For carers of children with learning disabilities and their non-disabled siblings, Southend Mencap has released details of their summer term Family Play and Respite Club at Eastwood High School
The Two Worlds of Charlie F: helping wounded soldiers through theatre
In December 2010 producer Alice Driver created the first theatre project to help wounded, injured and sick (WIS) service personnel. With the help of a partnership between the Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust and The Royal British Legion, they went on to form the Bravo 22 Company and produce the play The Two Worlds of […]
My life as a disabled football fanatic
New Disability Horizons contributor Matt Padmore tells us of his love of football and how a stroke, which left him reliant on a wheelchair, hasn’t stopped his desire to be part of the action at the football grounds.
Thurrock company “ngage” to promote local opportunities at their Volunteer Fair this June
A company that seeks to support volunteering in Thurrock (Essex) is holding a Volunteer Fair this June. To coincide with Volunteers’ Week, an annual celebration to reward the contribution individuals have made to charities and not-for profit organisations, ngage are holding a fair at The Beehive Centre, Grays (RM17 6EU) on Thursday the 7th, from […]
Paralympian Profile: Dan Bentley and Boccia
The first in our series of Paralympic profiles in the run up to the 2012 Games. This week we look at the sport, boccia and one of its star players.
Innovative new sensory room for young visitors with learning disabilities to open at Chelmsford Library
In collaboration with Essex County Council Libraries and Inclusive Communication Essex (ICE), a new sensory room and wall has been developed for children to enjoy.
Pictures to Share publishes easy-to-read books to help people with dementia
Pictures to Share Community Interest Company is a small social enterprise that is making a big difference to many thousands of people with mid to late stage dementia. Established in 2006, the organisation was founded by Helen Bate, an Architect and illustrator whose own mother had Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. The organisation researches, designs and […]
Inclusive Fitness Initiative helps support disabled people to be fit and healthy
For over 10 years, The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) has been encouraging disabled people to participate in and enjoy the benefits of physical activity in inclusive and accessible environments.
Disability and exercise: can they go hand in hand?
In the second of Disability Horizons’ Nokia Accessibility technology series, Co-Editor Srin Madipalli tests out the Thera-Vital exercise bike, the latest in technology enabling people with mobility limitations to exercise. When it comes to exercise and fitness, I’ll be the first to confess that I procrastinate, dither and make any excuse to avoid having to […]
Review: Louis Theroux – “Autism: Love in the extreme”
Louis Theroux is perhaps not the most obvious choice of film-maker to create a thought-provoking documentary about children with autism and their families. He is more famous for his, sometimes awkward, interviews with hardened criminals or controversial religious groups. But to him, this new two-part series is not so different from his previous films: “Several […]
Comedy act, Lost Voice Guy, uses communication aid to wow the crowds
In Sunderland on the 4th of February, Lost Voice Man made his debut to loud laughter. A stand-up comedian with Cerebral Palsy, Lost Voice Man (aka Lee Ridley) uses a communication aid to perform his act. With just 10 minutes to entertain the crowd, Lee was certainly in his element that evening; exiting the stage […]
New ‘Mindful Movement’ Class starts in Colchester this April 24th
A new weekly class to help people with chronic illness and pain is to begin next week. Following a free taster session, Louise Fortunato (BWY Dip yoga teacher and IYT Dip Yoga therapist) will be holding ‘Mindful Movement’ classes at The Hythe, Colchester, every Tuesday evening from 6.30pm to 8pm. The class uses gentle movements, […]
New Wickford based Carer Support Group opens its doors this Monday
Action for Family Carers (AFFC) would like to invite carers in the local area to a new support group starting this 23rd of April. If you are a carer and are looking for someone to talk to, feel you need a bit of support, are seeking some information, or would simply like to meet other […]
Parkinson’s UK invests £1.6 million into groundbreaking research with hopes of finding a cure
To mark the launch of Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2012, Parkinson’s UK is set to begin the biggest research study ever conducted into the condition. The charity is looking for 3,000 volunteers – both recently diagnosed with the disease (last 3 years) or those under 50 – to take part in the tracking study. Brothers and […]
Pain management without the pills
Sting, ache, twinge, excruciating, throbbing, raw, shooting, sore, tender, agonising…. There are countless ways to describe pain. While we can often be quite specific on where pain is, how it feels and the way it affects us, the search for relief can often be much less clear cut. For many people who suffer severely or […]
Ireland’s new Q Mark aims to provide holiday accessibility for all
Ireland has taken a step towards becoming the first country to award a quality mark for tourist accommodation judged accessible for everyone. The ABLE Tourism Q Mark was launched by Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment on April 12th 2012 when he presented the inaugural awards to representatives of five facilities. The Q Mark, developed […]
New guide released to make the NHS more accessible for people with learning difficulties
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (FPLD) has published a new guide to help people with special needs and their carers get the most out of the NHS. Good healthcare for all is clearly set out and packed full of accessible advice about the services the NHS provide. It includes information about how to […]
GMC poll reveals shocking statistics about substandard healthcare for those with learning difficulties
A recent poll commissioned by the General Medical Council (GMC) has uncovered some startling statistics. Out of a sample of 400 doctors, 64% of GPs and 54% of hospital doctors felt that people with a learning disability did not receive the same standard of care as the rest of the population; with 35% of GPs […]