Useful LIving Aids for Disabled People

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

Use disability aids to improve your life.

We are a disability access consultancy and welcome access audits and other commissions. See our clients at http://accessaudit.blogspot.co.uk/p/client-selection-past-and-present.html   and our access audit page at http://accessaudit.blogspot.co.uk/p/book-access-audit-now.html

RADAR Disabled Accessible Toilet Key

Hi Everyone

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.

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

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

Your comments are always welcome

   

Some Building Obstacles are just Unneccessary.

Hi Everybody

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Shall I SHOUT then?

Hi Guys
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.

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.

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.

 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.

  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 We have some English/Welsh bi-lingual tactile signs available

It's still an Issue

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.

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.

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.

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.

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? Shouldn't we be looking after everyone in our society.

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.

Welsh English Tactile Signs limited stock

SPECIAL OFFER UNTIL DECEMBER 31st 2015
ALL SIGNS £8 incl post in UK send order to ask@mikeleahy.com and we'll give payment details
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. 

See more at   http://accessaudit.blogspot.com/p/tactile-signs.html
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.

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.


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.

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.

See more at   http://accessaudit.blogspot.com/p/tactile-signs.html

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 827959 for a realistic and pragmatic approach.

Start the New Year with success in mind

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.
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.

 
There are approximately 10 million disabled people in Great Britain covered by the Disability Discrimination Act: about 18 percent of the population. There are over 6.9 million disabled people are of working age which represents 19 percent of the working population. Only 50 percent of disabled people of working age are in employment compared to 81 percent of non-disabled people of working age. 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. Disabled people are almost twice as likely as non-disabled people to have no qualification at all. 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. 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. In 2004 40% of the English population are over 45, the age at which the incidence of disability begins to increase.

 And here is the rub.

One in every three people either has a disability or has a close relative or friend who is disabled. Office of National Statistics, Census 2001 The estimated annual purchasing power of people with disabilities is £80 billion. Family Resource Survey 2002/2003

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.

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?

I believe that you can improve access for most businesses and properties

Visually impaired people often just need a guiding arm

Just back from a trip to Liverpool to carry out a disability access audit for a company before they sign the lease on their office.

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.

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.

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 almost falling over on the beach when she just couldn't see a large piece of driftwood.
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.

Have an Access Audit carried out and bring customers in

"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"

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.
So you should be thinking about an access audit if you haven't done so already. It's not too late.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Are you losing business from over10 million potential customers?

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.

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. 

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.

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

1. There are over 6.9 million disabled people of working age which represents 19% of the working population.[1]
   2. There are over 10 million disabled people in Britain, of whom 5 million are over state pension age.[2]
   3. There are two million people with sight problems in the UK.[3]

Families with disabled children

   1. There are 770,00 disabled children under the age of 16 in the UK. That equates to 1 child in 20.[4]
   2. Only 8% of families get services from their local social services.[5]
   3. It costs up to three times as much to raise a disabled child as it does to raise a child without disabilities.[6]

Disability and employment

   1. There are currently 1.3 million disabled people in the UK who are available for and want to work.[7]
   2. Only half of disabled people of working age are in work (50%), compared with 80% of non disabled people.[8]
   3. 23% of disabled people have no qualifications compared to 9% of non disabled people.[9]
   4. Nearly one in five people of working age (7 million, or 18.6%) in Great Britain have a disability.[10]

The ageing population

   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]
   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.