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Welcome to the latest issue of Open Door, Scottish DisabilityEquality Forum’s (SDEF) quarterly newsletter. Spring is here atlast! What better way to enjoy than to take time out and readour exclusive articles, resources and sustainability news.

“Have Your Say”SDEF is a member led organisation so we need to hearfrom you, our valued members!

If you have a story you think would be of interest to others,or some disability related news you would like to share, thenget in touch with us by email at info@sdef.org.uk or bycalling on 01259 272064.

Open DoorDisability News and Views for Disabled People across Scotland

NEW DisabledAccess Reviews

Website

Access Panel NetworkNews

Become a 3rd

Party Hate CrimeReporting Centre

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ContentsPage No.2 Contents

SDEF News

News and Policy

Access Panel Network

Other News

Local News

3 Convenor’s Welcome

4-5 Meet the Staff6-7 What We’re Doing

8 Equality Internship Programme9 Changing Places10 Become a 3rd Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre11-12 Cheers to Good Practice!13 What is an Area Tourism Partnership

17 Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

19-22 Local Access Panel updates

24-25 Access Panel Sustainability Project Training Programme

26 Autism and Ethics Conference

28 Free support from Borders Carers Centre29 Blairgowrie and District Next Steps Wednesday Walks

34 Technology that helps you take control of your life…

30-31 Euans Guide32 Living Streets33 Message in a Bottle34 Sense Scotland - Support in the Early Years

35 NEW online debt and money resource

14-15 Consultations and other Policy News16 Widespread failure to plan for disabled pupils needs

18 Paneltown is here!

23 SDEF Grants for Access Panels

27 Homelands Trust-Fife hosts Partnership Seminar

29 West of Scotland Wheelchair Sports Club

35 Dismay at Scottish public’s poor stroke awareness

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Welcome to our Open Door SpringEdition

This year is an exciting time for everyone at SDEF; Februarysaw the launch of our Sustainability Project Training programmewhich has been really well received by all who attended. This isa training programme for Access Panel members to improvetheir skills and outreach in their community. If you haven’t yetbooked your place, I advise

you to do so soon! Not an Access Panel member?Then join your local panel to make a real differencein your community! (You can find more informationabout this on our SDEF website at www.sdef.org.uk)

We are also moving office due to an increase in ourstaff team which is great news. However, we will beremaining in the same building to ensure that ourcontact details all remain the same.

You will see in our newsletter many new projects and activities which SDEF haveundertaken. These projects aim to make real changes ‘on the ground’ and we areworking with individuals and groups across Scotland to make them happen. We hopethat you will get involved in these projects where you can, and help us to promoteawareness of disability equality at a grass roots level.

As always, both staff and Directors of SDEF are all available for you to speak to, if youwould like to know more about anything that we do please contact our main officenumber on 01259 272064 in the first instance and we will be happy to help you.

I do hope you enjoy this, the first edition of our Open Door for 2014.

Best wishes

Jackie MaceiraSDEF Convenor

Convenor's Welcome

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SDEF NewsMeet the StaffWe have had many changes over the last six months and would like to provide ourmembers with an update of who we are and what we do...

Susan Grasekamp - Chief ExecutiveSusan works with the team to ensure that SDEF iseffective in its aims to promote equality and to reducebarriers to Independent Living. Responsible for thestrategic development of the organisation, Susancontinues to advance the influence and impact ofSDEF and its stakeholders.

You can contact Susan on susan.grasekamp@sdef.org.uk or by calling 01259 272063

Yvonne Wemyss - National Inclusion OfficerYvonne is one of our new additions to the team and hasreally hit the ground running. Yvonne is working on theSustainability Project, a significant piece of work whichwill help grow and develop Panels through alarge-scale training project, as well as working withpanel members and providing practical support whereit's needed.

Yvonne can be contacted on Yvonnewemyss-sdef@hotmail.co.uk orby calling 07898 424202.

Morven Brooks - Policy, Information and Communications OfficerMorven is responsible for working alongside otherorganisations to influence policy, and for delivering ourpublications and articles. Morven is now back frommaternity leave after having another baby girlRuby, little sister to Emily.

Morven can be contacted on morven.brooks@sdef.org.uk or by calling 01259 272063

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Maeve Bain - Office AdministratorMaeve is our longest-serving member of SDEF, havingstarted with us almost ten years ago! Maeve isresponsible for the administration of our finances,keeping us right on book-keeping and payments, as wellas supporting in other areas such as minute-taking andregular Board related duties. Maeve's voice will usuallybe the one which greets you when you call us!

