tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41965154899710882792024-03-04T22:56:13.514-08:00accessaudit.co.ukRemoving Barriers for Equal AccessMike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-7094412365026005542016-10-29T15:32:00.004-07:002016-10-29T15:32:56.554-07:00All the Lonely People - where do they all come from!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCJ4OoNGXKzgkOfm0kOKQpjmLbqZuzgcV-H54WO40IcpkWUPTiy2Z-8Xfhy_wGbKp-yZm9FT5SjBNgT8_5KthyBt4_l775N4x321kU-W7HyX_16jKCRgQCYuTTIRhVr9Re8RinSbRD50/s1600/abandoned-1251614_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCJ4OoNGXKzgkOfm0kOKQpjmLbqZuzgcV-H54WO40IcpkWUPTiy2Z-8Xfhy_wGbKp-yZm9FT5SjBNgT8_5KthyBt4_l775N4x321kU-W7HyX_16jKCRgQCYuTTIRhVr9Re8RinSbRD50/s320/abandoned-1251614_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1492423067"></span><span id="goog_1492423068"></span>Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been. Lives in a dream. Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door<br />
Who is it for? </span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><i>All the lonely people. Where do they all come from? All the lonely people. Where do they all belong?</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The world is full of lonely people. There might be a lonely person sitting next to you on the bus, working alongside you at work, behind the window you are walking past, or even in the next room to you now - in the heart of your family. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Loneliness can be staring you in the face in the mirro<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r </span>and you can't see it. Maybe you are lonely, can't find anyone on the same length, can't talk to strangers or even your family and tell them your inner most secret thoughts. Loneliness doesn't discriminate. Loneliness sometimes strikes us when we least expect it. Loneliness does affect us all at sometime, even for a brief spell. But some people spend a life of loneliness, never having anyone to share with. Have a look at the first illustration and see if any of the descriptive words strike a cord. If you can list more than three then you need to look at your life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Loneliness is not a disability but a whole variety of disabilities can make people lonely. And many of these disabilities are outside the categories of disability as laid down in the original DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) but I still think they are disabilities and have barriers that need to broken down. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm talking about self confidence and self esteem. I'm talking about negativity and inaction. I'm talking about those who are trapped, perhaps when they are at work and not able to apply for a new position or even finding any satisfaction there. And considering most of us spend a third of our days at work then this is really depressing. I read the other day that over 81% of the population spend more than an hour a day thinking about what they'd like to do if they could, or if they won the lottery, or had a car, or had friends to go out with at the weekend. Think about it. That is equivalent to almost one and a half days a month. Wishing your life away.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are some people that so lack in confidence and self esteem that they won't even go out of their from door. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Think how difficult this is, for what I guess we would call able-bodied people! Now consider how much more difficult for disabled folk. Maybe someone who has little or no eye-sight; a wheelchair user; or someone who has a mental disability. And some do suffer but many have managed to overcome and found confidence to do great things. Have a look at the Paralympics. Look at politicians and scientists that have done so well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So here's the thing. If you feel lonely are are out and about start being aware of others. Instead of sitting there afraid to look at others or say anything. Start looking at other people in the face, not starting but just looking at them for a second or two and smile. Don't carry on looking. Look away after a second or two, long enough for them to recognise and respond. Then move on. This is really beneficial.</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It actually makes you feel good inside, smiling lightens your spirit</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The other person may smile back and this will make them feel good. Most people feel good if they are just acknowledged with a smile.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The other person may smile at someone else and the cycle continues.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This will ripple out and affect many people over a relatively fast period. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I guess smiling is a good head exercise too. </span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jai9qAxe-O2BddA4TFjLIRAzBbAIbbx8xKom6d-bU-iq4dP2I8Op1IBTdNuNNSPkvM_wL_2nU-4UUh_Tq_8Fnnh4nudFoQWg4AhDhQXGpAcyOm7QmoWSUfqCLBAZdKtjOp0cXe1NhWY/s1600/african-american-1180847_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jai9qAxe-O2BddA4TFjLIRAzBbAIbbx8xKom6d-bU-iq4dP2I8Op1IBTdNuNNSPkvM_wL_2nU-4UUh_Tq_8Fnnh4nudFoQWg4AhDhQXGpAcyOm7QmoWSUfqCLBAZdKtjOp0cXe1NhWY/s320/african-american-1180847_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Look at this girl here. If she smiled at you then you'd probably feel good and smile back. This is not some sort of strange way to pick up or be picked up by someone but merely a stranger giving a happy signal.Give it a try. And you can raise your confidence too. A smile is often the introduction to a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n exchange of words<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. But first step first. Want to shrug off loneliness or build your confidence? Then start smiling a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t</span> people today. I know its not easy but take that first step and it will become easier and more enjoyable every time.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Out of interest I smile<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and talk to most people in shop<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s, on buses and trains, queuing anywhere, in doctors waiting rooms. I'm not looking for any sort of conversation just passing the time of day. If someone wants to talk more then I'm usually up for it.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Usually it's "Lovely day isn't it"<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, "Did you see the match yesterday?" "<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's busy here today isn't it" </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Try this and be surprised day. Sometimes people <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">will ignore you, others they'll look annoyed but in my experience about 98 out of every 100 will respond positively.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkfk0x4wvsuUDQiF4Klsyf4aB5nGuf6ga6EErrZEdiLycCBBm78g8jns0FNWD3BEUjU1glaWZM0lbKRgbWOgHCkflvkvdcI-sQqo377ZtnYcfZInHXez-u2xT7yI5LD2CEuDDfBY1Rrs/s1600/word-cloud-679936_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkfk0x4wvsuUDQiF4Klsyf4aB5nGuf6ga6EErrZEdiLycCBBm78g8jns0FNWD3BEUjU1glaWZM0lbKRgbWOgHCkflvkvdcI-sQqo377ZtnYcfZInHXez-u2xT7yI5LD2CEuDDfBY1Rrs/s320/word-cloud-679936_1280.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So stop <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">thinking you ain't good enough. T<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hrow away that invisible cloak that you hide inside</span></span>. Step out into the real world and live. So forget about the words at the top of the page and look at this grid. Now choose the words that describe you or that you would l<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ike to be described as.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Learn about your inner<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> self<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now look at t<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hose words again. Easy! Positive! Optimistic! Free! Certain! Daring! Affectionate! Curious! <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who do you know who has a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ll those characteristics? Would you like to be more like them? </span></span></span>To be more confident, with self-esteem, and a good mixer you need to gather others with those qualities around you, they will energise you and also ward off <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pessimistic</span>, miserable lonely people. </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQBtpnnTOEPalakwvzckmHu8oaDF-VrvFGr1vZ6ETVr0QGaNks-55nJRjezOs2e-fcW8MkJIZxXWJ_Ojc-d3XygvyGyzExSb7eGWVdHyewz7RhJKkVJuDfLvZqv4EjspxfthnTDjyyLM/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQBtpnnTOEPalakwvzckmHu8oaDF-VrvFGr1vZ6ETVr0QGaNks-55nJRjezOs2e-fcW8MkJIZxXWJ_Ojc-d3XygvyGyzExSb7eGWVdHyewz7RhJKkVJuDfLvZqv4EjspxfthnTDjyyLM/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The secret of life is to </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">JUST BE YOURSELF</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-38384462869053252752016-10-25T10:09:00.000-07:002016-10-26T01:41:21.644-07:00FIRESALE TACTILE WELSH/ENGLISH SIGNS RAISED TEXT AND SYMBOLS BRAILLE<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>UNIQUE WELSH/ENGLISH </b></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SPECIAL FIRE SALE 6 DAYS ONLY</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">TACTILE SIGNS </span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9RCBqZW7Wh5u7qagAXlkvPHq-NUhxMrzoBKCNMubIBJH9t1fxA6GtzrIfHqpEIn5KEWpXvFLOaa4rDT4YbSo_MudpBpRR-iYoFU2yHL5j4g_j-70rL9qy56h7xmuUEfanz3kVkU0AZ8/s1600/IMG-20110425-00564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9RCBqZW7Wh5u7qagAXlkvPHq-NUhxMrzoBKCNMubIBJH9t1fxA6GtzrIfHqpEIn5KEWpXvFLOaa4rDT4YbSo_MudpBpRR-iYoFU2yHL5j4g_j-70rL9qy56h7xmuUEfanz3kVkU0AZ8/s640/IMG-20110425-00564.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYfm6cXZN7An_KjKYzI-35xO_OY45lZZ91hDtcC_CT86xdyrIKxN2P8nmdebo0NBMi3_onvmTHPMlb9jIWMbddFtEix2ICidMvvCpr4t6En7HGof6-SLToKc-NW-1rRIuU8Oe42a5riQ/s1600/IMG-20110425-00557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYfm6cXZN7An_KjKYzI-35xO_OY45lZZ91hDtcC_CT86xdyrIKxN2P8nmdebo0NBMi3_onvmTHPMlb9jIWMbddFtEix2ICidMvvCpr4t6En7HGof6-SLToKc-NW-1rRIuU8Oe42a5riQ/s320/IMG-20110425-00557.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">All tactile signs comply with legislation and best practice. All, unless otherwise stated are bi-lingual in Welsh & English. All have raised text and symbol (where applicable) and bi-lingual Braille.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">All signs are in blue, unless otherwise stated, and have contrasting white text, symbols and border so that they are easy to identify.There is an indent raised white arrow head marking at the beginning of the Braille so that it can be easily identified. All signs are made of a durable long-life plastic, vacuum formed to be used both indoors and outside. They come with a self-adhesive peel-off backing sutable for most surfaces but can be screwed for added security.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There follows some common signs that are currently available. These are end of line items and once sold will not be available at these low prices.