and almostfive thousand were in receipt of individualbudgets. But she said that those figureswere "tiny" when set against the overallnumber of people receiving careservices.
She said that more social careprofessionals needed to put serviceusers at the heart of what they do andalso that service users needed moresupport to access information about whatthey are entitled to.
She said that the high number ofpeople in residential care made itdifficult to avoid the conclusion that somepeople are there against their will.
Care Services Minister Phil Hopethanked CSCI for a "comprehensive"report.
He added: "We are investing over£500 million to tailor more services toindividual needs. We will help councilsspread best practice quickly so that morecan share the benefits of personalisingservices."
Source: NCIL Newsletter
STOP PRESS
The Healthcare Commission,Commission for Social CareInspection and the Mental HealthAct Commission ceased to existon 31 March 2009.
The Care Quality Commission is thenew health and social care regulatorfor England.
Visit their website for moreinformation at:
www.cqc.org.uk
Page 4A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
‘INDIVIDUAL BUDGETS REPORT’As many of you know, Individual Budgets are the latest development
in what is usually referred to as ‘self-directed support’. Unlike DirectPayments, which are funded only by social services, Individual Budgetsmay be funded by various sources, including Access to Work andSupporting People. The Government say this is to give disabled people‘more choice, flexibility and control over their personal care, as well as abetter quality of life.’
NCIL supports the rollout of Individual Budgets and has beenproviding support to members and Local Authorities involved in the pilotschemes. A detailed evaluation of the Individual Budget pilots has nowbeen published. To read the full report, go to:www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_089505or contact the DH Publications office on 0870 600 5522.
The report shows that Individual Budgets have brought positivechange to the lives of most disabled people who took part. The reportlooks at experiences across particular groups. Individual Budgets wereassessed as being especially effective for people with mental healthproblems, for younger physically disabled people and for people withlearning disabilities.
As one lead officer stated:‘People are actually living, not existing and they have stories that have
changed the hearts and minds of not only the care managers but of theelected members.’
However, the report states that some older people did not findIndividual Budgets easy to use and did not like the idea of managing theirown support. NCIL thinks this could have been due to insufficient orinappropriate support being provided.
One misconception revealed in the review is that people who receivean Individual Budget must take on all the administration and allresponsibility for managing the budget themselves. In fact, this need not bethe case and the disabled person’s views should be central in decidinghow – and by whom – Budgets are managed. The crucial point is that,however the budget is managed, it is the disabled person who decideshow it is spent.
NCIL welcomes the report’s positive findings and hopes thatpresent and future governments will honour its recommendations: Inparticular, we hope that further research will be undertaken to find out whysome groups had a better experience of Individual Budgets than others...
Article continued on page 5
Page 5A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
and how these challenges can be addressed.We believe that work should begin immediately on the culture change
recommended by the report so that inflexible service provider attitudesabout social care ‘boundaries’ do not inhibit people’s choice and creativity inthe use of their Budget. We agree with the recommendation that supportagencies need to develop new skills and new job roles in order to helppeople make the most of Budgets. Furthermore, we emphasise that CILsshould be at the heart of these developments and have the resources andcapacity to provide essential peer support and opportunities for sharingknowledge among disabled people.
NCIL is aware that some disabled people may find it difficult tobelieve that culture change and adequate resourcing will become areality. NCIL hopes that Local Authorities will rise to the challenge andplay their part in creating a social care sector fit for disabled people inthe twenty first century’.
Source NCIL
CiLK MembershipAs an organisation of disabled people, control rests with disabled
people. This is achieved by a two-tier membership structure in which onlydisabled people can become full voting members.
Non-disabled allies are welcome to join as associate members andlend their support if they are in agreement with our stated aims. An electedManagement Committee of full members manage and oversee theday-to-day affairs of the organisation on behalf of the membership.