Maeve can be contacted on maeve.bain@sdef.org.uk or by calling 01259 272064

Katrina Watson - Access AdministratorWe have been very fortunate to have the many talents ofKatrina on our team, since having joined us in October2013. As Access Administrator, Katrina provides supportto our NIO on the Sustainability Project, but also assistsSDEF with much of the IT work on our website andpublications, as well as being the main point of contact for

panels with their funding applications.

Katrina can be contacted on katrina.watson@sdef.org.uk or by calling 01259 272062

Vicky Innes - SDEF AdministratorVicky is the key administrator for the Equality Unit fundedside of SDEF (as opposed to Access) and has beeninvaluable in supporting the organisation through themany changes it has encountered since her appointment.Vicky is the principle administrative support to the CEO,but also works with the full team on activities such as our

Access Panel Conference and AGM and other events.

Vicky can be contacted on vicky.innes@sdef.org.uk or by calling 01259 272064

Meet the DirectorsWe have a wide range of skills and experience within our Board of Directors. At presentwe have a retired Architect, Nurse, Business person and Health Professionals. AllDirectors are presently Access Panel members and have a considerable knowledge bothprofessionally and in life experience which provides the steering of the organisation.

Please go to our website for profiles of each Director http://tinyurl.com/nrzqj56

SDEF NewsMeet the Staff

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SDEF NewsWhat We’re DoingSDEF is continuing to work towards the removal ofbarriers to independent living for disabled people.The following pages outline our progress so farwith our outcomes. A summary of our outcomescan be found on our websitehttp://tinyurl.com/q9ramjb

Good Practice in the CommunitySDEF is working with members to explore how we can improve awareness of access intown centres across Scotland. Connecting with local Area Tourism Partnerships, wehope to promote a 'Good Practice' approach to interested shops, eateries and other localbusinesses. Find out more on page 13.

Inclusive Design WebsiteDo you have an interest in accessible design? Would you like to be involved in a remoteworking group to advise on a new website which aims to provide better access toaccessible design information, plans and articles? SDEF are looking for volunteers togive their feedback and guidance. Please contact Vicky at vicky.innes@sdef.org.uk forfurther information.

Euan's GuideLaunched in November last year, this is a great website which provides information todisabled people on accessible venues across Scotland. SDEF is supporting Euan'sGuide with a view to support panels to use their access knowledge and experience fornational benefit! Go to page 30 to find out more...

Sustainability ProjectSDEF are currently in the process of delivering a Scotland-wide training programmewhich aims to provide practical support to Access Panels, promoting further growth anddevelopment. If you haven't yet booked your place, then please get in touch! Informationon the programme can be found on page 24.

PaneltownThe Paneltown Website template is a simple template for Access Panels to use as way ofstrengthening the Access Panel Network. By providing the same website template acrossthe full Access Panel Network, we can make it easier for visitors to your website to findwhat they are looking for and for you to update your site regularly with news and articlesabout the great work your panel does. Find out more on page 18.

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SDEF NewsWhat We’re Doing

Equality Internship Programme

SDEF and Inclusion Scotland are working jointly on a new Scottish Government fundedinitiative aimed at employing more disabled graduate interns in Scotland. If you are aThird Sector organisation or community group able to employ someone and have aproject which you think could benefit from an intern, then go to page 8. Similarly, if youare a graduate with a disability (aged 18- 40) then find out how this could benefit you.

3rd Party Hate Crime Reporting Centres

SDEF are calling all community groups and panels who may be interested in becoming a3rd party Hate Crime Reporting Centre. SDEF have now become a 3rd Party Hate CrimeReporting Centre. We can assist with anyone interested in becoming such a centre.You don't need to have premises and training is provided free of charge by PoliceScotland. More information can be read on page 10.

Living Streets

This year, Living Streets will be working with individuals and groups on their 'WalkableCommunities' project. SDEF are working with Living Streets to bring awareness ofStreet Audits to its members and to encourage disabled people to engage with shops,cafes and businesses in improving access to their premises. Read more on page 32.

Independent Living in Scotland

It is vital that the message of Independent Livingand what it stands for, reaches all people insociety, ensuring that disabled people know aboutand can expect to have their right to respect,choice, dignity and freedom. Alongside manyorganisations, SDEF are working hard to promoteindependent living to create a positive and tangiblechange in the way disabled people live, learn andwork in our society.

Changing PlacesScotland now has 85 Changing Places toilets in Scotland, thanks to the hard work ofPAMIS and their partner groups and organisations. They are now looking to reach 100toilets - and you could get involved with making this happen in your community. What isa Changing Places Toilet? Find out on page 9.

