Newslink Autumn 2014

NewslinkIssue number 97

ENABLE ScotlandLeading the way in learning disability

Autumn 2014

Also available in audio format

#bethechange - page 4

2 ENABLE Scotland - Newslink - Autumn 2014

Girlpower for Ace!At the last National ACE meeting in Eurocentral, we had an important election!All of our local ACE group representatives voted.They had to vote for a new National ACE Chairperson and two new vice-chairpersons. They also had to vote for two new members of Scottish Council.15 people applied for these posts.But only 5 people could be picked.In the end it was really close but we finally got 5 winners.And all of them were women.Here are all the people who got the most votes.Congratulations to them all!Sorry to those people who didn’t get voted for but there’s always next time!

Wilma StewartVice-chairperson

Vicky YoungChairperson

Joanne HopkinsonScottish Council representative

Kerry McInnesScottish Council representative

Heather FowleyVice-chairperson

3ENABLE Scotland - Newslink - Autumn 2014

Contents

ENABLE ScotlandOur Vision - Every person who has a learning disability has the choice and control to live the life they choose.

Our Mission - We will campaign with our members to improve the lives of people who live with learning disabilities, and work with our customers to create personalised services that reflect our values and enable customers to achieve their goals.

For more informationENABLE Direct 0300 0200 101

www.enable.org.uk

www.facebook.com/enablescotland

www.twitter.com/enablescotland

www.enable.org.uk/blog

ACE ................................................... page 2New campaign ............................. page 4Peter Scott .................................... page 6Obituaries ...................................... page 7Jan Savage .................................... page 8The Keys to Life ........................... page 9The Referendum .........................page 105 Minutes ........................................page 11Tartan on Tour .............................page 12GetINTO .........................................page 14Match4Me .....................................page 15Jam on it .......................................page 16Membership .................................page 17Your rights ....................................page 18Family fun .....................................page 19Legal news ...................................page 20Fundraising ...................................page 21Events ............................................page 22Sport ..............................................page 24

Cover image Members launch #bethechange campaign in Glasgow on 10 November.

Editor Willie Cairns

Please send stories for the next issue to [email protected] by 27 March 2015, or write to ENABLE Scotland, INSPIRE House, 3 Renshaw Place, Eurocentral, N Lanarkshire, ML1 4UF.

ENABLE Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland No SCO09024. A Limited Company registered in Scotland No 278976.

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The old saying is wrong – names do hurt

#bethechange

ENABLE Scotland has launched a hard hitting and controversial campaign to help stamp out verbal bullying of people who have learning disabilities.

This is the last taboo highlighted by members. The language used in the campaign has been directed at them often, and they are determined to stamp it out. One member said: “It is simple. There are 3 words I would take away because they hurt me the most: mongo, retard, and freak.”

The campaign was launched during anti-bullying week in November 2014, with a public awareness campaign and a schools lessons pack. There will be public transport posters, and a website where people can sign up to help stamp out this bullying by agreeing to #bethechange.

Michael Greechan (see right) said: “We need more honesty about offensive language. People are frightened to use certain words. It is time to take the demons out of the darkness and shine a light on the horrible words being used.”

So take the #bethechange challenge – don’t put up with it, don’t use it, let’s lose it!

www.enable.org.uk/bethechange

Mongo

Mongo

Mongo

Mongospazspaz

spaz

spaz spazretard

retard

retardretard

MongoMongo Mongospazspaz

spazretard

retardretardretard

Mongo

Mongo

Mongo

Mongospaz spaz

spaz spazretard

retard

retardretard

Mongo

Mongo

Mongo

Mongospaz spaz

spaz spazretard

retard

retardretard

Mongo

Mongo

Mongo

Mongospaz spaz

spaz spazretard

retardretard

end the use of

abusive language.

take the

challenge

don’t put up with it,

don’t use it,

let’s lose it!

Donate Text BECH14£2 to 70070. Sign our declaration, tweet your support at #bethechange www.enable.org.uk/bethechange

Scottish Charity Number SCO09024


My name is Michael and I am 43. I live in Carmyle in Glasgow.