Paid staff and volunteers, work on different projects and priorities,which are set by the management committee and line managed by thechairman or his/her deputy. Membership of CiLK is open to anyone aged 18years or over who lives or works within the geographical boundary of thecounty of Kent, which includes Medway.
If you would like to become a member, or would like to becomeinvolved in the work of the organisation we would be delighted to hear fromyou so give us a call 01622 355777. You can also email us at:[email protected] or visit our website to print off an application form.
CiLK contact address is:
c/o British Red Cross HQ, Kent Area Office, 25 College Road, Maidstone,Kent ME15 6SX.
Page 6A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
Kent Adult Social Services...Self Directed Support (SDS)People have told us that they wouldlike to direct their own support andhave greater control over how theylive their lives although not everyonewants the responsibility of employingstaff or managing the money.Kent Adult Social Services (KASS) iscommitted to “empowering people toidentify, choose and control thesupport or care they need to live lifeas they want” as set out in theDirectorate’s vision ‘Active Lives’.Government policy is equally clearabout the need to transform socialcare and deliver personalisedservices with greater choice andcontrol by 2011. This is set out in anumber of government documents,but nowhere more clearly than in‘Putting People First’ published inDecember 2007.
Self Directed Support (SDS)means: Better access to information,
advice and guidance to supportpeople in finding their ownsolutions
People will be able to selfassess with as much or as littlesupport as they need tocomplete the assessment
Everyone who is eligible forsocial care will have a personalbudget and know what moneythey have to plan their support
People will have control overthe way the money is spent, sothey can plan their own lives
Providing people with as muchor as little help in directing theirown support and managing themoney as they need.
For more information about SelfDirected Support you can view ourSDS factsheet at:http://www.kent.gov.uk/SocialCare/about-social-care/self-directed-support/Source KCC Website
Living made easy… Clear,practical advice andinformation on dailyliving equipmentThe DLF has launched a new web-site aimed at simplifying the processof choosing daily living aids.Living made easy has beenlaunched by the Disabled LivingFoundation (DLF), a charity whichoffers advice on daily livingequipment for disabled peopleand enablers/carers.
Editors comment… the Living madeeasy website will enable users tocompare products and makeinformed decisions about what mighthelp them in their daily lives.
The Living made easy website is atwww.livingmadeeasy.org.uk
Page 7A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
A sum of money given to youso that you can choose whosupports you and when.This can come out of yourIndividual or PersonalBudget.
Similar to anIndividual Budgetbut the moneycomes from justone pot - socialcare
A sum of money thatyou can use for thesupport needs youhave been assessedas having. Thismoney comes fromseveral pots.
Support services being adapted to suityour needs. Enabling people to havechoice and control over their support.
Giving youchoice, controland power overthe support youneed.
PERSONALISATION OF SUPPORT SERVICESPersonalisationServices adapted to suit your individual needs, giving choice and control.Self Directed SupportThis puts the individual in the driving seat. They can decide what support they need. It isclient led. It enables individuals to take control over the support they need. Individualscan make their own decisions over their support needs.Individual BudgetsThis is a pot of money that is given to an individual to purchase the support they need.The money comes from various sources including social care and health. The individualwill know how much money they have to spend on the support services they require.They can use this money as a Direct Payment or to have other services.Personal BudgetSimilar to individual budgets but coming from one source - social care.Direct PaymentsThis is money given to an individual so that they can purchase the support they need inthe way they want to. Direct Payments can buy equipment, support from a PA or supportfrom Agencies. It enables the individual to choose who they want to give them support,when and how.
Department of Health Consultation on the Fairer ChargingGuidance in relation to personal budgets.Councils looking to revise their charging regimes may want to await theoutcome of a DH review of Fairer Charging guidance before implementingchanges. DH is undertaking the review in relation to personal budgets aspart of the work to help local authorities transform their social care sys-tems. A national consultation on a proposed way of calculating a person’scontribution to their personal budget began on 26 January 2009 and endedon 19 April.We await their report with interest!