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News and PolicyEquality Internship Programme

SDEF is busy working on a programme whichaims to improve job opportunities forgraduates who have a disability. The ScottishGovernment funded programme, delivered bySCVO was launched in December 2013 andwill continue until June 2014. SDEF andInclusion Scotland are working together to

reach third sector organisations, charities and community groups who may benefit fromtaking on a graduate with a disability. This is open to all third sector groups andorganisations. If you have a project which you could use help with, then please getin touch.

Recruiting an intern could mean :

● the opportunity to have a specific piece of work undertaken that would nototherwise be done.

● access to a highly skilled and motivated pool of people, bringing new ideas andnew thinking to your group ororganisation

● access to support and resources from the Equality Internship Programme teamat all times, before and during the internship, both for the intern and theemployer.

Interns will benefit from completing an Equality Internship by:

● developing existing skills and acquiring new ones that will enhance their careerprospects.

About the Applicants

All applicants must:

● hold a SCQF Level 8+ qualification (equivalent to an HND, first degree, SVQLevel 4)

● be unemployed; either in the first 12 months of a benefit claim (pre-WorkProgramme)

● or two years+ (post-Work Programme) or unemployed and not claiming benefits(but must make a claim for benefits in order to apply for an opportunity)

Even if you are a small community group or panel and don’t currently employ staff,you may still be able to benefit from this scheme. Please get in touch with us for aninformal chat or visit www.makingaccesswork4you.org.uk

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News and PolicyChanging PlacesWhat are Changing Places Toilets?

Changing Places toilets are specially designed for people withcomplex and multiple disabilities who require the help of one ortwo assistants.

PAMIS is a registered charity and provides a range of services to children and adultswith profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and their families. Visit theirwebsite at www.pamis.org.uk

PAMIS, through the Changing Places Consortium and along with many otherorganisations, has been campaigning for Changing Places toilets to be provided by localauthorities and commercial organisations in all towns and cities across Scotland. InFebruary 2009, Changing Places toilets were included in the British Standards BS8300,this means that they should be included in all new larger buildings and complexes suchas:

● Large railway stations & airports● Sports & leisure facilities● Cultural centres such as concert halls and art galleries● Shopping centres● Health facilities such as hospitals

At present PAMIS have details of 92 Changing Places toilets in Scotland. Some of whichwere built before the new British Standard, BS 8300: 2009 was launched so they maynot be as large as the standard recommends but they all have a height adjustablechanging bench and a hoist. If the facility does not have all the components required of aChanging Places toilet, then there is an explanatory note.

Equality Internship Programme to promote a Changing Places toilet inyour town!

SDEF and Inclusion Scotland have received funding to createemployment opportunities for young disabled graduates inScotland. If you think that your community would benefit from aChanging Places toilet (and of course it would!) get in touchwith us: Tel: 01259 272063 Email: info@sdef.org.uk we canhelp you with your application to fund an intern to work oninstalling a Changing Places toilet in your area.

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News and PolicyCould your group or panel become a ...… 3rd Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre?

Did you know that disability hate crime is lessreported than any other type of hate crime? Somedisabled people may find it difficult to report a hatecrime for a number of reasons; it may be someonethey know, they may not know how to report it or,as several members have explained - "that's justthe way it's been".

Hate Crime is a criminal offence committed againstan individual or property that is motivated by a person's hatred of someone because of hisor her actual or perceived race, religion, transgender identity, sexual orientation ordisability. It is wrong, it's against the law and everyone has the right to live safely andwithout fear.

We need to make it easier for people to report a hate-crime and to feel safe in doing so.Police Scotland is offering training, free of charge, on becoming a 3rd Party Hate CrimeReporting Centre. This means that your group or panel could provide a place in the heartof the community for people to call or come into if they have been, or fear they maybecome, a victim of hate crime.

SDEF have now become a 3rd Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre, and we can take youthrough the process of organising training to promoting hate crime reporting in yourcommunity.

Call the SDEF office to find out more about what's involved or visit the Police Scotlandwebsite at: www.sdef.org.uk/index.php/hate-crime

If you would like to see the most recent report by the Crown Office and Procurator FiscalService, visit http://tinyurl.com/q9mwhf3

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News and PolicyCheers to Good Practice!

The Barred! Amendment to the Criminal Justice andLicensing (Scotland) Act 2010 means thatlicensed premises will need to provide an accessstatement when they apply for a Liquor License.

This is a great opportunity for Access Panels to :

1. Provide an Access Statement Service to licensedpremises

2. Promote Good Practice/Voluntary AccessStatements in non-licensed premises (shops,cafes, etc)

Background to the LegislationIn June 2010, the Barred! Amendment was passed which means that landlords will haveto provide information on the accessibility of their premises when they apply for a license.This amendment was passed as part of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act2010.

