SPELTHORNE COMMITTEE FOR ACCESS NOWCURRENT NEWS ITEMS
Proposed Meetings for SCAN and Spelthorne Physical and Sensory Disability Forum 2011
Surrey Community Care Forums - Next Meeting Dates
Deafplus Mobile Advisory Service
Changes to Motability Scheme
Disability Groups Merge to form Largest User-Led Charity
New Consultation - Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Join Trial for New 'Sat Nav' System for People with Disabilities
North Surrey Empowerment Board
Parking for Disabled People at St Peter's Hospital
Proposed New Laws for Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
Renault Reduce Range of Vehicles in UK
Stop Cold Callers
Staines Town Neighbourhood Panel
Surrey Wins Grant to help Keep People Warm
WAtch Out - Crooks are About
WILL I LOSE MY DLA AT 65?
Word Games and Puzzles Can Help People with Dementia
PARKING FOR DISABLED PEOPLE AT ST. PETER’S HOSPITAL
Following a consultation meeting on 12th March, a further meeting was held on1st May to hear the hospital decisions where it was reported that the plan to charge blue badge holders for parking at the hospital had been withdrawn. There are now far-reaching discussions taking place to decide about the
best/easiest way for disabled drivers to get through the barriers without paying!"
PROPOSED NEW LAWS FOR MOBILITY SCOOTERS AND WHEELCHAIRS
The Department for Transport's (DfT) 2010 consultation set out proposals for changes to the laws governing the use of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs on the public highway. - Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 (Statutory Instrument 1988 No 2268).
The term “invalid carriage” is the legal term for mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs but is now considered both outdated and offensive. The majority of respondents to the consultation favoured an alternative term and made a variety of suggestions as to what should replace “invalid carriage”. Replacing this term would require an amendment to the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
In the UK, Class 3 vehicles are limited to a maximum speed of 8 mph, for use on the carriageway. They may travel at no more than 4 mph on the pavement. The consultation sought views on whether vehicles should be designed to be capable of a higher speed than 8 mph, and whether a higher maximum speed should be permitted in law.
The majority of respondents did not favour a design change to permit a higher maximum speed of 8 mph. Concerns were raised about the consequences of a vehicle being involved in a collision, given that a vehicle may weigh up to 150 kgs (unladen weight).
Those in favour of an increase argued that it would reduce congestion, enable users to take evasive action more quickly and reduce danger on the carriageway.
Given the overall concerns about safety, DfT consider the current maximum speed of 8 mph for class 3 vehicles to be appropriate and propose that it should not be changed..
Carriage of a baby or young child on a mobility vehicle
There was a small majority of respondents in favour of permitting the carriage of a baby or a young child on a mobility vehicle. It is the Department’s view, that if a vehicle is adapted to carry a child, or if a pouch, sling or any other means of carrying a child is attached to the vehicle, the law does not permit this. However, the law does not explicitly state that a parent or guardian carrying a child in a pouch or a sling on their person, as an adult who was not disabled would do, is unlawful. There are obvious safety reasons why a baby or young child should not be permitted to be carried on the vehicle, and DfT have therefore decided that, on this issue, there is not a pressing case to make any changes to legislation.
Compulsory training and assessment for users
There are no mandatory standards to determine who is fit to use a vehicle, and no legal requirement for training and testing. A number of local authorities, voluntary sector organisations and retailers provide training and advice to enable people to choose a vehicle that best suits their needs, and to be able to use it safely. NHS wheelchair services are required to assess the needs and abilities of their patients before prescribing a wheelchair, and to provide basic training to ensure that they can use them safely.
Over two thirds of the respondents were in favour of compulsory training, and made a variety of suggestions about how this could be organised and funded. DfT have concluded that training and assessment should remain voluntary but that we will look at ways in which it can be promoted more widely.