For further information Contact:Department of Health,Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NSor telephone 020 7210 4850.
Page 8A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
Disability Living Allowanceextended to visually impaired
Visually impaired people will beeligible to claim a higher rate ofDisability Living Allowance (DLA)the Government has announced.Ministers made the announcementduring the debate on the secondreading of the welfare reform bill inthe House of Commons after anamendment tabled by the LabourMP John Robertson was approved.It means that as of 2011, severelyvisually impaired people claimingthe lower rate of the mobilitycomponent of DLA will be able toclaim the higher rate which iscurrently worth an additional £29 perweek.DWP estimates suggest that around20 thousand people would beeligible.
Doing Money Differently is RADAR’snew guide to dealing with personalfinances while managing ill health,injury or disability (IID).
In these credit crunch times thisguide will be really useful…
Phone RADAR for more detailsabout obtaining a copy.
RADAR: 12 City Forum, 250 CityRoad, London, EC1V 8AF.By phone: 020 7250 3222
Why not visit their website @
www.radar.org
£££DoingMoneyDifferently
Page 9A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
RGK provide a wide range ofwheelchairs that can cater forany lifestyle…Whatever your requirements,whether you are a growing child, anactive adult, or a less-active senior,RGK can make to measuresomething to suit everyone – order abrochure at www.rgklife.com
Their Online Shop is NOW OPENwhere you can purchase wheelchairparts and accessories anytime youlike - their online prices are at least10% CHEAPER than ordering overthe phone…
A really useful wheelchair bag andrucksack available direct from theironline shop to carry all your bits andpieces!!!
Wheelchair bagOnline price£9.00
WheelchairRucksackOnline price£19.00
www.rgklife.com
MORE POWER TO YOURELBOWIs now available, from GeraldSimmonds Healthcare their newe-motion M15 isthe latest versionof the e-motionpowerdrive fromAlber, combiningease of mobilitywith therapeuticbenefit. e-motionM15 fits mostcommercially available manualwheelchairs and requires minimaleffort to push. You can travel longerdistances in your own manualwheelchair, negotiating slopes andramps easily and without assistance.State of the art lithium-ion batteriesgive massively increased range - upto 15 miles depending on conditions.
For more details or to arrange ademonstration, call FREE on0800 220975.
www.thewheellife.comThe Wheel Life Guide website provides adirectory of information on all leisure andlifestyle activities for the wheelchairuser. They have information on sportsactivities, Clothes designed with thewheelchair user in mind, holiday locations,dating, theatre & arts companies, newwheelchair designs and much much more.
Visit their site now...and find something new today!!
Wheelchair Users Group
Page 10A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
Introducing NUDrive
NuDrive is the innovative new lever-drivepropulsion accessory for manualwheelchairs, providing more mobility andimproving physical well-being.
With NuDrive you don't need to propel yourchair by gripping the wheel rims by hand;instead, you can propel yourself forwards,backwards, manoeuvre and brake, simplyby pushing the levers.
Existing clinical research indicates thatlever-drives shift the shoulder loading andcan reduce shoulder degradation andinjury. NuDrive makes the benefits of lever-drives available to wheelchair users at anaffordable price; simply attach the NuDrivemobility aid to your existing chair and startenjoying greater independence today.
NuDrive Benefits… Reduces the forceneeded to self-propel by up to 40% -Protects hands and wrists, and improveshygiene - Improves posture - Reduces the
risk of shoulder degradation and injury byshifting shoulder loading - Easily attachesto almost any manual wheelchair with 24"metal spoked wheels - Lightweight DriveUnits (1.5kg) and Wheel Adaptors (1.1kg)can be transported easily - Great bothindoors and outdoors, on normal or difficultterrain.