The Barred! Campaign was started by Mark Cooper, a disability activist who gatherednationwide support after he launched a Facebook site following an incident where he hadto leave the licensed premises he was drinking in due to the lack of an accessible toilet.Mark brought this common issue to the fore and the campaign was latterly taken up byCapability Scotland in partnership with Mark, who, together brought about the muchneeded changes.

Opportunities for Access Panels : Provision of Access StatementsThis amendment gives us an opportunity to maximise the impact of the legislation topromote access to all, whether shopping, pubbing or eating in Scotland. It also providesAccess Panels with an opportunity to establish a sustainable service provision in theircommunities.

When the legislation comes into effect, licensed premises will need Access Statements.Access Panels who are not already doing so, could fill that demand if they so wished.

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News and PolicyCheers to Good Practice!What is an Access Statement?An Access statement is a description of a business’ facilitiesand services which are provided to meet the requirements ofpeople with access needs. This could include things likeaccessible toilets, parking, loop systems and loweredcounters, for example. The statement should be public andinform visitors of what accessible facilities are available onthe premises. It may be a document or poster on the door, oran online statement on their website – anything as long as it is easy to read andprovides the information which disabled people should know.

SDEF : Access Survey/Statement Training and SupportSDEF is currently offering basic Access Survey, Building Standards and GoodPractice training to all Access Panels who may wish to begin providing - or to improveupon existing - access related services in their area. We are also developing anAccess Survey Toolkit which will be part of the library of tools provided under theSustainability Project.

As the need for access statements increases and support/training for panelsimproves, we hope that panels will consider providing access-related services as asustainable option, for example, charging for these services.

The Barred! Legislation may be a good opportunity for Access Panels to become themain provider of Access Statements and surveys in their locality.

Non-Licensed EstablishmentsWhat about establishments which do not need to apply for an alcohol license? Pubsand restaurants are only a small part of the story; shops, coffee shops and otherunlicensed private sector premises do not currently have to provide information on theaccessibility of their premises.

However, in the current financial climate, the food and retail sectors are working hardto increase sales and this is a good time to remind businesses of the significantspending power of disabled people, their families and friends.

Whilst the Barred! Legislation only applies to premises seeking an alcohol license,there is an opportunity here for panels to use this amendment to inform all shops,cafés and restaurants about how to be more inclusive from a voluntary perspective.This is of mutual benefit; communities have better access, and shops have increasedsales. Win! Win!

Contact info@sdef.org.uk for more information.

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Area Tourism Partnerships (ATPs)Access Panels and groups can improveawareness of access by joining their localArea Tourism Partnerships. Thesepartnerships consist of many private sectorshops and companies who could benefitfrom having good information on how tomake their premises more accessible.

ATPs were set up across the country in2005 to drive forward local tourismpriorities for the development andmarketing of tourism.  Once they haveagreed what commitments each partnerwill make, they produce a local Area Tourism Action Plan, monitoring its progress overtime.  Involved from the outset, Access Panels can ensure that access is at the top of theagenda when it comes to planning anddevelopment in their local area.

What does the Area Tourism Partnership do?

● Drawing up and overseeing the implementation of Area Tourism PartnershipPlans that will set agreed priorities for the development and marketing of tourism

● Input to the national tourism strategy● Securing resources to carry out the Action plan● Acting as a link between public and private sectors● Acting as a vehicle to engage in industry

ATPs are currently based in:

Some ATPs are very active, others not so. We hope that together, Access Panels andSDEF will help to rejuvenate existing partnerships and create new ones where they areneeded. Please contact SDEF to find out more.

News and PolicyWhat is an Area Tourism Partnership

Aberdeen City and Shire Borders Forth ValleyAngus and Dundee Dumfries and Galloway GlasgowArgyll and the Isles Edinburgh and Lothians HighlandsAyrshire and Arran Fife LanarkshireOrkney Outer Hebrides Perthshire

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News and PolicyConsultations and other Policy NewsAs always, we’ve been kept busy ensuring that proposedchanges to policies and legislation reflect disabledpeoples’ needs. We’ve also kept a look out for newissues and checked back to see that our past work reallydid made a difference.

Community Empowerment BillThe Community Empowerment Bill consultation includesan important proposal relating to the services provided bylocal authorities and other public bodies. This would empower a community of interest,such as a group of disabled people, to request the public body to improve a service itprovides in co-production with the group. The wide-ranging Bill also covers allotmentsand we’re keen to see proper provision made in the legislation for disabled people withgreen fingers! SDEF response can be found on http://tinyurl.com/oj9ston

Scottish Planning PolicyScottish Government Planning Policy helps guide each local authority’s decisions inrespect of planning applications. It is therefore important for disabled people, as it caninfluence how roads, housing and other public spaces are built.