I have a history of suffering from ‘hate crime’. I was bullied at school because of my physical disability, called ‘spazzie’ and kids threw stones and made insulting gestures. I was in a shop once and some kids pulled down my trousers.

As an adult I was picked on by neighbours and I was ‘mugged’ when someone demanded my wallet. I am convinced he picked on me because of my disability.

I was recently called ‘spazzie’ in a local pub but the person concerned tried to make out it was a joke. He often refers to me as that.

Mongo

Mongo

Mongo

Mongospazspaz

spaz

spaz spazretard

retard

retardretard

MongoMongo Mongospazspaz

spazretard

retardretardretard

Mongo

Mongo

Mongo

Mongospaz spaz

spaz spazretard

retard

retardretard

Mongo

Mongo

Mongo

Mongospaz spaz

spaz spazretard

retard

retardretard

Mongo

Mongo

Mongo

Mongospaz spaz

spaz spazretard

retardretard

end the use of

abusive language.

take the

challenge

don’t put up with it,

don’t use it,

let’s lose it!

Donate Text BECH14£2 to 70070. Sign our declaration, tweet your support at #bethechange www.enable.org.uk/bethechange

Scottish Charity Number SCO09024

Michael Greechan


Down with DawkinsShould parents abort a pregnancy if their child has been diagnosed with Down’s syndrome? Richard Dawkins, scientist and author, thinks it would be immoral not to abort. He thinks giving birth to a child who has Down’s syndrome brings suffering to the world.

I respect a family’s right to abort a pregnancy when Down’s syndrome is diagnosed. It is a dilemma, and people need support at this time. They do not need Dawkins’ solution, which is based on narrow-minded logic.

Dawkins caused a debate. He then appeared to apologise for the debate. He did not apologise for offending people who have Down’s syndrome or their loved ones.

Lesley Learmonth has worked in our office for 22 years. She is happy. She loves and is loved. She is not suffering and does not cause suffering. She has Down’s syndrome.

People who have disabilities face challenges in life. But these are often the result of assumptions and society’s attitudes. Dawkins’ comments do not help.

Dawkins said half the problem of the debate he started was people being eager to misunderstand.

I am eager to make sure people who have Down’s syndrome, and other learning disabilities, are given the dignity and respect they deserve.

It’s why ENABLE Scotland exists.

Peter Scott, Chief Executive

Lesley Learmonth with her father Bill

Peter Scott


Donald Stirling MBE

The late Jessie Henderson

It was with sadness we learned that Donald Stirling MBE had passed away. For those of you who don’t know Donald, he was a long-term member of ENABLE Scotland, and a genuinely inspirational figure in our organisation and beyond. Donald was one of the founders of ACE, and was Chairperson for 10 years.

Donald lived in a hospital for 16 years, but since moving into his own home became a forthright campaigner for the rights of people who have learning disabilities, going on to be awarded an MBE for his services to people who have learning disabilities.

Read more about Donald Stirling on our webpages at www.enable.org.uk/pages/In-memory-of-Donald-Stirling.aspx

We also take time to remember Jessie Henderson, a founder member of our Aberdeen Branch, and active campaigner for more than 50 years. Jessie helped set up the Aberdeen branch, and her main driving force was her son Billy, who had a learning disability.

Jessie worked hard for people who had learning disabilities and reached people beyond the ENABLE Scotland family. She was well respected in her community and people would turn to her for advice.


A year of changeWhat a year 2014 was.

We had a historic referendum vote where, for the first time ever, our members had the chance to speak directly to politicians on their terms, see page 10.

We also provided information from both camps, and a voting guide, to help people who have learning disabilities make their decision.

And we celebrated 60 years of positive change as part of our anniversary year. But the work goes on, and our new campaign hopes to get people to #bethechange, see page 4.

We make no apology for the language we are using in this campaign – it is what our members have told us is the last taboo.

It shows that, despite all the progress we have made, people who have learning disabilities still suffer abuse at the hands of unthinking, uncaring people. We want – and need – to change that.

If people sign up to become part of #bethechange then hopefully this year of change will continue into 2015.

Let’s make the future brighter and better for everyone.