NuDrive consists of two Drive Unitsand two Wheel Adaptors; one pair for eachwheel. Its 'Snap-Lock' technology allowsthe Wheel Adaptor to be fitted in seconds,without altering any of the wheelconfigurations. Once in place, thelightweight design adds no width and canbe left unobtrusively positioned on thewheel also allowing unhindered removal ofthe wheels for transport. When you want touse NuDrive, the Drive Units can simply beclicked into place and then removed whenfinished.
NuDrive enables easier forwards andbackwards propulsion, manouvering,and braking and features an inclusivecontrol system that requires no hand orfinger dexterity - all control is achievedthrough simple arm and shouldermovements.NuDrive Wheelchair Lever Drive Propul-sion Attachment costs - £395.00 (ex VAT)or £454.25 (inc VAT)Available from EPC WheelchairsTELEPHONE: 01252 547939FAX: 01252 377588EMAIL: [email protected]:43 Alexandra Road, Farnborough,Hampshire, GU14 6BS.You can visit their showroom or give thema call. They are open between 9:30am -5pm Monday to Friday (Saturday byappointment only). Their sales team willhappily answer any questions you mayhave.
Page 11A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
Mobility and freedomMobility outside the home is vital forindependence, particularly for disabledpeople and also older people with mobilitydifficulties. The Mobility Centre, which is anaccredited member of the Forum of MobilityCentres, offers assessment, the opportunityfor product trial, training and advice. Wesell nothing except our expertise.
Being able to drive gives us independenceand freedom. When a medical conditionmeans that it is best not to drive for a whileit can be difficult getting back behind thewheel. When you feel ready, a practicalassessment will provide you with theinformation you need to decide whether it ispossible to return to driving safely. For non-drivers, help to achieve independent localmobility as a passenger or through use of a4mph pavement vehicle such as a scooteror powered wheelchair can make all thedifference.
Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for DisabledPeople is a registered charity No 251051and a company limited by guarantee.Contact details:Mobility Centre, Damson Way, FountainDrive, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 4NRFor more information, please contact
Tel: 020 8770 1151, Fax: 020 8770 1211orEmail: [email protected]
Self-catering holiday bungalowNumber 31 is a wheelchair accessible self-catering bungalow in Christchurch, Dorset.
It sleeps up to six with 2 bedrooms andsofa bed in lounge. The main bedroom hasa ceiling hoist and bed raiser to one of thesingle beds. The bathroom also has aceiling hoist to both wheel-in-shower andClos-o-mat toilet, with drop down seat inthe shower plus separate shower chair.
All appliances are accessible to wheelchairusers in the low-level kitchen. There isample off-road parking and a level accessgarden with large patio. The tariff includeselectricity, gas, a set of bed linen, towelsand tea towels. The owner welcomesGuide and Assistance dogs but cannotaccept other pets.
Christchurch is a lovely market town, that isrelatively flat with a number of accessibleshops and places to eat. The owner is awheelchair user and has plenty of localknowledge regarding access to the area. Itis within easy reach of local beaches, theNew Forest, Salisbury, Southampton andthe World Heritage sites of Stonehengeand the Jurassic Coast of Dorset.
For details on availability and cost,telephone 01202 481597, orE-mail: [email protected]: www.31aha.co.uk
Page 12A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
The Wheelyboat Trust…..is a registered charity dedicated toproviding disabled people with theopportunity and freedom to enjoywaters large and small all over theUK. Our role is to help andencourage venues open to the publicto acquire Wheelyboats for theirdisabled visitors and to help groupsand organisations acquireWheelyboats for their own use.
Our vision is straightforward - openaccess for disabled people on waterseverywhere via a range ofWheelyboat models to meeteverybody’s needs.
Whether it's for the scenery orwildlife, sport or recreation, educationor rehabilitation, lochs, reservoirs,lakes, ponds, rivers and canals are a
magnet to millions of visitorsthroughout the year.
However, by their very nature,access on and around these watersfor wheelchair users and others with
limited mobility is very muchrestricted. But our specially designedWheelyboats overcome all thedifficulties.