The Government has been consulting on a revised Scottish Planning Policy.Unfortunately, this still doesn’t highlight disabled people’s issues in relation to housingproperly although it does in other areas such as parking. We’ve therefore requested thatthe policy is changed to include a requirement that more accessible housing is produced.

Home ReportThe Home Report consultation aims to seek the views and experiences of people whohave used the Home Report and those that are involved in the house buying andselling system including buyers, sellers and industry professionals. It seeks opinion onthe layout, content and application of the report, how useful it is and how effective it hasbeen for users. Response to this consultation from our members was great – thank you!The SDEF response can be found on http://tinyurl.com/q5m7us6

Welfare Funds (Scotland) BillThis consultation is the first step in a legal process to underpin the Scottish Welfare Fundin legislation. It also seeks views on options for independent scrutiny of decisions madeby local authorities on applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund. Thank you for youropinions! The SDEF response can be found on http://tinyurl.com/ohycl4d

Update on disabled parking legislationMany of you responded to our consultation on The Disabled Persons' Parking Badges(Scotland) Bill in early 2013. This Bill is now in the Scottish Parliament and we think thefinal proposals are mainly good. There are still some issues to iron out before it becomeslaw though, and we’ll be briefing MSPs about our concerns.

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Concern regarding vehicle access to Edinburgh railway stationsFrom 20 January 2014, only a limited number of taxis and registered transport servicesfor disabled people have been allowed to enter Edinburgh Waverley station. People withBlue Badges now need to use disabled parking bays in the New Street car park and usea lift to get step free access to the station’s Market Street entrance.

Network Rail says the changes will reduce congestion, cut the risk to passengers in thestation and improve air quality. The Mobility Access Committee Scotland (MACS) wasconsulted and it is believed that the new rules are better than a previous plan to ban allvehicles. We’ll be keeping an eye on this reduction issue, along with similar plans forEdinburgh Haymarket.

A look back at HousingBack in 2010 many SDEF members contributed their views to research into housing anddisabled people. Those who took part thought that the ScottishGovernment should increase awareness of the right to adaptationsand grants. As a result, the Scottish Government asked a group ofexperts to look at adaptations. Their final report in 2012recommended that local authorities should take a stronger lead inrelation to adaptations. It also said that those needing adaptationsshould be at the heart of any decision-making process, which is notalways the case currently.

A new group has been set up by the Government to trial different ways of improving thesupply and funding of adaptations. We’ll keep you updated about the results of theirwork.

In the meantime, we’ve been performing some research of our own. We wanted to knowin which housing residence adaptations are likely to be needed most. To do this welooked at Scottish Government housing statistics from 1999 to 2012.

The results show that the number of households including a disabled person that rentprivately or from a housing association has doubled in 13 years! Those that own theirhome outright have also increased, by a half, whilst the proportion of those buying with amortgage has stayed the same. The proportion renting from a council has halved.

With more disabled people now living in the private sector and an improved grantscheme introduced in April 2010, we wanted to know if adaptation grants had increased.We therefore looked at statistics on how much has been spent over the years on grantsand how many were provided.

The good news is that both funding and grants have increased. The bad news is that theaverage grant sum has fallen every year since the new grant scheme was introduced.We’ll be asking the Scottish Government to explain why.

Check our website for more current consultations or become an Individual Member ofSDEF to ensure you receive regular briefings on key consultations!

News and PolicyConsultations and other Policy News

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Scottish schools and local authorities are failing to meet theirlegal duty to plan for disabled children’s needs, according to newresearch from SDEF. The result is disabled pupils not being able toattend their local school and being separated from siblings andfriends as a result, or having restrictions placed on their activities atschool.

This is the finding of SDEF’s research into the availability and qualityof accessibility strategies, required by the Education (Scotland) Act2002. These strategies must address disabled pupils’ needs relatingto the curriculum, physical access, and communication.

‘Excluded: How Scotland’s schools are failing to plan for disabled pupils’ needs’ lookedat the practice of 60 state and independent providers of primary and secondaryschooling. Just 2 of the 60 were able to provide an accessibility strategy that met therequirements of the 2002 Act. Only 13 in total were able to provide an up to dateaccessibility strategy within a month of a request for one.

The findings are significant because the Equality Act 2010 specifically excludes schoolsfrom the requirement to make reasonable adjustments to their property to meet disabledpupils’ needs. The requirement to plan for accessibility in education legislation hasinstead been seen as sufficient.

Susan Grasekamp, SDEF’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

'It’s astonishing that, as equalities law stands, a bank is required to modify a branch for adisabled employee or customer, but a school does not have to adapt their building for adisabled pupil.

