DAD Newsletter

Break Through!

July 2010

Welcome

Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) began as a charity in 1986. Our aim was to bring disabled people together through regular meetings and social events as well as provide a personal support service using volunteers. We set out to influence planners locally and campaign for improved services. Since we started we have grown and now have ten projects. We continue to grow as all of our projects expand and evolve. We maintain our position as a focal point for services and support and our expertise is valued by the Local Authority and Health as well as by disabled people locally.

In this edition of Break Through, find out about:

• Update on Fairer Contributions

• Discrimination case success

• Changes to benefits

• Local news

• DAD project focus Young Leaders

If you need this newsletter in another format, such as electronic, audio or large print, please contact Jane Woodward, based at DAD office in Horsemarket.

Telephone 01325 489999
Fax 01325 488188
Email jane@darlingtondisability.org

This newsletter is supported by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund.

Update on Fairer Contributions

In the last edition of Break Through, we reported on the Council’s consultation of their proposed Fairer Contributions Policy for Adult Social Care Services. In June, we wrote a detailed report to the Council in response to the documents, highlighting our issues and concerns. For example, some proposed changes to the calculation of a person's contribution to the support and care services they receive will have significant negative impacts on disabled people.

We held a meeting on 14th June to tell members about our response and to discuss how members felt and how they wanted to take this forward. In summary:

• There was much concern about how the Council carried out the consultation.

• Most members did not know about the consultation and found the documents unclear.

• More information is needed about how the changes will affect people.

• There is a lack of understanding about disability related expenditure (DRE) and what this means for the financial assessment.

DAD is continuing to meet and work with the Council on issues raised in the report.

Disability related expenditure is defined by the Department of Health as “reasonable expenditure needed for independent living by the disabled person; items where the user has little or no choice other than to incur the expenditure, in order to maintain independence of life.” DAD can give rights based information to individuals about DRE and advice and support to individuals to understand their rights and entitlements in relation to social care. To find out more please contact Jane at DAD offices in Horsemarket. Phone 01325 489999
Email jane@darlingtondisability.org

Equality Act

The Equality Act received Royal Assent on 8th April 2010 and will commence on 1st October 2010. From this date the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) no longer exists. However, the Equality Act is intended to provide a new legal framework, protecting the rights of individuals and advancing equality of opportunity for all. It aims to update, simplify and strengthen previous legislation and deliver a simple framework of discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society. We will give more information about what the changes to the law mean for you in a future edition of Break Through.

Discrimination Case settled

DAD successfully supported a disabled person to win an out of court settlement against Durham University for disability discrimination. In May, Rosie Watson accepted a £25,000 settlement from Durham University in response to her claim for compensation, to reimburse her tuition fees and student loan and for injury to feelings, psychiatric damage and the loss of opportunity. The settlement was made without any admission of liability. Wake Smith and Tofields, solicitors based in Sheffield, with a department specialising in disability discrimination advice work, represented Rosie.

Rosie claimed the University failed to provide the right support, ignored her needs and discriminated against her as a disabled student. Tutors were not made aware of her needs or took little notice of them, and when she spoke up she was not given the assistance she needed but sent off for counselling. Durham University deny the claims.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 makes it clear that universities must not discriminate against disabled students. The University found it easier to give her equipment that didn’t meet all her needs, than change the way they did things. The University placed an emphasis on the amount of equipment provided such as lipspeakers, notetakers and computer equipment, rather than exploring how attitudes and practices might change. It was not the equipment that was lacking but the joined up approach by the University and attitudes that was the barrier to her continued studies. Often the problem was that tutors were simply unwilling to make the tiny adjustments to include Rosie in the class. Tutors often seemed to rely on what they thought was appropriate, rather than simply asking Rosie herself what she needed, a problem often encountered by disabled people, which is an attitudinal barrier.
Rosie found the experience so stressful that she left her course before completing her third year.

Everyone should have the right to equality in education. If other students feel they have been treated unfairly because of their impairment they should get advice on their rights. If you think you, or someone you know, has been discriminated against because they are a disabled person you can contact our Equal Access to Information and Advice Project. Call into the DAD offices in Horsemarket.
Phone Jane on 01325 489999
Email jane@darlingtondisability.org

Benefit Changes You Need to Know About

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
The emergency budget in June will introduce a compulsory medical assessment for all new and existing DLA claims from 2013.

Incapacity Benefit
Do you get Incapacity Benefit (IB), Income Support paid on the grounds of disability or Severe Disablement Allowance? From October 2010 to 2014, Jobcentre Plus will start reviewing claims to see if you are fit for work and eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). They will contact you when your benefit becomes due for reassessment to tell you about the changes.