Mandatory eyesight test for vehicle users
Currently, there is no legal requirement for a user to meet an eyesight requirement. The consultation paper did not specifically seek views on a mandatory eyesight test, but sought general views on people’s fitness to drive, what should be included in any assessment and who should carry out such assessments. Visual ability was among the suggestions to be included in an assessment. DfT have concluded that the issue of eyesight testing in respect of Class 3 vehicle users needs further consideration. We will be reviewing with interested parties the available evidence and options.
Is a registration scheme needed?
Currently, new and second hand Class 3 mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs have to be registered and licensed with the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the disabled vehicle taxation class, and display a nil duty tax disc. The consultation sought views on whether this registration scheme was still needed and, if so, how it could be improved.
There was strong support for the registration process to continue, along with numerous suggestions as to how it might be improved and better enforced. DfT have decided not to make any changes to the current registration arrangements.
Compulsory 3rd party insurance.
There is no legal requirement for users to take out a minimum of 3rd party insurance cover. However, it is strongly recommended, and the Department has included this message in its advice to mobility scooter and wheelchair users.
A large majority of responses to the consultation were in favour of compulsory insurance but significant concerns were also raised, including the possible need to link it to a comprehensive registration and licensing system as in the case of motor vehicles.
DfT have concluded that the available evidence regarding insurance needs to be looked at again with interested parties.
Further information about the results of the consultation can be found on the web site for the Department for Transport at http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2010-10/
Extracts of the HIGHWAY CODE give'Rules for Users of Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters'NEW CONSULTATION - PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT (PIP)
The Welfare Reform Bill was given Royal Assent on the 8 March and on 26th March the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP)
published a formal consultation document on the detailed benefit rules that will underpin the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The consultation documents can be found at www.dwp.gov.uk/pip. Responses should be sent to the DWP no later that 30th June 2012. Email: pip.feedback@dwp.gsi.gov.uk or write to; PIP Policy Team, Department for Work and Pensions, Caxton House, Tothill Street, London. SW1H 9NA.
The proposals in the consultation concern:
- eligibility to the benefit
- payability of the benefit for certain groups
- the requirements relating to reassessing DLA recipients –
- passporting arrangements
Eligibility
Individuals must have a long-term disability or health condition in order to be eligible for the benefit. The Act includes provision for this in the form of a 12 month required period condition consisting of a three-month qualifying period and nine-month prospective test.
Reclaiming the benefit – linking rules – People of Working Age
Where someone has a condition that goes into remission, it is expected that their entitlement to PIP will be payable at a lower rate or stop. Where people need to re-claim PIP as a result of deterioration in their condition the view is that they should not have to re-satisfy a qualifying period for any component they previously received.
People aged 65 and over
PIP will allow a claimant to continue to receive their existing award for as long as they satisfy the entitlement conditions, regardless of any upper age limit.
Anyone who is aged 65 or over on 8th April 2013 will not be reassessed for PIP and will remain on DLA as long as they continue to satisfy the entitlement conditions.
Claims from young people at age 16
A young person will only be able to apply or be assessed for PIP when they reach the age of 16. The DWP’s commitment is to ensure that when a claim is made by someone already in receipt of DLA the transition to PIP is effective with no gaps in payments, subject to their meeting the eligibility criteria.
Reassessing existing Disability Living Allowance claims
Every DLA claimant aged 16 to 64 on 8 April 2013 will be eligible for PIP and will be invited to claim. They will then be assessed for entitlement to PIP. It is estimated that around two million people will be invited to claim PIP.
Passporting arrangements
The Government is committed to keep in mind the existing passporting arrangements and the will be maintained wherever possible.
DWP benefits and schemes
Carer’s Allowance (CA)
The standard and enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP will form part of the gateway to CA in the same way as the middle and highest rate care component of DLA.
Income-related benefits
Entitlement to additional support within Universal Credit for adults will no longer rely on a direct link with DLA (or PIP). Access will be through the Work Capability Assessment.
Motability
DWP will work with Motability to ensure that the scheme remains supported by PIP.
Non-DWP schemes and benefits
Some Departments are planning to undertake their own consultation exercise on passporting arrangements between the schemes they administer and PIP.