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>RECEPTION</b> 30 x 15cm</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Raised Text, Symbols. Braille, Welsh and English </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £15.50</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SPECIAL £5.00 + PP</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM83IQoGKXHwqIWotOf6WQd6PVHbv_6R2dALtF78PSPrkwRywoE3ipS1l03gx7cS9Om4mMlzxtdCQhHODUZaLeT20jv1GxvgjmhxTDJ9cDGW1xxuPh4xatcOQpsimKyvA-E6UbhRXlWVo/s1600/IMG-20110425-00541+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM83IQoGKXHwqIWotOf6WQd6PVHbv_6R2dALtF78PSPrkwRywoE3ipS1l03gx7cS9Om4mMlzxtdCQhHODUZaLeT20jv1GxvgjmhxTDJ9cDGW1xxuPh4xatcOQpsimKyvA-E6UbhRXlWVo/s640/IMG-20110425-00541+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>WAITING AREA</b> 30 x 15cm</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £15.50</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SPECIAL £3.50 + PP</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBJqr5IOjfELfqj_QIAkQTOdr-iEyFzuVwdEBorDc7dH5T4bbNWAeMgzovE7BGoWKqJaJIVFw1XQEzWjTZh1F0fjIIOs_C9hxZmGVWrkCn2MtR0A5YAxmjqnBN47aX9EelUdOZL7LWns/s1600/IMG-20110425-00530+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBJqr5IOjfELfqj_QIAkQTOdr-iEyFzuVwdEBorDc7dH5T4bbNWAeMgzovE7BGoWKqJaJIVFw1XQEzWjTZh1F0fjIIOs_C9hxZmGVWrkCn2MtR0A5YAxmjqnBN47aX9EelUdOZL7LWns/s640/IMG-20110425-00530+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>FIRST FLOOR</b> 30 x 15cm</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £15.50</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SPECIAL £3.50 + PP</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyKoft-frGp1z365FCtbWdTocNxUMt3twda4P7HKixf3XKIIBjYLm3iVS8HT8gNYT_m_aFtvOY78daU3SwzUoG0ZWxZIsaS8-1JHVoFyivK8xbnctulYvvJtBtDEtLWvUiYFyPsBdHrg/s1600/IMG-20110425-00532+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyKoft-frGp1z365FCtbWdTocNxUMt3twda4P7HKixf3XKIIBjYLm3iVS8HT8gNYT_m_aFtvOY78daU3SwzUoG0ZWxZIsaS8-1JHVoFyivK8xbnctulYvvJtBtDEtLWvUiYFyPsBdHrg/s640/IMG-20110425-00532+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>SECOND FLOOR</b> 30 x 15cm</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £15.50</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SPECIAL £3.50 + PP</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WR341EmQJ0CXDg4idrQK8l0QOg70CCQMOjRNDz6y-RV489wliliQNurcuisDJ5_LiEY3W9TzVM0Pjr2yw0omgiuY9HIKZL7JPeye8IBpbKG_9uHGmZGp_YKsLiHVYvf6dp3vzYfxJQk/s1600/IMG-20110425-00544+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WR341EmQJ0CXDg4idrQK8l0QOg70CCQMOjRNDz6y-RV489wliliQNurcuisDJ5_LiEY3W9TzVM0Pjr2yw0omgiuY9HIKZL7JPeye8IBpbKG_9uHGmZGp_YKsLiHVYvf6dp3vzYfxJQk/s640/IMG-20110425-00544+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>INTERVIEW ROOM</b> 30 x 15cm</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £15.50</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvWSsH9rw18H4p4rVM8HgY-UCHvy5LR16YN-rxurL3WkM73Bl1-WysmH6l1b-wrQrwQXTWtyRMLDp69QMBaXrchDJsP3a2l3HCrBm7K5-GT21DuCSo3Femw611DTXD0hXyB5YgqtuaE0/s1600/IMG-20110425-00526+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvWSsH9rw18H4p4rVM8HgY-UCHvy5LR16YN-rxurL3WkM73Bl1-WysmH6l1b-wrQrwQXTWtyRMLDp69QMBaXrchDJsP3a2l3HCrBm7K5-GT21DuCSo3Femw611DTXD0hXyB5YgqtuaE0/s640/IMG-20110425-00526+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>GROUND FLOOR</b> 30 x 15cm</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £15.50</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SPECIAL £3.50 + PP</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24qjBt0rYNWUHhyssGlzfE4YzC25TwbmaeIMeVOD9NKs0-9d_ISo0W75HuU5hysGIlGTxvKihd1B9q4zstLrjW3vtCCe_HyAlvMsQEF99yTsjQeJIj9_zDAdOEhcr3-XlUrNRYxPzZOc/s1600/IMG-20110425-00536+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24qjBt0rYNWUHhyssGlzfE4YzC25TwbmaeIMeVOD9NKs0-9d_ISo0W75HuU5hysGIlGTxvKihd1B9q4zstLrjW3vtCCe_HyAlvMsQEF99yTsjQeJIj9_zDAdOEhcr3-XlUrNRYxPzZOc/s640/IMG-20110425-00536+-+Copy.jpg" width="504" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>ACCESSIBLE TOILET</b> 20 x 15cm</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Raised Text and Symbol, Braille, Welsh and English </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £15.50</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SPECIAL £5.00 + PP</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99BZmF3hejzXwqzLZjQAJNtzYbykVSpkXEyPofVM5qks4nwjQQR36EFTyr8lV0QPoz15_uOGKZ-2jphSlV3EeCaP1CHqmwZERXPTpk6dtvobBN9aD8dPZ9LW9YEiVnCix_H0V40AlYis/s1600/IMG-20110425-00560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99BZmF3hejzXwqzLZjQAJNtzYbykVSpkXEyPofVM5qks4nwjQQR36EFTyr8lV0QPoz15_uOGKZ-2jphSlV3EeCaP1CHqmwZERXPTpk6dtvobBN9aD8dPZ9LW9YEiVnCix_H0V40AlYis/s640/IMG-20110425-00560.jpg" width="502" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>FEMALE</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> TOILET</b> 20 x 15cm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £15.50</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUH7TFhEQg2Y36QETQ2VMis3JbI6PgBYNAbHoiinIbNDZEHIWgBgZD-OYJuw_ifxs1sjm_ZkaH0eTA_jfydFWK9tx-A3GuDZP2Pz__Z2WR9Cezi6Aad4g0oX4g40nNgCbVNG_GijZqYNY/s1600/IMG-20110425-00561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUH7TFhEQg2Y36QETQ2VMis3JbI6PgBYNAbHoiinIbNDZEHIWgBgZD-OYJuw_ifxs1sjm_ZkaH0eTA_jfydFWK9tx-A3GuDZP2Pz__Z2WR9Cezi6Aad4g0oX4g40nNgCbVNG_GijZqYNY/s640/IMG-20110425-00561.jpg" width="508" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>MALE </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>TOILET</b> 20 x 15cm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £15.50</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>SPECIAL £<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5</span></span>.50 + PP</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM62UsjQzMkfSzNpmVmIvBddgGOMn0yF9jOI0KrO8WS7Np_KJSbfMyVq3Yh9c-fQIJX1T_3wGVJfcNpBYSm4zKSW50uRASkbx0kvPPqPH4bhpEQICgAbnz0yMyK_lJ6vAwdHZoJDE_RNs/s1600/IMG-20110425-00550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM62UsjQzMkfSzNpmVmIvBddgGOMn0yF9jOI0KrO8WS7Np_KJSbfMyVq3Yh9c-fQIJX1T_3wGVJfcNpBYSm4zKSW50uRASkbx0kvPPqPH4bhpEQICgAbnz0yMyK_lJ6vAwdHZoJDE_RNs/s640/IMG-20110425-00550.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>PRESS FOR ASSISTANCE </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 20 x 10cm</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Raised Text and Symbol, Braille, Welsh and English </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Normally £10.50</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>SPECIAL £<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4</span>.00 + PP</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <i><b>Other signs are available.</b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Call 07964827959</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>or e-mail info@accessaudit.co.uk</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>for more details and to order </b></i></span></span></div>
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<br />Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-18382640204127515312016-01-29T02:13:00.002-08:002016-01-29T02:18:09.630-08:00White Canes for Visually Impaired People<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White Sticks are more than just a white stick. You will see people with white sticks or canes and not realised the differences between the three different types.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The short white stick is to indicate that you have a sight loss to other people. It has no other use but does stop others bumping you. You will find others are more willing to assist you, and in particular to help you cross roads. Some white </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcPmuovQ7U-_Ypczpyuj6jlPdI7R9F5gHBFVKCnKMPaoFKmROoneA43MgcDPJnQ11uLhQlITwFw56WwjTfK1BF081pnitGZA_4BxYs6_n7sBXTNPD-GM4EtjQlWkkCsIjy8_5FDEWqyg/s1600/320px-Long_cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcPmuovQ7U-_Ypczpyuj6jlPdI7R9F5gHBFVKCnKMPaoFKmROoneA43MgcDPJnQ11uLhQlITwFw56WwjTfK1BF081pnitGZA_4BxYs6_n7sBXTNPD-GM4EtjQlWkkCsIjy8_5FDEWqyg/s320/320px-Long_cane.jpg" width="73" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">stick users are very independent and sometimes appear rude when offered help. Most users will welcome help, particularly in busy areas. When you assist a blind person let them hold onto you and you guide them by example: don't grab hold of yhem and propel them forward. Obviously if you talk as you walk giving advice about traffic conditions it helps, so that the user is more aware. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Incidentally most crossings now have audio as well as visual indicators so that helps someone who can't see. And in </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE3curxCFuot7fTHjXsRYhH2oyLI9k4Ac8Zsdy464vhqX5OSH0kSm2g6vuiNCpbrslo-9QDYwvRvzoXKCcxZs1EJO08t8gzEGoYBmeLyOn1hux6eyzV02cnuCJhyphenhyphen1hyphenhyphenKU4dsR9La7Fg0/s1600/_67872106_xpdc_2603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE3curxCFuot7fTHjXsRYhH2oyLI9k4Ac8Zsdy464vhqX5OSH0kSm2g6vuiNCpbrslo-9QDYwvRvzoXKCcxZs1EJO08t8gzEGoYBmeLyOn1hux6eyzV02cnuCJhyphenhyphen1hyphenhyphenKU4dsR9La7Fg0/s320/_67872106_xpdc_2603.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">addition many have a revolving fitting built into the pole that blind people can feel moving when they can cross. Under the control box is a metal cone with tactile ridges. This rotates when the lights show red. Try it for yourself. A point to remember, however, is that you should not start walking on feeling the movement, but use your other senses too, listen for moving traffic.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second type of cane is the guide cane, and used diagonally across the body to feel for obstacles.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The third type is the tapping cane and is used to probe from side to side seeking out obstacles. You will see on ramps and pathways that there are upstand edges. These stop wheelchairs and buggies wandering of track but are also useful to long white stick users as they can feel the edge. Edges should be 100mm high to comply with the legislation. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Blind
people have used canes as mobility tools for centuries,<sup><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_cane#cite_note-3"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"></span></a></sup>
but it was not until after World War 1<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I" title="World War I"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"></span></a> that the white cane was introduced. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">In 1921
James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol who became blind after an accident and was
uncomfortable with the amount of traffic around his home, painted his walking
stick white to be more easily visible.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>
</u></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">In 1931
in France, Guilly d'Herbemont<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guilly_d%27Herbemont" title="Guilly d'Herbemont"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"></span></a> launched a national white
stick movement for blind people. On February 7, 1931, he symbolically
gave the first two white canes to blind people, in the presence of several
French ministers. 5,000 more white canes were later sent to blind French
veterans from World War I and blind civilians. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<u>
</u><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">In the United States ,
the introduction of the white cane is attributed to George A. Bonham of the Lions Club International . In 1930, a
Lions Club member watched as a man who was blind attempted to cross the street
with a black cane that was barely visible to motorists against the dark
pavement. The Lions decided to paint the cane white to make it more visible. In
1931, Lions Clubs International began a program promoting the use of white
canes for people who are blind.</span></div>
<u>
</u><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The first
special white cane ordinance was passed in December 1930 in Illinois granting blind pedestrians protections and the right-of-way
while carrying a white cane. </span></div>
<u>
</u><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The long
cane was improved upon by Richard E.