'Our research shows that the Scottish legislation which should be increasing access fordisabled pupils is being largely ignored. We want to see education providers, EducationScotland and the Scottish Government taking this legislation seriously and working withlocal partners such as Access Panels to make schools more accessible.

‘Correctly implemented, the legislation could both improve access on a practical leveland engage pupils who will become tomorrow’s architects and planners with theimportant concept of designing inclusively for all.

‘Positive and proactive joint working with local partners such as Access Panels could goa long way to achieving a positive and lasting shift in how we provide access toeducation for all of our children in Scotland’

The full report ‘Excluded: How Scotland’s schools are failing to plan for disabled pupil’sneeds’ can be downloaded from our website http://tinyurl.com/ng9t9jj

The response report to our consultation can also be downloaded from our websitehttp://tinyurl.com/nnjsneq

News and PolicyWidespread failure to plan for disabled pupils needs

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News and PolicyConvention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(UNCRPD)With a report being due this year from the UN Committee, wehave an increasing number of members asking about what theUNCRPD is and how it works to serve disabled people.

What is the Convention on the Rights of Personswith Disabilities?The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(UNCRPD) is an international agreement that sets out the rightsof disabled people and the responsibilities of nations to protectand promote these rights. The Convention seeks and requires that nations doeverything they can to ensure that disabled people can live with the same choices,dignity, fairness and respect as any other member of society.

What are the Principles of the Convention?Disabled people have the right to be free from discrimination in the enjoyment of theirrights. This includes the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of disability, butalso on any other basis such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or otheropinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Article 3 of the agreement sets out the General Principles that apply to the enjoyment ofthe rights of persons with disabilities. The full agreement can be downloaded fromhttp://tinyurl.com/599r5h.

Have your Say! Get Involved!The implementation of the Convention is monitored at a national and international level.The UN Committee does this at an international level by reviewing reports made by eachstate.

In Scotland, the Scottish Human Rights Commission and Equality and Human RightsCommission are the focal points in Scotland for ensuring that the Convention isimplemented.  At Scottish Government level, the Equality Unit is the focal point.

As someone affected by disability, we would like you to tell uswhat you feel is working and what needs to change in Scotlandby completing our questionnaire, link below (other formatsavailable). It won’t take long but will really help to guide thepowers that be on areas such as Health and Social Care,Justice and Safer Communities, Housing and BuiltEnvironment, Education and Employability.  Thank you!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5KKJMCD

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Access Panel NetworkPaneltown is here!There are just under 50 Access Panels across Scotland, all working hard to removebarriers to equality in their own communities. As part of our work to strengthen thisAccess Panel Network, we have created the Paneltown website template - a simpledesign for all panels to use. It's a way of making it easier for panels who are not yet onthe internet, to have a website, and for those who already have one, to update it shouldthey wish to.

What Benefits are there to all Panels using the same Template for theirWebsite?

●Portability: it will be easier for visitors to find what they need on panel websites ifthey have the same layout

●SDEF can offer help and advice with your website as the same template is beingused

●Really importantly, it strengthens the Access Panel Network by bringing themtogether under the same template.

●Panels will be able to update their own websites easily, saving money on webdeveloper costs.

What do Panels need to do?Panels only need to have an idea of what they want to say about themselves and pass itto us. SDEF will arrange everything. The website development will be paid for throughScottish Government Access Panel Grant funding.

We have arranged training on how to use the website so that Panels will be able toupdate their own website easily; whether it's a news article, new members, or somepictures of what you have achieved in your community. This training is part of aScotland-wide project which SDEF is running over 2014/15. (See more under theSustainability Project).

So how do we get started?Just contact katrina.watson@sdef.org.uk and we will work with you to get your website upand running. Have a look at www.yourpanelname.org to see what the template lookslike.

Currently, you can visit Badenoch & Strathspey Access Panel(www.strathspeyaccesspanel.org) who have finished their website, with WestDunbartonshire and Angus not far behind.

We do hope your Access Panel will be next!

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Access Panel Network

Public Partnership ForumStephen Cruickshank, the Access Panel Chairperson was invited to join the PublicPartnership Forum (PPF) as an executive member on behalf of the local disabledcommunity ensuring that their voices could be heard.

Access Panel Training - DumfriesJohn Thomas and Stephen Cruickshank attended the SDEF two day training course inDumfries, The course provides an introductory training to access audits which both Johnand Stephen have passed with flying colours and they still have two more modules to go.The next module will take place in July again in Dumfries.

Glasgow Airport - OmniservThe secretary and vice-chair were invited to a meeting withDave Nash and Carrie Docherty at Omniserve as we had notbeen in contact for some time. Dave and Carrie gave us anupdate of what Omniserve had been doing advising of thechanges they have made to the assistance service and thefuture plans they have for the assistance service.