MEETINGS FOR SCAN AND SPELTHORNE PHYSICAL & SENSORY DISABILITY FORUM FOR 2012
We will hold our regular meetings on the following dates from 12pm are usually in the Goddard Room, Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines.
Our next meetings will be held on;
Wednesday 25th July 2012
Wednesday 31st October 2012 - PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED TO ROOM 201, COUNCIL OFFICES, KNOWLE GREEN, STAINES.
SCAN's AGM will be held on Wednesday 12th September 2012 in the Goddard Room, Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines (12pm for 12.30pm start). We should be able to provide a light buffet lunch as usual. Guest Speaker TBA
ALL Meetings are open to New Members. For further information about SCAN call/text 07967 499829 or email info@spelthorneaccess.org.uk for further information. Please include your postal address and phone number so that we can get back to you.
SURREY COMMUNITY CARE FORUMSSurrey County Council’s ‘Action for Equality Policy’ encourages membership of all Forums from all sections of the community. All members are given equal status and access, and new members are invited from ALL the relevant ‘client’ groups.
Spelthorne Carer's Forum
Because of the decline in attendance at meetings, it has been decided that there will be no further meetings of Spelthorne Carers Forum. Carer’s and carer support organisations are invited to keep in touch through meetings of Spelthorne Forum for Older People.
Spelthorne Forum for Older People
Tuesday 17th July 2012 12 noon Room 3-Education Centre, Ashford Hosp, London Road, Ashford TW15 3AA
Tuesday 30th October 2012 12 noon Goddard Room, Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines TW18 1XB
Spelthorne Physical, Sensory and Cognitive Disabilities Forum
SCAN and this Forum combined our resources in May 2007 as there are common areas of interest in both Groups.
Please see above for the schedule of proposed dates meetings.
Spelthorne Together - Health and Well-Being Forum
Wednesday 13th June 2012 10am Goddard Room, Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines TW18 1XB
Wednesday 5th September 2012 10am Goddard Room, Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines TW18 1XB
Wednesday 5th December 2012 10am Goddard Room, Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines TW18 1XB
Runnymede Forum for Older People
Friday 13th July 2012 10:30am Room A Chertsey Hall, Heriot Road, Chertsey KT16 9BX
Friday 19th October 2012 10:30am in Room 2, The Hythe Centre, off Thorpe Lea Road, Egham Hythe, TW20 8BN
Elmbridge Forum for Older People
Thursday 19th July 2012 12pm
at Churchfield House Lushington Drive , Cobham, KT11 2LX
Thursday 25th October 2012 12pm
at Churchfield House Lushington Drive , Cobham, KT11 2LX
For further information contact the Forum Administrator, Mary Birch on Tel: 01784 883688, usual working hours Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Email mary.birch@surreypct.nhs.uk
NORTH SURREY EMPOWERMENT BOARDNorth Surrey Empowernent Board is one of five partnership boards formed in June 2003 with the purpose of empowering people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities and those with HIV/AIDS to participate, shape and influence decisions about the development of new services and service strategies - locally and county-wide.
They provide a consultation and network mechanism to link to other strategy and planning groups and work together as part of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People on county-wide issues.
Membership of the groups are inclusive and should be representative of all groups of disabled people and their carers. Anyone who has a disability or represents people who have disabilities is invited to attend the meetings.
Meetings commence at 2pm and are held every two months at Hythe Community Centre. The next meetings are scheduled for
Tuesday 22nd May 2012
Tuesday 17th July 2012
Tuesday 18th September 2012
Tuesday 20th November 2012
Please contact Yasmin Broom at telephone Tel: 01483 517294, Fax: 01483 518440 or email yasmin.broome@surreycc.gov.uk. for further information
DEAFPLUS MOBILE ADVISORY SERVICE
The MAS gives advice and information on all aspects of hearing loss. Schedules of visits to local areas are produced monthly by the service.