Hoover, at the Valley Forge Army Hospital. In 1944, he took
the Lions Club white cane (originally made of wood) and went around the
hospital blindfolded for a week. During this time he developed what is now the
standard method of "long cane" training or the Hoover Method. He is
now called the "Father of the Lightweight Long Cane Technique." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The
basic technique is to swing the cane from the center of the body back and forth
before the feet. The cane should be swept before the rear foot as the person
steps. Before he taught other rehabilitators, or "orientors," his new
technique he had a special commission to have light weight, long white canes
made for the veterans of the European fronts. </span></div>
<u>
</u><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span></div>
<u>
</u><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">While the
white cane is commonly accepted as a "symbol of blindness", different
countries still have different rules concerning what constitutes a "cane
for the blind".</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<u>
</u><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">In the United Kingdom, the white cane indicates that the individual has a visual
impairment; with two red bands added it indicates that the user is deafblind<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deafblind" title="Deafblind"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"></span></a>. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">In the United States ,
laws vary from state to state, but in all cases, those carrying white canes are
afforded the right-of-way <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-of-way_%28traffic%29" title="Right-of-way (traffic)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"></span></a> when crossing a road. They
are afforded the right to use their cane in any public place as well. In some
cases, it is illegal for a non-blind person to use a white cane with the intent
of being given right-of-way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">So there you have information about white canes and some background history too. Your comments, questions and suggestions are welcome in the comments below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Long cane photo by Sarah Chester</span>Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-16814627985058151422016-01-27T12:32:00.000-08:002016-01-27T12:32:02.604-08:00Statistics with regards to Disabled People in the UK<div class="block publication-content">
<div class="inner-block floated-children">
<div class="govspeak">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These statistics cover Great Britain and are reviewed and updated
throughout the year as new data is published. Sources are available under Official Statistics,</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disability facts and figures, Published <time class="published-at date" datetime="2014-01-16T00:00:00+00:00">16 January 2014 by the UK Government</time></span></span><br />
<div class="headings">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<h2 id="general-demographics">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">General demographics and Employment</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are over 11 million people with a limiting long term illness, impairment or disability<sup id="fnref:1"><a class="footnote" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-facts-and-figures/disability-facts-and-figures#fn:1"></a></sup>. The most commonly-reported impairments are those that affect mobility, lifting or carrying <sup id="fnref:2"><a class="footnote" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-facts-and-figures/disability-facts-and-figures#fn:2"></a></sup>.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5nygHwfPal5ilZwWlo-f1EfWIT2Eri9LuFPEoFQQfBbjmbwik5Awa0483JWekf2ssED3HCtcpoN6VWCZkLhMlAdrpeuYVmw18GM4m2FlWnJvyj7khPShVThnXFbHIqIfJfXzfyAaXeQ/s1600/index.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5nygHwfPal5ilZwWlo-f1EfWIT2Eri9LuFPEoFQQfBbjmbwik5Awa0483JWekf2ssED3HCtcpoN6VWCZkLhMlAdrpeuYVmw18GM4m2FlWnJvyj7khPShVThnXFbHIqIfJfXzfyAaXeQ/s200/index.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The prevalence of disability rises with age. Around 6% of children
are disabled, compared to 16% of working age adults and 45% of adults
over State Pension age <sup id="fnref:3"><a class="footnote" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-facts-and-figures/disability-facts-and-figures#fn:3"></a></sup>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is obvious that the number of adults over the State Pension age is going to be high. This group usually fear and expect</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that they will gain a disability as they grow older. </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5nygHwfPal5ilZwWlo-f1EfWIT2Eri9LuFPEoFQQfBbjmbwik5Awa0483JWekf2ssED3HCtcpoN6VWCZkLhMlAdrpeuYVmw18GM4m2FlWnJvyj7khPShVThnXFbHIqIfJfXzfyAaXeQ/s1600/index.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">D</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">isabled people remain
significantly less likely to be in employment than non-disabled people.
In 2012, 46.3% of working-age disabled people are in employment
compared to 76.4% of working-age non-disabled people. There is </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6leRYN1uCIuFY7xRHyYqKo0Tc7uUtA5vmEsiciJ6SsAEfdTn44NqeYHlng0p37ChVf5hnToIu9DkihU5Nkp3jIkyz_Ns75Y_DIZKftTANDqwGg_e5eTbtwLrprEvPwf7v9sqlF2K7l4c/s1600/safety-643967_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6leRYN1uCIuFY7xRHyYqKo0Tc7uUtA5vmEsiciJ6SsAEfdTn44NqeYHlng0p37ChVf5hnToIu9DkihU5Nkp3jIkyz_Ns75Y_DIZKftTANDqwGg_e5eTbtwLrprEvPwf7v9sqlF2K7l4c/s320/safety-643967_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">therefore
a 30.1 percentage point gap between disabled and non-disabled people,
representing over 2 million people. The gap has reduced by 10 percentage
points over the last 14 years and has remained stable over the last two
years despite the economic climate</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The number of disabled people of working age is a concern because many are unemployed despite being capable. Employers are supposed to take on the most capable person for a position but because some don't see beyond the disability they feel the person will not be able to carry out their duties: it will be difficult for the business to support them: a fear that the person will need extra time away from work: or many other reasons. I feel that we still have an upward struggle to get the message across that often the disabled person will be a real benefit to the business. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<h2 id="living-standards">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Living standards</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A substantially higher proportion of individuals who live in families
with disabled members live in poverty, compared to individuals who live
in families where no one is disabled.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">19% of individuals in families with at least one disabled member live
in relative income poverty, on a before housing costs basis, compared
to 15% of individuals in families with no disabled member.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">21% of children in families with at least one disabled member are in
poverty, a significantly higher proportion than the 16% of children in
families with no disabled member.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The gaps here appears to be a direct tie in with employment. I believe that education plays an important role here as so many disabled people have suffered a poor education in the past which will be reflected in their initial CV and lack of scholastic achievements compared to others at the interview stage. The disabled people who are unable to find work will find that they stay in the poverty zone and are unlikely to be able to pull themselves out. And as we know, this group are fighting higher prices across the board, often shopping at local convenience stores where goods can be slightly more expensive. This also applies to utilities where they are tied to higher rates or even on paid meter charges. And all of these slight increases add up and eat into low incomes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We all realise too that low income families often buy less nutritious foods, sometimes through necessity but often through ignorance. We are bombarded with cooking programmes on TV, most of which take some experience to duplicate at home. Convenience foods rule. But home cooing from raw ingredients is cheaper and nutritious. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<h2 id="education">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Education</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And now for some good news.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Between 2005 to 2006 and 2010 to 2011, the percentage of pupils at
the end of Key Stage 4 achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A* to C has:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">increased from 66.3% to 88.9% for students without Special Educational Needs (SEN)</span></span><br />
</li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">increased from 19.8% to 59.2% for students with SEN without a statement</span></span><br />
</li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">increased from 8.7% to 24.9% for students with SEN with a statement </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pupils at
the end of Key Stage 4 achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A* to C has:</span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<h2 id="post-19-education">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The gap for students with and without special educational needs without a statement has dramatically closed which means that there will be more opportunities for work in the future for these disabled people. They will be able to compete at the interview stage and hopefully will have sufficiently strong personalities to impress the interviewer.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">19.2% of working age disabled people do not hold any formal qualification, compared to 6.5% of working age non-disabled people. With the educational success in recent years this will improve as explained above</span></span><br />
<h2 id="post-19-education">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">14.9% of working age disabled people hold degree-level qualifications compared to 28.1% of working age non-disabled people. There is a wide gap here but it is hoped that universities are making a bigger effort to fulfill the needs of disabled students and putting them on a more level playing field.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<h2 id="independent-living">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Independent living</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over a quarter of disabled people say that they do not frequently have choice and control over their daily lives <sup id="fnref:10"><a class="footnote" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-facts-and-figures/disability-facts-and-figures#fn:10"></a></sup></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<h2 id="discrimination">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Discrimination</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disabled people are significantly more likely to experience unfair
treatment at work than non-disabled people. In 2008, 19% of disabled
people experienced unfair treatment at work compared to 13% of
non-disabled people.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Around a third of disabled people experience difficulties related to
their impairment in accessing public, commercial and leisure goods and
services. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite the different legislation, starting with the DDA 2004, only a small percentage of businesses and organisations have taken any practical steps to remove obstacles and there is still a lack of awareness about disability that creates discrimination. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<h2 id="leisure-social-and-cultural-activities">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leisure, social and cultural activities</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disabled people remain significantly less likely to participate in
cultural, leisure and sporting activities than non-disabled people.