We are now working on a project with Omniserv and EngageRenfrewshire to promote volunteering opportunities withinGlasgow Airport for people with Disabilities.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Access Panel Secretary.

Scottish Air AmbulanceThe Access Panel went to the new purpose built hanger for the Scottish Air Ambulancewhere we met Ann Tobin and Andy Moir, we were then shown round the hanger and gota first hand view of the new Aircraft for 10 minutes before it had to leave to go and collecta patient. Andy Moir then gave a great presentation on the air ambulance service givingthe history and the future for the service explaining the costs involved when using one ofthe aircrafts.

Renfrewshire Access PanelTel: 07747036028 Email: renfrewshireaccesspanel@hotmail.com

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Access Panel Network

The 4Ayrshire Joint Meeting - March 2014

South Ayrshire, Cumnock & Doon Valley, Kilmarnock & District and North Ayrshire meettwice a year to review what is happening in Ayrshire.

Items on the agenda included an update from Fiona Ross, Environmental Strategy Office,South Ayrshire Council, on the development of Belleisle Estate, Ayr. The plans willinclude an accessible adult ‘changing room’ (there are none in South Ayrshire to date),multi-age/ability play equipment and it has been suggested that a recharging point forwheelchairs and scooters would be a good idea.

‘Reports from the Panels’ gives an insight into the work being undertaken by the fourpanels and an opportunity to share experiences and contacts.

The tasks are varied and include new schools, leisure centres, retail outlets and contrastson shop fronts. Scot Rail is in the forefront with the refusal to carry certain sizes ofscooter on its trains. Dumfries House, Cumnock, has been developing a new outwardbound centre and visitor centre and walled garden. It has also been suggested thatKentucky Fried Chicken should have lowered counters. All of these issues involve thepanels in some depth. Nearly all the Panels are experiencing a shortage of newmembers and are finding it difficult to take on extra work.

The next 4Ayrshire joint meeting will be hosted by Kilmarnock & District Panel sometimelater this year.

South Ayrshire Access PanelEmail: cmgdunlop@googlemail.com

21

Access Panel Network

West Dunbartonshire Access Panel has been very busy over the last few months. Weare also pleased to have four new members join us for our first meeting of 2014.

The work is now completed on the new Health and Care centre in Alexandria and alreadyit has won awards for design and accessibility. Due to our panel’s input we are now goingto be working on three new care homes and another health centre along with a centre foryoung disabled people, so exciting times ahead!

West Dunbartonshire Access PanelTel: 01389 382 067 Email: accesspanel.wd@live.co.uk

Clackmannanshire Disability Awareness GroupTel: 01259 272018 Email: alisterdag@gmail.com

The Disability Awareness Group (DAG) have attended a fewevents recently.

DAG was invited to attend a reception at the Houses ofParliament by the Woodland Trust. They were invited becauseDAG took part in the Woodland Trust ‘Visit Woods’ project. Thereception was a celebration to mark the end of this five year projectdesigned to promote the health benefits of visiting woodlands.

The group was also invited by the National Trust for Scotland to test out the newinteractive displays at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre in advance of the officialopening on the 1 March.

If you are living with a disability or supporting someone who has a disability pleaseconsider joining DAG. For a membership application please contact Alister Scott,Tel: 01259 272018, Email: alisterdag@gmail.com

22

Access Panel Network

Falkirk area assessment Group will be now known asFalkirk Area Disability Access Panel (FADAP) as partof our new branding initiative. The group must becommended for all the hard work they have done untilnow.

Resurrecting the “Guide to AccessibleToilets in the Falkirk Area”This project is ongoing and being coordinated byJennie McCartney, who has been visiting toilets in the Falkirk Area and has beenrecording her findings for the groups .

Addressing local transport and parkingJennie has been actively researching the number of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis in theFalkirk area; this is a result of a change in Falkirk Councils policy on taxis. In the pastnew taxis were required to be Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) however the newpolicy update now encourages taxi owners to go green and purchase a hybrid option.This change has had a negative impact on the community as taxi owners are opting forthe hybrids when replacing their vehicles. We are monitoring the changes and impact onthe community and will report back in 2015.

Buses also pose challenges for members of the disabled community and Jennie hasbeen in touch with First bus to raise our concerns, which they have taken on board byproviding disability awareness training for the drivers.

Parking for WAV's – a number of our members and members of the public haveexperienced difficulties when parking in the Falkirk area, a WAV requires more spacethan a conventional disabled bay, to allow from the back of the vehicle for wheel chairs.