Unless otherwise stated, normal times are AM = 10.30am to 12.30 pm and PM = 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
Thursday 7th June 2012
St Martins Court, Kingston Crescent, Ashford AM
Ashford Hospital, London Road, Ashford PM
Thursday 14th June 2012
St Peters Hospital, Guildford Road, Chertsey 10 am to 12 pm
For up to date information about the MAS visits please ring the Farnborough Centre on 01252 510051. Alternatively details can be found on the deafPLUS website at www.deafplus.org.
WATCH OUT – CROOKS ARE ABOUT.A man called allegedly saying he had come to read the gas meter. When he was told that the meter had been read a fortnight earlier, he claimed he was a checking the previous reading.
The man was admitted although the householder was suspicious and the agreed codeword could not be given by the caller. The meter was read and the man left.
The householder then decided to call the police (dialling 101) and they agreed that it could have been an attempted robbery.
The householder now believes the attempted robbery could have been aborted because she was NOT alone at the time.
The moral of this true story:
• Don’t let a stranger into your home.
• Don’t make a call to any telephone numbers provided by the caller to validate their identity
• Call the police on the Non Emergency number 101
Remember, these crooks do this for a living. Don’t believe what they say unless you have checked it out.
STOP COLD CALLERS – From Spelthorne BulletinTrading Standards have launched a new door sticker campaign to deter unwanted traders and give residents the confidence to shut the door on them. Traders who knock on a door where the sticker is clearly displayed may now be committing a criminal offence. Residents can collect the sticker pack from council offices, Police stations and most libraries. To find out where you can collect your free pack visit the website: www.surreycc.gov.uk/stopcoldcallers or call 03456 009 009. STAINES TOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD PANEL
Police Neighbourhood Panel meetings are held every 5 or 6 weeks and are designed to help and increase communication of problems and issues that the community might be experiencing. The local policing team will be in attendance as well as Vic Smith - Spelthorne Crime Reduction & Crime Prevention Design Advisor representing Spelthorne Neighbourhood Watch. Your local Councillors will also be attending. Across the Borough there has been an upsurge in vehicle crime - in particular thefts from parked vehicles. Please do not leave ANY valuables – sat navs, loose change etc in vehicles overnight and ensure vehicles are LOCKED. For advice on crime reduction please contact the Crime Reduction Advisor or the Spelthorne Neighbourhood Watch Office or check out the Spelthorne Neighbourhood Watch website at http://www.spelthornenhw.info/top-tips/ http://www.spelthornenhw.info/top-tips/
To join your local Neighbourhood Watch phone Vic Smith on 01784 862009 or mobile 07967 987707 for further details.
SURREY WINS GRANT TO KEEP PEOPLE WARMNearly 30 organisations and voluntary groups in Surrey joined the Surrey county council in the bid for £264,000 from the Department of Health to help keep people warm and healthy during the winter.
Spelthorne and Runnymede received £64,000 and it will be spent on Emergency Heat Kits for the most vulnerable residents, these will be a combination of heaters, blankets amongst other elements.
Liz Borthwick would like to thank the team of Francesca Nesbitt, Lucy McSherry, Tracey Wilmott-French and Sue Metcalf from Age UK Runnymede and Spelthorne who worked together to secure Runnymede and Spelthorne's part of the bid.
There will also be information leaflets packed with tips, help and advice to keep warm and safe during the cold months.
WORD GAMES AND QUIZZES CAN HELP PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
People with dementia and their carers are to be recruited for a trial looking at how word games and quizzes can benefit brain stimulation in sufferers.
The review, led by Bangor University professor, Bob Woods, and published in The Cochrane Library, looked at trial results from around the world involving 718 people with mild to moderate dementia. The benefits of cognitive stimulation were still being seen up to three months after starting.
Prof Woods, of the university's dementia services development centre, told BBC Radio Wales: This review involves people who have already developed dementia.
It's not like brain training - repeating the same exercises over - these are meant to be enjoyable fun activities that people can do together. It can range from music to dominoes, word games, quizzes, baking a cake, reminiscing – a whole range of things.”
There are now plans to trial the technique in north Wales to see how it can be used by families and carers. It will be run jointly with University College London.