Latest data shows disabled people are more likely to have attended a
historic environment site, museum or gallery than in 2005 to 2006.
However, disabled people are less likely to have attended a library over
the same period.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know from experience as a disability access consultant and auditor that many public facilities are in older building where access is difficult and barriers cannot always be removed, and I believe that this, together with the difficulties around crowds of people has lead to less disabled people attending cultural, social or sporting activities. The Paralympics have done much in the last few years to change our perspective regarding disable people and this can only lead us towards a more inclusive society.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<h2 id="civic-involvement-and-volunteering">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Civic involvement and volunteering</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disabled people remain significantly less likely to participate in
cultural, leisure and sporting activities than non-disabled people.
Latest data shows disabled people are more likely to have attended a
historic environment site, museum or gallery than in 2005 to 2006.
However disabled people are less likely to have attended a library over
the same period </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disabled people are significantly less likely to engage in formal
volunteering. In 2010 to 2011, 23% of disabled people engaged in formal
volunteering at least once a month, compared with 25% of non-disabled
people<sup id="fnref:15"><a class="footnote" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-facts-and-figures/disability-facts-and-figures#fn:15"></a></sup>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<h2 id="transport">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Transport</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Around a fifth of disabled people report having difficulties related to their impairment or disability in accessing transport </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Between 2004 to 2005 and 2011 to 2012, the percentage of buses with low-floor wheelchair access increased from 52% to 88%.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I see that this has changed now. The deadline for having level access onto public transport was 2015 and all new buses have been suitably equipped. I have seen that locally pavements have been raised to accommodate older vehicles. This must be good news for wheelchair users. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<h2 id="housing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Housing</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although the gap in non-decent accommodation has closed over recent
years, 1 in 3 households with a disabled person still live in non-decent
accommodation<sup id="fnref:21"><a class="footnote" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-facts-and-figures/disability-facts-and-figures#fn:21"></a></sup>. 1 in 5 disabled people requiring adaptations to their home believe that their accommodation is not suitable.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good news today. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The bedroom tax has been declared unlawful by the appeal court due to
its impact on vulnerable individuals, dealing a significant blow to the Work and Pensions Secretary. Judges ruled that in two cases – those of a victim of extreme
domestic violence and grandparents of a severely disabled teenager – the
government’s policy amounted to unlawful discrimination.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The disability case was brought by Paul
and Sue Rutherford, grandparents of Warren, who is seriously disabled
child and who needs overnight care in a specially adapted room.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-upmd8VPCElsBbxBrU80I_uOr-qvxPj0CDvQQUuqArNjJlUQOo0vk8p8w1zKSjZpJn-QHr7pCyakiCgR2DIraOI8uyeh3-5lVoQmFzlt0VoKUr_gyw2fGMc-S2cxgVRKKhYnEErTojM/s1600/wheelchair-798420_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-upmd8VPCElsBbxBrU80I_uOr-qvxPj0CDvQQUuqArNjJlUQOo0vk8p8w1zKSjZpJn-QHr7pCyakiCgR2DIraOI8uyeh3-5lVoQmFzlt0VoKUr_gyw2fGMc-S2cxgVRKKhYnEErTojM/s200/wheelchair-798420_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In both cases, the claimants faced a cut in housing benefit because
they were deemed to be “under-occupying” the additional rooms which were
classified as spare.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This should be good news for those caring for other severely disabled people needing similar care in similar situations.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">regards</span></span><br />
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Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-74899604062895164092016-01-15T02:03:00.004-08:002016-01-15T02:24:05.484-08:00Useful LIving Aids for Disabled People<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are some great ideas for visually impaired people that you might not know about, particularly if your blindness has crept up on you, maybe in your older years. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Most people born blind or become blind in their early years will probably have been told about and supplied with many useful aids that will help them lead an active life. But as we become older and our vision deteriorates we aren't often aware of what is available and with modern technological advances prices are dropping so that the products are more accessible to all.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHXcs8mECdnSimtF6K76-JhK-JhzO_BWinEjPBoG7mL0w1uqzY-k-v29eEqxJCPOhz0dm6ENzklL8q0BUOR5io48rEpIjZiyb0NvSTlfq8nvm6gl7NV94ST8EqpZ1BdAk8qtscmZyLF0/s1600/cc70_back_l_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHXcs8mECdnSimtF6K76-JhK-JhzO_BWinEjPBoG7mL0w1uqzY-k-v29eEqxJCPOhz0dm6ENzklL8q0BUOR5io48rEpIjZiyb0NvSTlfq8nvm6gl7NV94ST8EqpZ1BdAk8qtscmZyLF0/s320/cc70_back_l_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Being blind you can lose track of time and there are talking watches will keep you informed. But I discovered this table-top talking clock and calender which is really useful. It is self-setting, just place on a window-sill and it will pick up the radio Greenwich meantime signal. Its particularly useful when you are alone. For example in the night you will have no idea of the time, whether it;s daylight or darkness and whether you can afford another 5 minutes in bed. Just reach out, locate the clock and hit the big button on the top and it'll tell you the time. How easy is that. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For sighted people making a hot drink is simple. Put the tea bag or spoon of coffee in a cup, add sugar if necessary and add water. The top up with milk. But imagine if you are blind and can't judge how near the top you have poured the boiling water. This handy water level indicator is brilliant. Firsly it's magnetic so you could always leave it on the fridge door, for example, where you could easily find it. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5Z84t7gPhN37LojX07tyc2wYEPnLItqkebPuZ_KImLRDr8txGZVZdgTUDwIsRnXQnH0dY9DR2dja9A79aeniyh5kEvMsSbikdqIRNpIF_0hsYF2we4G7Bs971xHWfw13eIPyxrNORBs/s1600/dk139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5Z84t7gPhN37LojX07tyc2wYEPnLItqkebPuZ_KImLRDr8txGZVZdgTUDwIsRnXQnH0dY9DR2dja9A79aeniyh5kEvMsSbikdqIRNpIF_0hsYF2we4G7Bs971xHWfw13eIPyxrNORBs/s200/dk139.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Slip it over the side of your cup with the prongs inside and our in the water. When the level hits the lower prong it bleeps and vibrates and then when it reaches the shortest prong it bleeps and vibrates continuously. Great result. Now you could stop when it reaches the longest prong, then add mild up to the shortest prong and you'll get a perfect drink, no spills no burns.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For deaf people a useful device is the doorbell/telephone/fire alarm light flasher. This is installed by a competent electrician onto the main lighting circuits and operates on all the lights in the house. When the door bell or telephone rings all the lights in the house switch on and off giving different sequences for the phone and doorbell or even a fire alarm.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With regard to fire alarms the vibrating pillow is another useful aid and this does the same, it alerts you to a fire alarm, but can work off other devices too. The vibrating pillow works of noise and so doesn't have to be hard-wired into the alarm system. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A really simple system for the door-bell is a vibrating or flashing wireless free system, available from many shops. This replaces a standard door bell push. The receiver is carried and when the door=bell is rung, then the receiver flashes or vibrates </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many people with hearing aids still find it difficult to hear the TV without the volume being turned up, which can be a distraction for other people in the room or even neighbours. Fitting a low cost domestic loop system is easy. This is a simple wire that runs around the room, either at ceiling level or floor level. Its plugged into the TV. By changing the setting on your hearing aid to "loop", you'll pick up a clear signal and hear well without being distracted with other background noises. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most people don't realise that hearing aids just magnify all noises and don't filter out background so its often difficult to use anyway.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another good device is a portable hearing loop which will be battery operated. It either stands in front of the TV speaker or plugs in. It transmits to the hearing aid. Some people use these in meetings whether the look transmitter is placed on the table centre and picks up all voices.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Use disability aids to improve your life.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLhqM1pl-6omTVS_3sM0lejSAlm4ddyzBgIn71dJ4UWIQVWqC8-UTtaO7wv2cpQG5cURsg5MB43kpeksAHlOiFoCjF4BJEGqpHMyxUXBQ7QtLglNXMfdJV558A6lo-MRStzLt-ybXp8Q/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLhqM1pl-6omTVS_3sM0lejSAlm4ddyzBgIn71dJ4UWIQVWqC8-UTtaO7wv2cpQG5cURsg5MB43kpeksAHlOiFoCjF4BJEGqpHMyxUXBQ7QtLglNXMfdJV558A6lo-MRStzLt-ybXp8Q/s1600/signature.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-15303649035734903972016-01-09T08:35:00.004-08:002016-01-09T08:40:10.019-08:00RADAR Disabled Accessible Toilet Key<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hi Everyone</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are now so many useful aids to help disabled people to live a more fulfilling life. But I've been surprised how many don't know about them. The simplest and most useful is the RADAR key.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The RADAR disabled toilet key has been available for years but many don't know about them. There are an estimated 9000 disabled toilets in the UK that are operated by these keys. I believe there are many 1000's more. Many toilets that may </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO3C2-raDyesuRjsHosOBk7RxI49xqpRQdRW3FTfl853963twKKa40HQTJxuhY_b9lu4V02fkV8zOvDML6fxxS3lZ3q4byNLxsGrRBfmmf-WrLR6RemkloAd82OZcwbPUmpKFwV_NoKI/s1600/radar.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO3C2-raDyesuRjsHosOBk7RxI49xqpRQdRW3FTfl853963twKKa40HQTJxuhY_b9lu4V02fkV8zOvDML6fxxS3lZ3q4byNLxsGrRBfmmf-WrLR6RemkloAd82OZcwbPUmpKFwV_NoKI/s1600/radar.png" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">have been unlocked are now locked. The key is large and so very easy to manage by most people. They are available from RADAR or Age Concern, possibly your local authority and even Argos. But watch the price. Normally they are around £2.15 (best price Age Concern) to £3.95 but Argos sell at £7.99 which I think is really excessive. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You don't need to provide any proof that you are disabled and in fact they are available to anyone. So if you feel you can benefit just look up your local Age Concern and call in. Age Concern do a great job but I'm disappointed that they </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIZyOj9-Y8nyOH4tkq8XZ17n1Ci4eetfpgsdr2wJJ1-2eeeQ97LDLdZlA1FNWxORTot2dQo3f4AEy3dh2LvLq8nMvGQfy3u7iTlucdf7hqVwbJqOBQVZRqz75HSxhCTz06Cq20K4dYNU/s1600/index.