Wheelyboats provide their disabledusers with the dignity of their ownindependence: they make the entirewater accessible, are simplicity itselfto board via the roll-on, roll-off bowramp and the level deck providesaccess to every corner of the boatincluding the helm.
If you require more information aboutthe work of the Trust, or if you wouldlike to explore the possibility ofobtaining a Wheelyboat includingarranging a demonstration, pleasecontact: Andy Beadsley – Directorby email at [email protected] telephone 01798 342222
Disability Information Services Kentoffer a FREE and confidential informationservice for disabled and older people, theirenablers/carers and health and social careprofessionals. Also helps with benefitforms etc...Telephone 01303 226464
Page 13A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
Council Tax Reduction SchemeThe council tax reduction scheme (also known as the disabled bandreduction discount) is administered by your local authority.
What is the Council Tax Reduction Scheme?You can get a reduction if you or any other resident in your household has a permanentdisability. Your local authority can let you know more about what they mean bypermanent disability. You must meet at least one of the three following conditions:
1 You have an additional bathroom or kitchen needed by the disabled person2 You have a room (other than a bathroom kitchen or toilet) needed by andpredominately used by that person3 You have enough space in that dwelling to use a wheelchair indoorsThere is no clear definition about who is considered as being substantially andpermanently disabled, although it is clear it includes people who have become disabledin later life.
Equally there is no clear definition of what it means for the disabled person to need theroom for a wheelchair, except that it must be essential or of major importance to his/herwellbeing, by reason of the nature or extent of his/her disability.The council tax reduction scheme is not limited to dwellings specially constructed oradapted to provide a room or wheelchair space.If you are entitled to a reduction your council tax will be reduced to the next band down.If you are on the lowest band, this will be reduced by one sixth.
How do I make a claim?Contact your local authority for an application form. The person liable for the council taxhas to make the application. Your local authority may have a welfare liaison officer whocan advise you further.If you think you may have been eligible for a disability reduction in the past, you may beable to get this backdated. At present there is no time limit to this.
How do I make an appeal?If you want to appeal, then contact your local council in the first instance (there is notime limit for lodging an appeal)
If your appeal is unsuccessful you can make a further appeal, to the valuation tribunal(your local council, can let you know more about this)
Time limits apply to the second appeal and the tribunal will advise you of what they are.
A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.Page 14
Disability Discrimination ActNews - Friday 16th January 2009 sawa landmark accessibility ruling fordisabled people.
In the first ruling of its kind, a judgehas ordered the Royal Bank of Scotlandto install a lift so that a wheelchair usercan have the same access as any othercustomer.
'It is unlawful for businesses andpublic bodies to treat disabled people lessfavourably. But since the DisabilityDiscrimination Act came into force in1995, a judge has never before orderedan injunction to force an organisation tomake physical changes to its property sothat disabled people can gain access.'
'Mr. Allen's case will help ensurethat a great number of disabled people inBritain are able to access goods, facilitiesand services. His case was taken with thesupport of the Commission and he wasrepresented by the Sheffield Law Centre.'
A bank that failed to providewheelchair access for a disabledcustomer has been ordered by a court toinstall a platform lift and pay himcompensation.
On one occasion, David Allen, aged17, had to discuss his current accountdetails outside the Royal Bank ofScotland's Church Street branch inSheffield because he could not accessthe building.
The bank also suggested thatMr Allen use the nearest accessible RBSbranch, which was around 10 miles awayfrom his home.
Judge Dowse of Sheffield CountyCourt ruled that the Bank discriminatedagainst Mr Allen by not providing physicalaccess to wheelchair users in its ChurchStreet branch, and that the bank made noserious attempts to make the branchaccessible to wheelchair users asrequired under the law.
The judge granted Mr Allen aninjunction ordering the bank to installwheelchair access at its Church Streetbranch. RBS was also ordered to pay
£6,500 to Mr Allenas compensation.