We are also interested in whether this can be taught to family carers looking after a person with dementia and we've got a major trail starting here at Bangor to examine the effects of that approach,” he added.
RENAULT REDUCE UK RANGE OF VEHICLES - taken from Disabled Motoring UK
Renault UK have announced that it will be axing all sales of unprofitable models in the UK from February 2012. They will also cut about one-third of its 190 dealerships. The cut backs are part of a big drive to improve the profitability of Renault in Great Britain.
They also plan to stop the majority of its rental and Motability sales that are hugely subsidised, to focus on retail and core fleet business where it has to discount less.
The models being axed are - Kangoo (the car version, not the van), Wind Roadster, Modus, Grand Modus, Laguna Hatch, Laguna Sport Tourer, Laguna Coupe, Espace and the Grand Espace, leaving just the Clio, Twingo, Megane and Scenic ranges on sale. All the axed models are currently, and a decision will be made within the next four months on whether the next generation Laguna will even be engineered for right-hand drive.
Motability have said: Occasionally individual manufacturers change their approach to the UK market, and this can mean that their ability to supply cars at competitive prices is affected. However, Motability enjoys strong relationships with a very wide range of car manufacturers and the impact that one manufacturer has is relatively limited.
For those customers who presently are have a Renault, Motability has worked hard with Renault to ensure that the pricing remains as competitive as possible with the Clio at Nil Advance Payment (AP), Megane at £580 AP and Scenic at £495 AP.
We will be pleased to help customers with any information that they need to choose an alternative car when they reach the end of the lease. For WAV customers who are affected by the withdrawal by Renault of Kangoo from the UK, we continue to have 29 similar small WAVs available, including the Peugeot Partner, Citroen Berlingo and Fiat Qubo, all available from £695 AP.
Motability can be contacted by calling 0845 456 4566, or click here to visit their website www.motability.co.uk
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO TRIAL NEW 'SAT NAV'SYSTEM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - taken from Disabled Motoring UK
European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) and DisabledGo are looking for volunteers who have a disability and
drive regularly to get involved in a very exciting trial for a 'Sat Nav' system that will give information on blue badge parking bays,
accessible toilets and access information about venues close to your destination.
The trial which is set to take place in March will give you the opportunity to trial the device for 2 weeks. It will involve attending a briefing where
- the project content, aims and objectives will be outlined,
- a brief explanation on how to use the device and
- an introduction to the questionnaire to be answered during and after the trial.
You will also need to attend a debriefing at the end of the trial where participants will be asked to feedback their experiences, exchange views with other participants and technical partners and help formulate conclusions and make recommendations.
DisabledGo are keen for their users to get involved in the trial, if you are interested and would like more information please contact Anna Borthwick, Head of Business Development and Marketing. E: anna.borthwick@disabledgo.com or call 01438 842710
DISABLED MOTORING UK - PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 20TH, 2011 - CHANGES TO THE MOTABILITY SCHEMEDisabled Motoring UK was saddened to hear the announcement from Motability in October that significant changes will be made to the Motability scheme.
Although these changes are being made to ensure the scheme is protected in years to come there will be less choice for customers in the type of car they can choose."
When making the announcement Motability Chairman Lord Sterling said: "Despite meeting the mobility needs of disabled people for over 33 years, it is very important that we are not complacent. We must continuously strive for excellence by examining and refining all aspects of the Scheme. During 2011, we have reviewed a number of issues including the range of cars available on the Scheme and the clarity of our policies on how the cars are used and by whom."
The changes announced include:
• Limiting the range of vehicles available to cars with an Advance Payment of £2,000 or less, approximating to a Recommended Retail Price limit of circa £25,000.
The changes to car selection take place immediately, although Motability will honour all existing orders and commitments, changes will be fully implemented in December 2011. (The limit does NOT apply to Wheelchair Accessible vehicles - WAV's)
• Limiting the nominated drivers to those who live within 5 miles of the customer in order to minimise the risk of the car being used other than for the benefit of the disabled person
• Piloting new vehicle technologies to monitor how cars are used where the greatest risk of abuse is perceived.