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIZyOj9-Y8nyOH4tkq8XZ17n1Ci4eetfpgsdr2wJJ1-2eeeQ97LDLdZlA1FNWxORTot2dQo3f4AEy3dh2LvLq8nMvGQfy3u7iTlucdf7hqVwbJqOBQVZRqz75HSxhCTz06Cq20K4dYNU/s1600/index.png" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">have become so commercialised in the last few years. I understand they need to fund themselves but I feel in some areas they have gone too far. However, the low RADAR key cost is extremely low and well worth buying. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's interesting to note that Disabled Toilets also known as Accessible Toilets are not restricted to disabled people, they just have the necessary design to suit everyone. For example the had-basin is within reach when sitting on the WC. There are adequate support rails each side of the WC and either room alongside for a wheelchair or room in front. There is a large door handle that's easy to grasp and usually you simply revolve the door handle 90 degrees to lock, and there is a way to open the door from outside in an emergency. There will be a horizontal door rail at 700cm from the floor so anyone can easily pull the door closed. The mirror is of sufficient length for anyone standing or in a wheelchair, and there should be a coat hanger at a suitable height. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24qjBt0rYNWUHhyssGlzfE4YzC25TwbmaeIMeVOD9NKs0-9d_ISo0W75HuU5hysGIlGTxvKihd1B9q4zstLrjW3vtCCe_HyAlvMsQEF99yTsjQeJIj9_zDAdOEhcr3-XlUrNRYxPzZOc/s1600/IMG-20110425-00536+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24qjBt0rYNWUHhyssGlzfE4YzC25TwbmaeIMeVOD9NKs0-9d_ISo0W75HuU5hysGIlGTxvKihd1B9q4zstLrjW3vtCCe_HyAlvMsQEF99yTsjQeJIj9_zDAdOEhcr3-XlUrNRYxPzZOc/s320/IMG-20110425-00536+-+Copy.jpg" width="252" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In addition there will be an emergency pull cord and reset button. The size should be sufficient for a wheelchair and a carer. and the hand-basin should be low enough for wheelchair users as should the hand drier or towelling. Colours should contrast so its easy to pick out facilities. There should be a sign outside as this example. Ideally it should be large enough for visually impaired people and not just a few cm across. It should have a contrasting border, a symbol and have both raised text and Braille. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are just some of the design features of an accessible toilet. But it's important to note that these are not solely for disabled people but can be used by anyone. I have heard the contrary and also that they should be just available to disabled people because their needs may be more urgent. I know many people, particularly those who are older, who have a really pressing need for immediate use of a toilet, particularly in colder weather. So if you are one of those don't be harangued, you have as much right. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Accessible toilets in the main are cleaner than other public toilets and I would urge anyone using them to maintain this standard, particularly keeping the floor dry, and flushing to basin after use. Simple good hygiene and manners. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have an accessible toilet in your premises and want any advice please leave a comment at the bottom. It's better to get it right and give your customers a better service, they'll come back again. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your comments are always welcome</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-7744871988008564552015-12-12T07:59:00.001-08:002015-12-12T08:51:00.929-08:00Some Building Obstacles are just Unneccessary. <span style="font-size: large;">Hi Everybody</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was out with a wheelchair user last week attending a meeting
together. Everything was fine on the street, although there were several
obstacles that he had to navigate around such as tables and chairs outside cafes and A-Frame
advertising boards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then we approached to building where
the meeting was being held. This was relatively new building of around
20 to 30 years I would imagine. It had been recently re-furbished
(probably this year) and was used as a community type centre. There was a
ramp up the side of the building to the main entrance door and there
was an upright edge to the ramp so that wheelchairs couldn't veer off
and white stick users had a tapping board to guide them. But at the door
my friend just could not operate the entry system because he could
reach it. It was tucked in the corner. I had press the button and to
open the door for him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once inside the desk was low so
that was good but we had to pass through two locked doors both with
digital keypads that he couldn't operate. The doors themselves were
extemely heavy and more than the prescribed pressure laid down in Part M
of the Building Regulations. In fact to heavy for my friend to open.
Then there was the lift. Just big enough for him and another person but
the side walls were open and he had to keep pressing on the control for
the lift to move. He couldn't do this. As he went in frontways and
couldn't turn inside so he had to reverse out. There should have been a
mirror against the rear wall, as specified in Part M so he could see
behind him as he did reverse so he could see when the door ws open and
if there were any obstructions. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then we had to go into
a meeting room. There were two sets of doors which were very heavy with
a short corridor between of approximately a metre so he had to have
both doors open simultaneously to pass through, which was impossible for
him on his own. There should have been either just one door or a
passage sufficiently long to allow the first door to close before
opening the next. In reality there was only need for one door. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I
guess this was designed by an architect and am surprised that the
refurbishments were passed by the local authority. In this day of
accessibility I could not believe the barriers within this building so
here are some guidelines.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The ramp leading up to the
main door is good as it gives access to the building as is the upright
edge for safety. But there should be a handrail on both sides. There is
no need for steps in addition to the ramp because the rise is only about
300mm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The door controls and intercom button should
be within easy reach. In this case the controls were on the far wall in
the corner and not easily accessible. It would have been better to place
the controls on the side of the door first reached when moving up the
ramp. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is understood there is a security issue here
and that people in the reception area may have restricted access further
into the building. Inside the doors should have been controllable from
the Reception desk or self opening. Digital locks are the worse as
visually impaired people cannot distinguish different buttons or the
text upon them, whilst those with digital restrictions cannot press the
right spot. The doors should have the least resistance to open but to
ensure a firm close as these are fire doors. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Floating
lifts where two walls are open to the lift shaft are most unsuitable for
some disabled people, Visually impaired people may not realise the
walls are moving or that the have to continually hold the lift control
between stops. Others may have a difficulty giving a continuous hold,
wheelchair users may have a problem reaching the controls if they cannot
move their chair. In addition there should be a mirror on the rear wall
so wheelchair users can reverse out safely.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The doors
to the meeting rooms should be easy to push open or be on automatic
openers and be single leaf for easy entry. I didn't check the width of
any doors so it's not known if they comply.</span><br />
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<br />Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-69947574808504876932015-11-04T12:08:00.005-08:002015-11-04T12:08:56.343-08:00Shall I SHOUT then?<span style="font-size: large;">Hi Guys</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had some top tips given to me yesterday by a lady suffering from a hearing lose. She can hear high tones but not low ones so many people's voices are just lost. And this is a disability suffered by many older people as the symptoms seem to creep up on you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwh7ah1NA4u9nAtanZjPbhh-RsLim3_qckQIRHqFMmWmuENZJ52sHlQ61X9hP7KWQ76eOwwgJ4dflYekwSRT5yTTVms9PUh6HCZ-_FOHUAFLDDwds2K2W_tjZ-rJaIKs91CHjbsNPcvh4/s1600/ear-42411_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwh7ah1NA4u9nAtanZjPbhh-RsLim3_qckQIRHqFMmWmuENZJ52sHlQ61X9hP7KWQ76eOwwgJ4dflYekwSRT5yTTVms9PUh6HCZ-_FOHUAFLDDwds2K2W_tjZ-rJaIKs91CHjbsNPcvh4/s320/ear-42411_1280.png" width="203" /></a>Going out for a meal, to a busy event or to the theatre can be a nightmare. You just can't hear the other person so there are 3 alternatives that I see. First tell the other person, secondly not say anything but watch their lips and face and nod or disagree by guessing, and third to just not go out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And staying at home seems normal for many. They'd rather miss out on socialising than not hear and feel left out or being embarrassed by their companions who start shouting or worse.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> You can tell the other person and hope they use common sense and maybe
look at you when they talk so you can see their lips better and so
connect hearing a little with seeing. Many people react by shouting
close up which doesn't help. It doesn't make hearing clear, just puts up
a bigger barrier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbih1MFhKOtWTbLQqrxxkm-oRQl7n566jJBEfgu2J-7ttyQfZLPVolrbaoGgCr0GQ41FV0TCPjIo3efgD26yfUk0h1aBhixz2ySWtzVBiIIo7HJCx6TTi7AL6nAE40lgGH4MblIKu0WD8/s1600/hearing-99016_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbih1MFhKOtWTbLQqrxxkm-oRQl7n566jJBEfgu2J-7ttyQfZLPVolrbaoGgCr0GQ41FV0TCPjIo3efgD26yfUk0h1aBhixz2ySWtzVBiIIo7HJCx6TTi7AL6nAE40lgGH4MblIKu0WD8/s200/hearing-99016_1280.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Most people with a hearing impairment will have some lip-reading experience so its very important that you don't cover your mouth. Just look at the person trying to hear and talk clearly without shouting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The other major issue is the lack of, or ignorance of hearing systems. These are either infra-red or induction loops which we will describe in another post. It is your responsibility to remove barriers for disabled people and in this case you need to make adjustments that will allow them to hear, and this generally means supplying a devise that will improve hearing so that a system must be installed where necessary. You'll have noticed these devices in shops and offices, and at most reception areas. They are kept switched on and the person with a hearing aid switches it to the "T" position. This enables them to pick up the signal and hear the receptionist or whoever.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately many devices are switched off, often under the misconception that the hearing aid wearer should ask for it to be switched on. This is not necessary, they are designed to operate off a permanent power supply. And there are battery operated portable models that can be taken into meetings if necessary.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In larger rooms, theatres and movie houses etc then either the whole area or designated parts are covered. The problems here are that when a deaf person says they need the hearing system sometimes the staff don't know which seats are covered, or the headset has a flat battery or the whole system is switched off. The lady I spoke with said that recently she was seated in the back row so not only was the hearing system not working for her but she couldn't see the signer or the text that was shown each side of the stage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Not having a system is have service users, customers, clients, patrons or whatever you call them in your work, then you must have a system avaulable and staff who can use it. In addition there should be suitable signage and the device should be regularly checked and a record kept.</span><br />