The RADARKey Scheme(NKS) offersindependent accessto disabled peopleto around 8,000locked public toiletsaround the country.The Radar Key
Scheme enables these toilets to belocked, to prevent vandalism and misuse.This Premium easy-turn Radar key hasan extra wide head, making the key verysuitable for people who find them difficultto turn.The Radar Key scheme is often called theNational Key Scheme. RADAR, thegoverning charity, would like all providersof accessible toilets to keep their disabledtoilets unlocked if at all possible.However, due to vandalism, more oftenthan not these radar keys are an essentialitem. RADAR keys are available topurchase from most local council offices.
RADAR: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road,London, EC1V 8AF.Phone: 020 7250 3222Fax: 020 7250 0212Minicom: 020 7250 4119Email: [email protected]: www.radar.org
The 2009 Guide costs £12.95 inc postageand packing. Order online or order directfrom RADAR at the above address.
Page 15A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)Government Announce Improvements to the DFGprogramme that include:
The DFG budget has been immediately increased by 20 per cent,taking the annual budget up to £146 million in 2008-09. The budgetincreases to £156 million in 2009-10 and then to £166 million in 2010-11.Over the next three years the total funding increase is £45 million,representing an increase of 31 per cent in funding. Maximum grant limit will be raised to £30,000 from April 2008. Themaximum amount of grant available for a mandatory DFG increases from£25,000 to £30,000. The grant limit will be kept under review, subject tofurther resources. From April 2008 DFG applicants claiming council tax benefit, housingbenefit and tax credits for those on low incomes will no longer be requiredto provide any further financial information in addition to these benefits. People in receipt of working tax credit and child tax credit will no longerhave these payments counted as income in the DFG means test fromApril 2008. From April 2008 the legislation has been changed making access togardens a specific criterion for entitlement for the grant, where this isreasonable and practicable. Communities and Local Government will provide new national fundingthrough the National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society for rapidrepairs and minor adaptations from 2009, to enable around 125,000 moreolder people per year to get help with minor adaptations and repairs whenthey need it. Communities and Local Government are commissioning Foundations,the national co-ordinating body for Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs),to undertake the ‘Future Home Improvement Agency project’, drawing onexpertise from within the sector and beyond to develop a service whichwill offer more and better housing options as well as more predictable andsustainable services for all potential clients.
EDITORS NOTEThe proposal to change the DFG to Accessible Homes Grant will not betaken forward at this time. The Government intend to revisit this, linkedinto work on the DFG application form and means test.
Page 16A combined approach to independent living for disabledpeople providing liberty, equality and independence.
CiLK is registered as a charity,(Number 1107079) and is a
Company Limited by Guarantee(Number 4854897), with no
shareholders
CiLK is run, controlled andmanaged by disabled people.
CiLK is a full member of theNational Centre for Independent
Living (NCIL).
The views expressed in thisnewsletter are not necessarilythose of CiLK/Iam or WUG,and although every effort hasbeen made to ensure that theinformation contained therein
is accurate and up to date,CiLK or WUG take
no responsibility for anyerrors or omissions.
CiLKContact Details:
Centre for Independent Living Kentc/o British Red Cross HQ
25 College RoadMaidstone
Kent ME15 6SXTel: 01622 355777Fax: 01622 690012
Email: [email protected]: www.cilk.org.uk
CiLK Iam is a RADAR Member
NEXT EDITIONIf you have any articles or
stories that you would like to beincluded in the next ‘Real Power’newsletter then please contact
the CiLK office.Please make sure that articles
and stories reach us bySeptember 30th 2009
Contact Details:
Wheelchair Users’ GroupShop 21, Second Floor
Bouverie Place Shopping CentreAlexandra Gardens
Folkestone CT20 1AUTel: 01303 226500
Email: [email protected] of RADAR, NFSUK
& CASE KentRegistered Charity 1064955
LloydsTSB
Foundations
SMITHSCHARITY
IamAccessProject