• Requiring a Statement of Responsibilities to be signed at the beginning of each lease by the customer and nominated drivers together with the supplying motor dealer to ensure that the key responsibilities of each party have been communicated and are clearly understood.
• No longer accepting nominated drivers under the age of 21 on the Scheme from January 2012, unless they reside with the disabled customer.
• Restricting young drivers under the age of 25 to cars in ABI Insurance Group 16 or lower which also have a power output of 115 BHP or less.
Helen Dolphin, Disabled Motoring UK Director of Policy and Campaigns said: "With so many negative stories in the press it was inevitable that Motability was going to have to make some changes to the scheme. Although it is disappointing that these changes will mean disabled people will have less choice, we know that the longevity of the scheme is the most important thing. The scheme has been running for over 30 years and has helped numerous disabled people to be mobile. We hope that these changes will stop some of the negative press reports and instead the enormous benefits this scheme provides to seriously disabled people will be the focus in the future."
More information on Motability site http://www.motability.co.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&ObjectId=2779
Example of negative headlines in national press recently http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2005576/BMWs-thousands-friends-relatives-disabled-use-luxury-Motability-cars.html
DISABILITY GROUPS MERGE TO FORM LARGEST USER-LED CHARITY
Royal Association for Disability Rights (Radar - formerly Royal Association for Disability Rehabilitation), The National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL), and Disability Alliance (DA)
are to merge on 1 January 2012 to form the country's largest disability organisation led by disabled people themselves.
Radar chief executive Liz Sayce is due to take the helm of the new organisation which will be known as Disability Rights UK.
She says:"It is fantastic that the members of the three organisations have voted overwhelmingly in favour of coming together to create the largest pan-disability national organisation led by disabled people, which will enable many more disabled people to have a voice.”
The current charities have over 600 member organisations across the UK as well as over 500 individual disabled people as members. Disability Rights UK will be well placed to represent the views of all disabled people across a range of different impairment groups and health conditions.
The new organisation will offer a range of support for disabled people, education providers, employers, welfare rights advisors, local and national government, journalists and parliamentarians. WILL I LOSE MY DLA AT 65?
PIP will allow a claimant to continue to receive their existing award for as long as they satisfy the entitlement conditions, regardless of any upper age limit.
Anyone who is aged 65 or over on 8th April 2013 will not be reassessed for PIP and will remain on DLA as long as they continue to satisfy the entitlement conditions.
To read the government’s response in full visit; http://www.dwp.gov.uk/pip.
AGE CONCERN RUNNYMEDE AND SPELTHORNE COMMUNITY SUPPORT DESK
This service, for older people, their families and Carers, provides information and advice about the help and support available from local
and national voluntary groups, local authorities and social care professionals.
The Information Officer, Marina Rigg, will available be at the following venues and times.
Stanwell Health Centre
Monday AM
Staines Health Centre
Tuesday AM
Studholme Health Centre (Ashford)
Wednesday AM
Shepperton Health Centre
Thursday AM
Sunbury Health Centre
Friday AM
Community Link, Knowle Green,
Staines, Middlesex. TW18 1AX
Telephone/Fax: 01784 446358
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
Email
info.vais@spelthorne.gov.uk.
STAINES SHOPMOBILITY
Two Rivers Retail Park, Staines, Middlesex. TW18 4EB
Telephone: 01784 459416
Email: stainesshopmobility@talktalkbusiness.net
Web Site http://www.stainesshopmobility.co.uk
Freedom
Accessibility
Independence
Confidence
Normal Opening Hours –
Monday to Saturday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
SPELTHORNE (STAINES AND DISTRICT)
The local group offers support and information to all those affected by MS, their families and carers.
The group arrange a number of local social events such Youngsters United against MS (YUMS) that are held between 12 noon and 2pm on the first Saturday of each month at the Kings Fairway, 91 Fordbridge Road, Ashford. For further information contact Sharon Roberts on telephone 01932 230053 or visit their web site www.mssociety.org.uk/spelthorne