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We have some English/Welsh bi-lingual tactile signs available<br />
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<br />Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-35857438020324352842015-10-30T14:11:00.002-07:002016-02-17T07:16:09.457-08:00Disability Access Auditing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0_wkGWCywmvjin05YC0HglqU5UD8MNzNIjwu5vz9aNt7WSUnAV1wEBkhSUGgl3PFpLd_Hc1RltJfPRrFb0Euj4fSKFtsYGd_gUHNJjCq_mG2xIuPxpBLpxFqtsN_zXa2ssn6WiYKEEA/s1600/wheelchairs-79604_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0_wkGWCywmvjin05YC0HglqU5UD8MNzNIjwu5vz9aNt7WSUnAV1wEBkhSUGgl3PFpLd_Hc1RltJfPRrFb0Euj4fSKFtsYGd_gUHNJjCq_mG2xIuPxpBLpxFqtsN_zXa2ssn6WiYKEEA/s320/wheelchairs-79604_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Hi Everyone </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Although we carry out disability audits you can do your own on small offices although if you miss anything you may be liable if there is action taken against you by a disabled person. So beware.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Let me tell you about the types of disability that you have to cater for. You might be </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"> surprised.A disability is defined under the DDA as a physical or mental impairment, a specific learning difficulty or health condition that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A substantial adverse effect is more than minor or trivial and more than the normal differences in ability that exist between people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A long-term effect is one that has lasted at least 12 months or where the total period for which it is likely to last is at least 12 months or where it is likely to last for the rest of the person’s life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The definition of disability includes physical disabilities, mental health difficulties, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, sensory impairments. severe disfigurements and facial disfigurements, progressive conditions with an effect, however small, on day-to-day activities, which is expected to become substantia, conditions with a number of effects, which have a substantial cumulative effect (such as pain or fatigue), people with a history of disability even if they have
recovered (for example a person who has had a mental health condition in
the past).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Conditions such as cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis are covered from the point of diagnosis. When deciding whether a person has a disability, any medication or
other treatment that they receive is disregarded. The only exception to
this rule is the use of spectacles or contact lenses to correct vision.
In this case, a person’s vision is considered with the help of contact
lenses or glasses rather than without. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBgOTxuVD_V2lKb1zpP5FTNz-SwzWJMvX8_30sIUFz5aA8Q0M_NiO5AdwEa8Qmxk3b-CV6sjY7B1oIoUrc3GRjNonManDx_8T3QVx0e09wo8qdYM8ILM0kcxKBDPwTf3zG_Z3RYplPBI/s1600/wheelchair-798420_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBgOTxuVD_V2lKb1zpP5FTNz-SwzWJMvX8_30sIUFz5aA8Q0M_NiO5AdwEa8Qmxk3b-CV6sjY7B1oIoUrc3GRjNonManDx_8T3QVx0e09wo8qdYM8ILM0kcxKBDPwTf3zG_Z3RYplPBI/s320/wheelchair-798420_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But you need to know the definition of disability does not include: loss of mobility due to a broken limb, which is likely to heal within 12 months, hay fever, which is seasonal, addictions to alcohol, nicotine or other non-prescribed substances, tendencies to steal, light fires, physically or sexually abuse others, exhibitionism or voyeurism, tattoos and body piercing, in the disfigurements category. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal day-to-day activities mean activities that are carried out by most people fairly regularly and frequently. They are defined as:mobility, manual dexterity, physical co-ordination, continence, ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects, speech, hearing or eyesight, memory or the ability to concentrate, learn or understand, perception of the risk of physical danger.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal day-to-day activities do not include
activities which are normal only for a particular person, such as
playing a musical instrument or performing a specialist task at work.
And an individual is only protected if it is recognised that their
impairment has an effect on their day-to-day activities, regardless of
the extent of the discrimination.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have any questions then leave a comment</span><br />
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<br />Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-88237162830505927212015-08-06T02:48:00.000-07:002015-10-29T15:34:20.073-07:00It's still an Issue<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the Disability Discrimination Act was announced hundreds of Access Consultants suddenly appeared and major Companies felt the fear of not complying. Consultants were pulled in and audits carried out resulting in huge reports with minute detail of barriers and other hurdles that needed adjusting to increase access.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Now most architects have taken the access issue on board when designing new buildings, mainly because they have to show it has been a consideration in new build and have had to provide an access statement. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTpWe0jpRCHy4wXeJIFyy5TrfDsmqgkVrxcoixCve8BUlvLri3pmIzk0TQBdV44Df-oxOjrt1OjjmdVKdxIe11gcaAZfmCxS1Nl-5VMnm48JHlDLGAQUiN3uJHLtFjU7uw2MKU66Run0/s1600/safety-643967_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTpWe0jpRCHy4wXeJIFyy5TrfDsmqgkVrxcoixCve8BUlvLri3pmIzk0TQBdV44Df-oxOjrt1OjjmdVKdxIe11gcaAZfmCxS1Nl-5VMnm48JHlDLGAQUiN3uJHLtFjU7uw2MKU66Run0/s320/safety-643967_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is strange, however, that many didn't include any consulting with disabled people to see what they needed or in fact wanted. The very group that the legislation was aimed at to improve their access and indeed quality of social life. Unfortunately the result has been mixed. Many organisations have taken steps to implement some recommendations, a few have implemented everything but many have taken no action at all. In fact I recall calling on a store that was part of a national chain and talking to the manager to see if they had ben audited. His answer was "We aren't going to bother. If we are sued then we will make changes before getting to court" And that seems to have been a common reaction.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So has the whole issue died away and disabled people are putting up with bad access? I think in general that access is "so so" but certainly not good. In buildings with front steps many Companies bought ramps but I've seen many gathering dust in cupboards. Users generally shie away from these barriers and just go elsewhere if they can. Some have told me its too much bother that they will just get on with life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But is this good enough? Shouldn't we still be looking at existing buildings and seeing what can be done. Much involves little or no cost, maybe a new procedure. And if adjustments cannot be made at a reasonable cost then alternatives can be introduced. Although there is a legal obligation isn't this equally a moral issue?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Shouldn't we be looking after everyone in our society.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you feel an access audit would help you and would increase the footfall in your business call me. I work pragmatically and always consult with disabled users wherever possible. Sometimes access can be improved with a bit of imagination and creativity. </span><br />
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<br />Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-78760691781672997222015-06-28T01:05:00.002-07:002015-10-29T15:35:41.494-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is now 9 years since the Disability Discrimination Act Part III came into force in 2004 laying out the rights of disabled people. And now in many cases it seems as if that legislation has been forgotten after the initial panic by businesses and the mass marketing by the suppliers of access equipment and access consultants. Suppliers were quick to bring out new products and heavily market existing ones: and quite rightly hat's what they do, find a market and promote heavily. Many Access Auditors wrote very detailed audits picking up minute detail that they listed as inaccessible and requiring an adjustment: and I feel they were often protecting themselves and not being practical, bringing extremely high costs with them. The Business was almost held to ransom with the Act being construed to suit. So many businesses just ignored he Act altogether. Others had audits carried out but took no action to implement the recommendations. Few were taken to court, most actions were settled out of court. I can recall carrying out an audit at a magistrates' court then being call as a witness by someone who could access the building to follow a particular case that was personal to them. And in most cases the Act died. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Now we have fallen into the pattern of new build being designed to comply with the Act and BSI 8300, which lays down and specifies accessible building features but many existing buildings remain inaccessible, although simple adjustments could be made that would make a huge difference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24qjBt0rYNWUHhyssGlzfE4YzC25TwbmaeIMeVOD9NKs0-9d_ISo0W75HuU5hysGIlGTxvKihd1B9q4zstLrjW3vtCCe_HyAlvMsQEF99yTsjQeJIj9_zDAdOEhcr3-XlUrNRYxPzZOc/s1600/IMG-20110425-00536+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24qjBt0rYNWUHhyssGlzfE4YzC25TwbmaeIMeVOD9NKs0-9d_ISo0W75HuU5hysGIlGTxvKihd1B9q4zstLrjW3vtCCe_HyAlvMsQEF99yTsjQeJIj9_zDAdOEhcr3-XlUrNRYxPzZOc/s200/IMG-20110425-00536+-+Copy.jpg" width="157" /></a>Remember disability isn't confines to wheelchair users. In fact wheelchair users make up just a small percentage of disabled people. Remember, a disabled person as someone <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with "a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This could be related to hearing or vision, learning difficulties, physical impairment that restricts movement or grip for example, shaking or involuntary movement and much more. The Act breaks disability down into 7 categories. And interestingly some disabilities may be brought on by specific circumstances, for example a shock such as a fire alarm sounding might bring on a hear condition or severe asthma.</span><br />
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If you are looking to employ someone who is disabled you might think about having a person audit carried out on their behalf. Or you may look to having a PEEP undertaken. This is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan and is a requirement as part of your standard Emergency Evacuation Plan that every business must have for getting everybody out of the building if necessary, that's basically the emergency route signs you have around the building.<br />
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Good access for all does make sense, we are now in an age where equality reigns. Where disabled people are now looking for full lives and not spending their time at home. And in most cases access improvements are low cost and obvious. Its always best to ask any disable discuss access with disabled people as they are usually pragmatic and just want to get on with life.<br />