Jan Savage, Assistant Director, Campaigns and Membership

Pamela McCann, long-term supporter and member of ENABLE Scotland turned 70 on 18th October, and celebrated the occasion with a surprise birthday party at the Ardencaple Hotel, Helensburgh. The party was organised by her husband Paul, who was aided and abetted by family and Pamela’s support staff to keep it a surprise from her. It was a fantastic night with lots of dancing, food and a lovely pink birthday cake – which everyone enjoyed.

Jan Savage


Up for adventure?

ENABLE Scotland ACE members prove they are experts when it comes to learning disability!

The adventure network is a new club in North Ayrshire aimed at young people who have disabilities aged between 6-18.

The network has been involved in athletics, play days, all ability cycles, arts and crafts. They plan to go skiing, try out archery and take part in other activities its young people want to try.

If you want to find out more contact Gillian Baker on 07889 456823.

Scottish government’s ten-year plan for people who have learning disabilities is called The Keys to Life.

ENABLE Scotland’s ACE is at its heart!

An important group making sure The Keys to Life works is The Expert Group.

The group is made up of 12 adults who have a learning disability.

Six of these people are from ACE.

The group met on Wednesday 22nd October in Edinburgh with representatives of government groups working on The Keys to Life.

They talked about the best ways to make sure Keys to Life works.

And how people who have a learning disability can help with that.

They did a great job working with people from government.

The Keys to Life will make life better for all people who have learning disabilities!

We’ll keep you posted on their progress!


First hustings for membersAlmost 85 per cent of people in Scotland voted in the Referendum, an amazing turnout, and one of the biggest in voting history. And ENABLE Scotland made sure those voters who have learning disabilities got as much information as they needed to inform their decision.

By producing material in accessible language, and getting people such as Blair Jenkins, Johann Lamont MSP, Joan McAlpine MSP and Jackie Baillie MSP along to hustings events aimed solely at people who have learning disabilities and their carers, our members heard from people who were talking their language and not that of the usual hustings rhetoric.

It was utterly refreshing, and well appreciated by everyone who attended. And the issues people raised showed how people who have learning disabilities think about what is important to them.

The second biggest question in September then was, if all this was possible for the Referendum, why wasn’t it before? And will it be again?

We wait to see what happens for the General Election in 2015.

Better Together’s Johann Lamont talks to our members


5 Minutes this time turns its attention to Stuart Barbour, who has not long started working in our employment team in Inspire House.

Dinner at Stuart’s sounds interesting.

5 Minutes

What was your first job? My first job was working in the Student Loans Company in Glasgow doing admin work and sorting out the mail.

What are you doing today? Today I am typing up data and doing some filing.

What music are you listening to on your ipod or hi-fi? Just now I am listening to Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden.

Who would you invite to dinner and why? I would like to invite Ozzy Osborne because I think he has shown how you can come back from bad things. I would also invite Sir Patrick Stewart for the work he has done on television, and I would also invite President Obama because I think he has shown that people of mixed race can become President.

What is your most embarrassing moment? I do not have any embarrassing moments unless you count Motherwell losing to Hamilton in the cup.

Members of West Lothian Branch enjoy their civic reception to celebrate our 60th anniversary.


Tartan on tourOur tartan may have started life on the Isle of Bute but it’s done its fair share of travelling since it landed on the Scottish mainland in March. We asked people buying ties and scarves to post pictures of their tartan’s travels on Twitter using the hastag #tartanontour. Here are a few of the places it ended up:

With John Lennon in Liverpool

After breaking free of the mill on Bute

On Orkney at St Magnus Cathedral


On top of the Empire State Building in New York

On the beach in Tunisia for a well earned break

In Budapest at the Szechenyi Chain Bridge

On the Great Wall of China

Swimming with sharks in Mexico


GetINTO celebrates its first year of clubbingOne hundred party-goers in North Lanarkshire have celebrated the first year of GetINTO Clubbing – a monthly disco launched by ENABLE Scotland for people who have a learning disability.

For the past year, hundreds of people – many of whom receive support – have taken to the dance floor at The Function Room in Coatbridge for an event designed to allow them to socialise, let their hair down and meet new friends.

Arlene Fingland, who goes along to the nights and supports GetINTO founder Nadine Menzies, has seen its popularity soar.