You will be sent a medical questionnaire to complete and return and this will be used to decide if you need to attend a Work Capability Assessment.
Entitlement to ESA will be made using the information from the questionnaire, the Work Capability Assessment and any other evidence you provide.

The changes will not affect you if you already get ESA or are due to reach state pension age before March 2014. The changes will also not affect Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance. For more information about the changes visit the website of the UK government www.directgov.uk or contact DAD Information Service who can find more information or tell you who can help.

Phone Sheila on 01325 489999 or Email sheila@darlingtondisability.org

How will the changes affect you? Scope is concerned that the changes will impact negatively on disabled people and want to speak to people about their experiences.

• Are you on Incapacity Benefit and concerned about cuts or changes to benefit levels?

• Have you moved from IB to ESA and have a negative experience from undergoing the reassessment process?

• Have you moved on from IB to ESA or Job Seekers Allowance and appealed the decision?

• Are you on IB or ESA and can’t work because of long term impairment or short term impairment such as depression?

If the answer is yes and you are interested in sharing your experiences, please contact:
Warren Kirwan
Media and Public Relations Officer
Scope
6 Market Road
London
N7 9PW.
Phone 020 7619 7702
Fax 020 7619 7190
Email warren.kirwan@scope.org.uk

Volunteering and on Benefits?

If you are a volunteer and on Jobseeker’s Allowance, there is no 16 hour rule about volunteering. In fact, you can volunteer as much as you like, as long as you are still actively seeking work. The Jobcentre Plus leaflet called ‘Volunteering While Getting Benefits’, explains the rules in more detail. Copies are available from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) website

IT Can Help

There is a network of volunteers called IT Can Help, who offer free local computer help to disabled people. They can diagnose and fix most computer problems; install and set-up hardware, software, internet, email and access settings. Organisations such as IT Can Help, assist those most in need to ensure that their computers remain a lifeline and vital means of communications for them. For more information, please visit the IT Can Help website www.itcanhelp.org.uk
Freephone (includes minicom) on 0800 269545.

Local News

NHS Wheelchair Service seeks new members
The NHS Wheelchair Service in County Durham and Darlington is revamping its user group and is seeking new members. Are you a NHS wheelchair user or the carer of someone who is? Would you like to represent other users and discuss the local wheelchair service and voice current issues? Please contact Gordon Pybus for more details at DAD office in Horsemarket.
Phone 01325 489999
Email gordon@darlingtondisability.org

Scooter safety
DAD can offer advice if you are thinking about buying or hiring a scooter or wheelchair. We can also explain the rules of the road to both new and experienced users of mobility equipment to keep you and others safe. For further information visit the Shopmobility page on our website www.darlingtondisability.org
Phone Joanna on 01325 489999
Email shopmobility@darlingtondisability.org.uk

DAD Website
If you are a veteran surfer or have just joined the World Wide Web why not visit our website at www.darlingtondisability.org; As well as information on our work the site contains an online Information Guide, a recruitment page for internal and Direct Payments vacancies, an explanation about the Social Model of Disability, and a link to www.wheelygood.org Darlington’s own accessibility Town Centre map.

Disabled Parents’ Group
DAD has set up a group that provides disabled parents somewhere to get together socially, support each other, get information and advice, campaign and raise awareness. If you would like to attend, or for more information, phone our DAD office at Enterprise House on 01325 360524.

Parents’ Forum
Carers of Disabled Children in Darlington (CDCD) is run by parents, for parents and aims to bring parents together through term time events and forums to share information, concerns and ideas. The steering group meets regularly. If you would like to know more contact DAD on 01325 489999.

Hate crime reporting
You can now report any hate incident or crime against a disabled person through DAD during office hours, 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Incidents can also be reported direct to the police on 0345 60 60 365 or 999 in an emergency.

A hate incident is any incident which may or may not be a criminal offence, which is perceived to be motivated by prejudice or hate against disabled people. For example, name calling, verbal abuse or harassment. A hate crime is a hate incident which is a criminal offence, and again is motivated by prejudice or hate against disabled people. For example, attacks, physical abuse and Graffiti.

The victim, a witness or any other person who knows or believes a hate crime or incident has taken place can make a report. You can give us as little or as much information as you wish. All reports are kept confidential.

Chris O’Brien is the Police Community Cohesion Officer. If you are a victim of a hate crime or hate incident and want support, advice or information, please phone Chris on 01325 346844
Email christine.obrien@durham.pnn.police.uk

To report a hate incident or crime at DAD, call into our offices in Horsemarket. Phone 01325 489999
Email joanna@darlingtondisability.org

Access Interest Group
DAD Access Interest Group makes a difference for disabled people in Darlington by highlighting good practice around access issues both physical and attitudinal, raising concerns with planners and monitoring public access across the town. If you would like to get involved, please phone Gordon on 01325 489999
Email gordon@darlingtondisability.org

Dealing with Deafness
Durham Deafened Support, the support network for people who have acquired hearing loss hold rehabilitation courses free to residents of Darlington and County Durham. The course is designed for people who have acquired a moderate to severe hearing loss and are not coping or have become isolated or excluded. A relative, partner or spouse can also attend.
Participants are then encouraged to attend one of the Local Community Support Groups to continue to learn new skills and increase confidence.