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I've been undertaking access audits for more than 10 years and have covered the UK. If you have a concern over accessibility in your business or employ disabled people contact me for advice at <a href="mailto:access@mikeleahy.com">access@mikeleahy.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span> </span> </span>Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-14034762255703930802011-04-26T00:08:00.001-07:002015-12-12T10:12:44.061-08:00Welsh English Tactile Signs limited stock<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">SPECIAL OFFER UNTIL DECEMBER 31st 2015</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">ALL SIGNS £8 incl post in UK send order to ask@mikeleahy.com and we'll give payment details </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In contradiction to common belief over 97% of people who are registered blind can recognise tactile signs from a distance but may not be able to read them. Many have blurred vision which will allow them to identify an outline and colour so that they need to know where they should be looking and at what. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGMLgKarfSO1LhXrmyc9K4kNNg7tumJ8VmjyZj_JMmWdkHibtC3areByDJqTrTSknnZnss9NvdvizpLO5KivDt2PlI7lbmBQyHW6gpWIIsXhYSAfgyuYIjUtkQvnFveCA_UtQ-4UpXyk/s1600/IMG-20110425-00543+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGMLgKarfSO1LhXrmyc9K4kNNg7tumJ8VmjyZj_JMmWdkHibtC3areByDJqTrTSknnZnss9NvdvizpLO5KivDt2PlI7lbmBQyHW6gpWIIsXhYSAfgyuYIjUtkQvnFveCA_UtQ-4UpXyk/s320/IMG-20110425-00543+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See more at <a href="http://accessaudit.blogspot.com/p/tactile-signs.html">http://accessaudit.blogspot.com/p/tactile-signs.html</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have a selection of the most common tactile signs on our separate page. Take a look. We have made them as cheap as chips so there's no reason not to use them in your business. Tactile signs are one of the most visual adjustments you can make and help not only visually impaired people but everyone because they are designed to be easily identified and read. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All tactile signs comply with legislation and best practice. All, unless otherwise stated are bi-lingual in Welsh & English. All have raised text and symbol (where applicable) and bi-lingual Braille.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All signs are in blue, unless otherwise stated, and have contrasting white text, symbols and border so that they are easy to identify.There is an indent raised white arrow head marking at the beginning of the Braille so that it can be easily identified. All signs are made of a durable long-life plastic, vacuum formed to be usef both indoors and outside. They come with a self-adhesive peel-off backing sitable for most surfaces but can be screwed for added security.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Signs should all be located at a standard height of 1750mm from floor level so as to be easily distinguished and at a suitable height for both tall people and wheelchair users.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See more at <a href="http://accessaudit.blogspot.com/p/tactile-signs.html">http://accessaudit.blogspot.com/p/tactile-signs.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are many other access issues associated with sight impairment and the Access Audit Co can help and advise you on overcoming this. Call 07976 <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">827959</span> for a realistic and pragmatic approach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-19321572401658398332011-01-02T00:41:00.000-08:002015-10-29T15:36:41.201-07:00Start the New Year with success in mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<object height="81" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F8640710&show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=004eff"></param>
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<embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F8640710&show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=004eff" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed> </object><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please listen to this short podcast. If I can help you in your business with disability access, health and safety, selling skills or marketing ideas then call me. The start of a new year is a great time to take stock of where you are and where you want to be.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are an average person you'll make resolutions now that will have died by the end of next week. But if you are outstanding and want to succeed by doing average things well then this is a great opportunity.</span>Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-71498134546316390832010-12-27T02:44:00.000-08:002016-02-18T15:55:12.575-08:00Braille and other media for visually impaired people<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hi Guys</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72cnWBzCwtFjjhKK2i4_bWW_IS1V9HNQmfilXVXPYD-VXx4ZUgTmAZm4WpBFVK3vzj0pGmSyewnY2IAKL3UUC9ods_T-SBH1gQCgfKrHIp1CM3mqcgIUZTZrxrSZryRG5tFl0eWWcH5E/s1600/braille-alphabet-letters%255B1%255D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72cnWBzCwtFjjhKK2i4_bWW_IS1V9HNQmfilXVXPYD-VXx4ZUgTmAZm4WpBFVK3vzj0pGmSyewnY2IAKL3UUC9ods_T-SBH1gQCgfKrHIp1CM3mqcgIUZTZrxrSZryRG5tFl0eWWcH5E/s320/braille-alphabet-letters%255B1%255D.gif" width="244" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you seen those pages with massed of little bumps? Braille was devised in 1821 by Louise Braille, a blind Frenchman. Each Braille character, or <i>cell</i>, is made up of six dot positions, arranged in a rectangle containing two columns of three dots each. A dot may be raised at any of the six positions to form sixty-four possible subsets, including the arrangement in which no dots are raised. For reference purposes, a particular permutation may be described by naming the positions where dots are raised, the positions being universally numbered 1 to 3, from top to bottom, on the left, and 4 to 6, from top to bottom, on the right. For example, dots 1-3-4 would describe a cell with three dots raised, at the top and bottom in the left column and on top of the right column, i.e., the letter <i>m</i>. The lines of horizontal Braille text are separated by a space, much like visible printed text, so that the dots of one line can be differentiated from the Braille text above and below. Punctuation is represented by its own unique set of characters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Almost two million people are suffering from sight loss to one degree or another. That's about 1:30. And the majority have gradual sight deterioration through Age-Related Macular Degeneration. But there are many guiding aids now around to help. Braille is just one of these. Unfortunately there are only about 100,000 people who can read Braille and fewer who write it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The<a href="http://accessaudit.blogspot.com/p/book-access-audit-now.html"> Access Audit Company</a> have carried out street audits and feel not enough has been done. Possibly through lack of understanding. It certainly isn't due to financial restraints because most aids are low or no-cost, just a bit of clever thinking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is some help out on the street including at traffic lights. Put your fingers under the control box and when the lights show red you'll feel a revolving bar,. This is particularly useful for people who can neither see or hear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You'll notice that it is customary for street furniture, that is signs, lamp-posts, other signs, waste bijns and so on to be close to the kerb or buildings so that there is a clear pathway down pavements. It is now usual now for tables and chairs put out by cafes etc to be cordoned off, usually with cloth or metal panels. Just a bar or rope between bollards is insufficient and in fact I know of a local cafe that has just added the panels as a blind person stumbled over the rope they had in place. With the smoking ban in pl;ace most places now have an outside area so there are more pavement tables and chairs. Unfairly, I think, some councils introduced a ban on tables and chairs to make a clearway for visually impiared people: then they introduced a charge to cafes for putting chairs and tabes back out. Some people might suggest this is a cash-cow!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are also tactile slabs with dimples that denote a crosingg place, such as flush kerbs for wheelchairs and buggies, traffic lights and zebra crossings. Take a look when you are ouit and you'll notice some are light coloured and some dark. The darker ones show safe crossing places. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Interestingly there have been local navigation systems around for some years now and these are improving year on year. Local systems usually work with a hand-help unit that receives from transmitters attached to street lamps and signs. They tell the informer about shops they are passing, road crossings and points of interest. The latest run of satnav technology. And of course these are getting more accurate all the time, now with some down to just a couple of metres.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shop signs are also often recognizable by shape or colour by us all. This is particularly useful to partially sighted people. Think about pharmacies with the green cross, the post office symbol which is so easy to recognise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This still doesn't help many people who have a severe sight loss and I noticed a guy with a white stick standing on the edge of the pavement the other day whilst several people just passed by!! It takes but a couple of seconds to stop and help. I'm sure you do so keep on. When you do don't grab the person by the arm and pull them along, just offer an arm they can hang onto and guide them, talking about any obstacles or problems ahead. Try it and you'll feel good afterwards too. Remember we all need help sometimes in our lives and it's often the small things like taking an extra 30 seconds to help someone cross a busy road or direct to a shop.</span></div>
Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-658751868268067332010-12-21T15:00:00.000-08:002015-10-29T15:38:11.969-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbjFhKMjv0SP0ucff5FTV6SeUBk9iGaI0GShooeIPeTun1M-5wjtKTMjhPuuqUJoWCWv0H3DADznbiUGxtVjcMhrQ9FnS5Q_9Si8wcL2cnehlRlt2Q52sGKq2SF7RuKSVlXHiSmtvTQA/s1600/banner_access_audit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbjFhKMjv0SP0ucff5FTV6SeUBk9iGaI0GShooeIPeTun1M-5wjtKTMjhPuuqUJoWCWv0H3DADznbiUGxtVjcMhrQ9FnS5Q_9Si8wcL2cnehlRlt2Q52sGKq2SF7RuKSVlXHiSmtvTQA/s1600/banner_access_audit.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are approximately 10 million disabled people in Great Britain covered by the Disability Discrimination Act: about 18 percent of the population.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are over 6.9 million disabled people are of working age which represents 19 percent of the working population. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Only 50 percent of disabled people of working age are in employment compared to 81 percent of non-disabled people of working age. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">76% of disabled people with a higher education qualification are in employment compared with 90% of non-disabled people. Of those with no qualification, 23% of disabled people are in employment compared with 60% of non-disabled people.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Disabled people are almost twice as likely as non-disabled people to have no qualification at all. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Disabled people are more than twice as likely as non-disabled people to be out of work and claiming benefits. Of the 2.4 million disabled people on state benefits and not in work nearly a million would like to work. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The incidence of disability increases with age. Whilst 9 per cent of adults aged 16-24 are disabled, this increases to about 33 per cent in the 50 to retirement age category. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 2004 40% of the English population are over 45, the age at which the incidence of disability begins to increase. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> And here is the rub.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One in every three people either has a disability or has a close relative or friend who is disabled. <b>Office of National Statistics, Census 2001</b> The estimated annual purchasing power of people with disabilities is £80 billion. <b>Family Resource Survey 2002/2003</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That means that the chances are that either you or a friend is disabled, so it's very close to all of us. AND if you have a business then there is around £80billion worth of purchasing that you might be missing out on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And if they aren't good enough reasons then you have a legal responsibility. So what is holding businesses back from making access better? It seems that many businesses think the work would be too expensive. Others think that it doesn't matter. What do you think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe that you can improve access for most businesses and properties </span></div>