She said: “Everyone who attends the discos really look forward to them. They have helped to bring many people out of their shell and we have seen people who would usually sit in a corner get up and dance for the first time.”

If you know someone who would like to join GetINTO, contact Nadine or Arlene on 01698 737000.


Kevin first to look for a match

Money Matters

A 54-year-old bachelor from Stirling is the first person to register with a new dating service launched in Stirling in August.

Kevin Jamard is the first client of Match4Me, a year-long project bringing together people who have learning disabilities.

Kevin said he has tried hard to meet someone but despite his best efforts, he has never managed to become involved in a relationship. Now though, he is so involved with Match4Me that he sits on the members’ steering group.

Email [email protected] for more details, or phone 07889 456495

Are you worried about the cost of your energy bill?

Do you have a gas or electric bill you are struggling to pay?

Don’t be left in the cold this winter. If you are worried about the cost of heating your home contact our money advisors at ENABLE Scotland on 0300 0200 101.

Pay

Heating


Joe has jam on it.A JAM session has turned Joe Sharpe, from Cardonald in Glasgow, from shy and withdrawn to singer songwriter and all-round musician. And his band Starburst – with Christine Leitch and Christopher McShannon – is making a name for themselves on the Glasgow scene. Joe was introduced to music by ENABLE Works co-ordinator Gary Stewart, who supported him to the JAM project, where he started to pick up his musical skills. Gary said: “Joe has honed his guitar skills and is now trying the drums. Put an instrument in front of him and he will try it.”

Joe said: “I love coming to the project and learning how to play new instruments, and I’m really excited about working with the band.”


More news is good newsAt the risk of offending our editor, can I ask if you have heard about e-Connect?

e-Connect is our free bi-monthly email newsletter that keeps people up to date with news and events in ENABLE Scotland. By signing up to e-Connect you will get news direct to your inbox. Some of the stories e-Connect has covered include interviews with members, fundraising events and how you can get involved, activities in your area and legislation that might have an impact on your life or organisation. You will also find out all about our current campaigns and how you can get involved in making a difference.

To sign up to e-Connect, contact [email protected] or telephone Campaigns and Membership on 01698 737000 and we’ll add you to our emailing list.

Pauline Munro, Branch and Membership Manager

Editor’s note. No offence taken Pauline. The more news people get to hear the better.

Learning disability in Scotland – 60 years, 60 storiesAn exhibition showing how ENABLE Scotland has campaigned for, and helped support, people in Scotland who have learning disabilities.

22 November 2014 – 28 February 2015

Community exhibition space, East Court, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow.

Congratulations to Ruth Paterson, Head of Legal at ENABLE Scotland, runner up in the Law Society of Scotland’s In-House Lawyers’ Group Rising Star Award 2014.

Pauline Munro

Well Done!


Steven McAvoy

The minimum wage must be the minimum for everyoneLord Freud’s recent comments that some people with learning disabilities could be paid less than the minimum wage attracted condemnation and calls for him to resign.

The comments were made at the Conservative Party Conference during a conversation with a Conservative Councillor about getting disabled people into work.

ENABLE Scotland has always campaigned for people with a learning disability to be treated equally and we are concerned to hear suggestions that people with a learning disability may not be “worth” the same as their colleagues.

People with a learning disability only want the chance to be treated the same as everyone else when looking for a job. We will continue to campaign for the rights of people who have learning disabilities to join the workforce and be valued in the same way as every other worker.

Read Steven’s full article at www.enable.org.uk/blog

Members of Stirling Branch enjoy their civic reception to celebrate our 60th anniversary.


Going back to school was funFamilies in West Lothian joined in a Fun Day at Beatlie School Campus in Livingston in September.

The event was organised by ENABLE Scotland to bring together families of children with additional support needs to have fun and learn about what support is on offer in West Lothian.

As well as entertainment, we had benefits workshops given by Steven McAvoy (see page 18) and Vibha Pankaj, our research officer. There were several information stands as well, and play sessions organised by Carol Coia, from our Toy Library service. For more information about support available in West Lothian, contact Linda Whitmore on 01698 737000.