All places on the course are by referral only so if you are interested or want more information, please contact DAD Information Service first.
Phone Sheila on 01325 489999
Email sheila@darlingtondisability.org
Further information about Durham Deafened Support can be found at the following website www.ddsupport.org.uk

Summer Heat - Just the time to plan ahead!
Are you struggling with your fuel bills after the long winter?
Do you worry about the cost of keeping your house warm?
Is your home difficult to heat?
If you can answer yes to any of the questions He-at may be able to help you.

Heat offers all households regardless of age within the Borough of Darlington free, confidential and quality advice on:

• Energy efficiency improvements and energy saving measures to help you reduce costs.

• Managing fuel costs by assisting you to access cheaper tariffs and cost effective payment methods.

• Resolving issues about fuel debt, disconnection or billing errors.

• Helping you access grants available for central heating, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation.

• Helping you access funds for other types of home improvements.

• Helping you to maximize your income..

For further information or to arrange a free and confidential appointment, please visit the AgeUK office at 9 Clarks Yard.
Phone 01325 357345
Email advice@ageukdarlington.org.uk
Website www.ageukdarlington.org.uk

DAD Project Focus

In each edition of our newsletter we will look at one of our projects in more detail. This time we will cover Young Leaders, part of ChYPS (Children and Young People’s Service).

Young Disabled Leaders
Young Leaders aims to include more young disabled people as leaders in their own lives and has a vision to make a difference and influence change for young disabled people in Darlington. The young leaders will also be more involved in making decisions about and influencing our work.

In the summer of 2009, twelve young people signed up to be involved. Now there are 22 members of the group. A Get Together day in April 2010 focussed on looking at what things young people wanted to do as a group in the future. A number of the members have participated in ‘Challenging Disabilism’ training, looking at a rights based approach to the Social Model of Disability, self identity, confidence and self esteem building, assertiveness and speaking out training. The training has supported members to see that having an impairment and experience of disability can make them a stronger person.

Sammy, for example, has been successful in becoming a regional representative with the Youth of Today Fellowship, a government scheme aimed at encouraging young people into leadership. Sammy is one of two ambassadors for young people from the group representing the Tees Valley region. One member was asked what difference the group makes to his life, he didn’t say a word, just smiled, the smile said it all! The project has recently been evaluated by Alison John, External Evaluation Consultant and Disabled Person and “all interviewees said that without exception the project had affected the young people overwhelmingly; confidence, personal skills, motivation to be included had grown in all individuals.”

To find out more information about Young Leaders and the other work of ChYPS phone Garry on 01325 254848
Email garry@darlingtondisability.org

This item is an edited version of an article that appeared in ALLFIE’s Inclusion Now magazine Volume 26 Summer 2010 and has been kindly reproduced with their permission. ALLFIE is the Alliance for Inclusive Education, a national network of individuals, families and groups who work together to help change the education system. For more information visit their website www.allfie.org.uk

How you can support Darlington Association on Disability (DAD)

Become a member
DAD is a user-led organisation and a registered company. By becoming a member you can support and influence our work. Membership is free and is open to disabled people and non-disabled people who actively support our mission and aims. If you receive support or information from us you automatically become a non company member and will receive a newsletter. We also have formal company members. 75% of our Trustees and the majority of formal members must be disabled people. By becoming a formal member you can support and influence our work. You will receive an invitation to members’ meetings and other events and can take part in decision making by voting in elections.

Volunteer
Without our volunteers we would not be able to operate. Every year we rely on the valuable work delivered by over 60 regular volunteers across all of our projects. In addition DASH play services annually recruits and trains an additional 40-50 volunteers to support its holiday playschemes.

Make a donation
Visit our page on the justgiving website www.justgiving.com and type in ‘Darlington Association on Disability’ to make a secure on-line donation. The page also allows you to follow our fundraising activities and sponsor an activity. You can also make a donation by calling in to any of our offices.

Get involved in fundraising
Raise funds for us by organising a fundraising activity or taking part in one of our events. If you have a good idea for raising money or have some time to spare to help with an event, please let us know.

Recycle
We can raise much needed funds by collecting and recycling ink cartridges and mobile ‘phones. The main office in the market place has a box near the door to receive your donation.

For more information on any of the above:
Phone 01325 489999
Fax 01325 488188
Email mail@darlingtondisability.org