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Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-869427539101346982010-12-21T14:58:00.000-08:002015-10-29T15:38:58.224-07:00Visually impaired people often just need a guiding arm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbjFhKMjv0SP0ucff5FTV6SeUBk9iGaI0GShooeIPeTun1M-5wjtKTMjhPuuqUJoWCWv0H3DADznbiUGxtVjcMhrQ9FnS5Q_9Si8wcL2cnehlRlt2Q52sGKq2SF7RuKSVlXHiSmtvTQA/s1600/banner_access_audit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbjFhKMjv0SP0ucff5FTV6SeUBk9iGaI0GShooeIPeTun1M-5wjtKTMjhPuuqUJoWCWv0H3DADznbiUGxtVjcMhrQ9FnS5Q_9Si8wcL2cnehlRlt2Q52sGKq2SF7RuKSVlXHiSmtvTQA/s1600/banner_access_audit.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg502mT5gKixjd2Q7gvlWoLSH2X2yQM7tyti7Uj5NDLh0fba2P9P-wsaAUhDqovlJwSrCI-JvRYkuXKWjSceB8M3wmqaG9nGJnHs52OEKTHDV_mQKKucjjHdYy2rA-4zoVlqVI-YheBgvc/s1600/xmas_card.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg502mT5gKixjd2Q7gvlWoLSH2X2yQM7tyti7Uj5NDLh0fba2P9P-wsaAUhDqovlJwSrCI-JvRYkuXKWjSceB8M3wmqaG9nGJnHs52OEKTHDV_mQKKucjjHdYy2rA-4zoVlqVI-YheBgvc/s400/xmas_card.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just back from a trip to Liverpool to carry out a disability access audit<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> for a company before they sign the lease on their office. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While travelling I sat next to a lady who was blind and we had a most interesting discussion. Well, actually she answered some questions I had in the back of my mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most people just associate disability with wheelchair users: they forget those who can't hear or see to well, have learning difficulties, arthritis, are very short or tall, have no feelings through nerve loss or the many other impairments.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some disabilities are not obvious and some that you think will be, aren't There are also different levels of disability. For example most people who are registered blind can actually see to some degree. They may just be able to see shapes and colours: might only be able to read at a few inches away from their face. I remember a friend who had a guide dog but could read at very close quarters. When she read the paper on the train she'd get comments - so she stopped reading in public. But on one occasion I recall her <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">almost falling over on the beach when she just couldn't see a large piece of driftwood.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">My co-traveller told me how difficult it was recognising steps and stairs. and that she'd fallen down a couple of times.There are special slabs that are used to tell blind people when they are approaching steps and stairs. These are called tactile slabs and the one for steps has a corduroy pattern. These are often used in the wrong place which could lead toreal problems. Only last week I saw the corduroy slabs running along a railway platform. This could be mistaken for a step with dire consequences.</span>Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-41795643167447578322010-11-23T06:35:00.000-08:002015-10-29T15:39:20.800-07:00Have an Access Audit carried out and bring customers in<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbjFhKMjv0SP0ucff5FTV6SeUBk9iGaI0GShooeIPeTun1M-5wjtKTMjhPuuqUJoWCWv0H3DADznbiUGxtVjcMhrQ9FnS5Q_9Si8wcL2cnehlRlt2Q52sGKq2SF7RuKSVlXHiSmtvTQA/s1600/banner_access_audit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbjFhKMjv0SP0ucff5FTV6SeUBk9iGaI0GShooeIPeTun1M-5wjtKTMjhPuuqUJoWCWv0H3DADznbiUGxtVjcMhrQ9FnS5Q_9Si8wcL2cnehlRlt2Q52sGKq2SF7RuKSVlXHiSmtvTQA/s1600/banner_access_audit.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"There is so much to do here to make the building accessible that we can't afford it!" "We are on rhe first floor so we can't get disabled people in here"</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Both these statements are wrong. Both are said be people who are either mis-guided or don't want the trouble that they imagine disabled people would be. And when you speak about disabled people most think of just wheelchair users.Wheelchair users make up a tiny number. Many have impairments you wouldn't even know about. Look around you now. How many people can you see who have a heart condition, bad ashma, can't walk far or up steps, have poor eyesight or can't hear very well. The list goes on. A bit like an iceberg. We only see the tip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So you should be thinking about an access audit if you haven't done so already. It's not too late.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Up til now most cases that have been brought against businesses in relation to disability discrimination have been settled out of court and so you don't know about them but it is happening. I think that this is going to change. On the whole disabled people have been patient and understanding. Well! In many cases they don't know their rights and often they don't feel they can make a difference.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">An access audit is completed with a report laying out the steps you need to take to make your business accessible to all. Many are written by surveyors and architects and give exact specifications and are couched in technical terms. This is great if being read by some-one with the knowledge. But often the facilities manager or person responsible doesn't undestand and just passes the list onto a builder. When the work is complete they have to rely on the builder that the work is technically correct.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mike Leahy writes script reports in layman's language that are easily understood and include the reason for the adjustment too. He takes a pragmatic apprioach and often knows of a quick fix or low cost adjustment. He'll also grade recommendations so you can deal with the priorities first and perhaps leave the "best practice" items til last.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you haven't assessed what is necessary or taken any action do so now. It will ensure you comply with the legisltaion but equally important will broaden your customer base.</span>Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196515489971088279.post-62937178413868955902010-11-12T06:40:00.000-08:002015-10-29T15:39:46.978-07:00Are you losing business from over10 million potential customers?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you run a business? If so do you know about the Disability Discrimination Act 1995? Have you taken steps to ensure that disabled people can buy your products and services as easily as non-disabled people can? Every disabled person and their families may be unable to buy from you because you haven't made provision for them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are over 10 million disabled people in the UK and each of them is a potential customer for you. Add to that their families and the number of potential customers is huge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The number of suppliers I have met recently who think that having a website will allow disabled people to buy from them and that's all they need to do. WRONG! You can't have a meal over the internet. Many people won't buy clothes over the internet because they want to try clothes on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Think about the customer service you offer. Do you find actually talking to possible customers encourages them to buy from you? Do you train your staff to sell? Isn't it all about making a connection with people and helping them make a buying decision? Yes! Of course it is. Yes I know that Argos sell from a catalogue so you can't feel and touch the products but you can take them back over a very generous returns guarantee. But isn't it true that they have cultivated this as a way of saving money. You assume that the prices are competitive . . . but if you compare you'll possible find really competitive prices elswhere</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. There are over 6.9 million disabled people of working age which represents 19% of the working population.[1]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 2. There are over 10 million disabled people in Britain, of whom 5 million are over state pension age.[2]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 3. There are two million people with sight problems in the UK.[3]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Families with disabled children</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 1. There are 770,00 disabled children under the age of 16 in the UK. That equates to 1 child in 20.[4]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 2. Only 8% of families get services from their local social services.[5]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 3. It costs up to three times as much to raise a disabled child as it does to raise a child without disabilities.[6]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Disability and employment</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 1. There are currently 1.3 million disabled people in the UK who are available for and want to work.[7]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 2. Only half of disabled people of working age are in work (50%), compared with 80% of non disabled people.[8]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 3. 23% of disabled people have no qualifications compared to 9% of non disabled people.[9]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 4. Nearly one in five people of working age (7 million, or 18.6%) in Great Britain have a disability.[10]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The ageing population</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 1. Over the last 25 years the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased from 15 per cent in 1983 to 16 per cent in 2008, an increase of 1.5 million people in this age group. Over the same period, the percentage of the population aged 16 and under decreased from 21 per cent to 19 per cent. This trend is projected to continue. By 2033, 23 per cent of the population will be aged 65 and over compared to 18 per cent aged 16 or younger.[11]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. The fastest population increase has been in the number of those aged 85 and over, the ’oldest old‘. In 1983, there were just over 600,000 people in the UK aged 85 and over. Since then the numbers have more than doubled reaching 1.3 million in 2008. By 2033 the number of people aged 85 and over is projected to more than double again to reach 3.2 million, and to account for 5 per cent of the total population.</span> </span>Mike Leahy SwanTVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093360457174282123noreply@blogger.com0