Councillor Willie Gibson plants the centre tree in Hazeldene Horticulture’s Scottish Apple Orchard in August. Hazeldene manager Robbie Gass (far right) can’t wait for the first harvest!

Families join in a play session with entertainers from Caterpillar Music


Power of AttorneyShould I have a Power of Attorney? The quick answer is probably! A Power of Attorney is like a travel insurance policy – a very useful and handy thing to have that you hope you don’t need.

Put simply, a Power of Attorney lets you choose people you would like to make decisions for you about things like money, welfare and health if you ever lost the ability to make these decisions for yourself. This means that people you know and trust could make decisions on your behalf and in your best interest.

Powers of Attorney can be prepared to help with financial affairs, welfare affairs, or both. It is worth speaking to a solicitor about a Power of Attorney at the same time as writing a Will. Information is also available from the Office of the Public Guardian at www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk

Mhairi Maguire and Ainsley Boyd, Trustee Service

If you want advice on future planning, call ENABLE Direct on 0300 0200 101.

Phone us on 0300 0200 101 to find out how the

ENABLE Scotland Trustee Service can help you.


Ian Skone-Rees, President of The St Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles, addresses the group’s garden party, which raised $2,500 for ENABLE Scotland after Linsey Forrester in fundraising contacted societies across the globe.

Cycle Madagascar has raised almost £50,000 for ENABLE Scotland. A team of 12 cyclists covered 450 kilometres in six days, and included designer Julian MacDonald and ENABLE Scotland staff members Graeme Williamson and Mark Armstrong who raised more than £8,500 toward the total.

Pedal Power Rises to Challenge

Graeme and Mark celebrate finishing five days after setting off (above)


Event Listings Title: Culture Change ConferenceOrganisers: Changing Support, Changing Lives Date: Thursday 20 NovemberTime: 10am – 4pmVenue: Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling UniversityDescription: A one day event for organisations in the sector

exploring what culture change means and how we can influence it!

How to book: Register at www.eventbrite.co.uk Cost: Free (£25 administration charge for late cancellation

or non-attendance)

Title: SDS – What’s positive and What’s possibleOrganisers: Changing Support, Changing LivesDate: Thursday 21 JanuaryTime 10am - 4pmVenue: Hamilton Racecourse, South LanarkshireDescription: A guide to SDS for individuals, social workers and

councils.How to book: Register at www.changingsupport.org.uk or

[email protected]: Free

Title: SDS – What’s positive and What’s PossibleOrganisers: Changing Support, Changing Lives Date: 5 February 2015Time: 10am – 4pmVenue: The Tontine Hotel, GreenockDescription: A guide to SDS for individuals, social workers and

councils.How to book: Register at www.changingsupport.org.uk or contact

[email protected] Cost: Free


Event Listings Title: The GatheringOrganisers: SCVODate: 25 and 26 February 2015Time: 10am – 4pmVenue: Glasgow SECCDescription: A free annual event organised by the Scottish

Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) for people from the third sector to network, showcase their work and learn from each other. Visit ENABLE Scotland at stand 96.

How to book: Contact Events Coordinator [email protected] or on 01698 737000

Cost: Free

Title: Scottish Council and Committee MeetingsOrganisers: ENABLE ScotlandDate: 14 March 2015 / 20 June 2015 / 19 September 2015Time: 9.30am – 4pmVenue: Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling UniversityDescription: Quarterly meetings for Scottish Council and its

Committees.How to book: Contact Events Coordinator

[email protected] or on 01698 737000Cost: Free

Title: AGMOrganisers: ENABLE ScotlandDate: Saturday 14 November 2015Time: 9.30am – 4pmVenue: Stirling Court HotelDescription: Annual General Meeting 2015.How to book: Contact Events Coordinator

[email protected] or on 01698 737000Cost: Free

Congratulations to our supporter Ruairidh Brown, who recently took part in the ENABLE Scotland Cycle the World event. Ruairidh won the first medal of the 2014 Special Olympics European Games in Antwerp in September. Ruairidh was one of more than 2,000 competitors – all of whom had a learning disability - from 49 countries to take part in the Games.

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Newslink Autumn 2014