Assisting local organisations with Access for AllAccess to restaurants and bars can be a challenge when there is a step and no ramp. Anumber of organisations make reasonable provisions however we need to address thison a local level. We will encourage them to address access to their buildings andservices. A number of easy fix cost effective solutions are available and we will beworking on this aspect over the coming year.

Developing links with other groups in the Falkirk AreaWalk’s for all is a new initiative in Falkirk led by Kevin Hutton and the Helix, walks areevery Friday at 11am at the Westfield community stadium.

Annual General MeetingOur AGM will take place at the Falkirk Council Chambers on Friday 30 May 2014, wherethe provost will hopefully attend as honorary President of FADAP.

Falkirk Area Disability Access Panal (FADAP)Tel: 01324 880498 Email: soniamclay@blueyonder.co.uk

23

Access Panel NetworkSDEF Grants for Access Panels

We’ve made some changes…

SDEF have improved the way in which Access Panels can access and use the grant fundfrom Scottish Government. This is to make it easier for Access Panels to use the grantsin ways which are more suited to their needs.

We currently have two grants: the Discretionary Grant and the Distribution Grant. Thesegrants have been combined into one Access Panel Grant.

DiscretionaryGrant +

DistributionGrant =

Access PanelGrant

Max £2000

From this Grant, Access Panels can claim up to £2000 per year (2014/15). We listenedto your comments and have now extended the criteria to include:

● Travel Expenses● Insurance (e.g. Professional Indemnity)● Running costs, e.g. rent● Communication/Secretarial Support● Room Hire/Meetings expenses● PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Certificates (previously Disclosure)

Your Access Panel Grant can be used for any activity which can be shown to directlypromote your panel or to assist in its development, or that of its members inrelation to their panel activities. This could be anything from equipment to printingcosts or training. Each application is considered on its own merit, and panels mustcontinue to provide quotes/invoices to support their funding request. Further informationwill be sent to you shortly.

Remember that SDEF are here to support you all the way. Contact us if you would likemore information about this, or any other aspect of your panel.www.sdef.org.uk Tel: 01259 272064 or email accessinfo@sdef.org.uk

24

Access Panel NetworkAccess Panel Sustainability ProjectTraining Programme

The Scottish Disability Equality Forum’s aim asthe ‘umbrella’ organisation for Access Panels isto support their long-term sustainability.

Sustainability, or survival, whatever we call it,comes from maximising opportunity. This canbe achieved through continual growth –increasing the number and diversity ofpeople involved, improving skills and knowledge, and sharing and delivering goodpractice.

Access Panels provide the voice of disabled people at a local level. Some Panels alsocontribute on a national level, or participate in policy development and service deliveryimprovement across multiple areas.

Access Panels have already made a huge difference to the daily lives of disabled people,and SDEF aim to support Panels to help ensure this good work continues into the future.

We also recognise the importance of telling people about what you do through promotionand marketing. We must make sure we provide evidence of the positive change to thosewho award funding. This will encourage them to keep giving Access Panels the moneythey do, and open doors for new funding opportunities.

The ProgrammeSDEF carried out an audit of Access Panels in 2012. This audit showed that manyAccess Panels members have a huge variation of skills and knowledge that could beshared. It also showed that many members would benefit from learning new skills.

To enable this to happen, SDEF has organised a training programme, which will run fromFebruary 2014 to March 2015. The training will be carried out in three phases,Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced. It will be held over two days in eight locationsacross Scotland.

The training programme will include sessions on:● Disability Equality● Membership and Recruitment● Business Management● IT Skills● Building Regulations● Access Statements

Continued on next page…

25

Access Panel NetworkAccess Panel Sustainability ProjectTraining Programme

The ProgrammeThe training will be provided by The Scottish BordersSocial Enterprise, ABT Safety Ltd and the SDEFNational Inclusion Officer. All trainers have skills andknowledge in the areas, have previous trainingexperience and have worked with Access Panels. Someare Access Panel members themselves.

SDEF would like to encourage Panels to participate inthe training programme. This is a fantastic opportunity for new and longstanding mem-bers alike to increase theirknowledge. You may even wish to take this opportunity to invite new members onto yourPanel.

Dates and Locations

Proposed Dates for Access Panel Training

Please note accessible venues are currently being sought. Dates may vary slightlyto meet accommodation requirements.

Updates on our Training Programme for 2014/15 will be posted on our website, or youcan contact us direct for more information:

Katrina Watson, Access Administrator, SDEFEmail: katrina.watson@sdef.org.ukTelephone:  01259 272062OrYvonne Wemyss, National Inclusion Officer, SDEFEmail: yvonnewemyss-sdef@hotmail.co.uk

(Tuesday/Wednesday) Introductory Intermediate AdvancedSouth West 11/02/14 15/07/14 02/12/14Highland 25/02/14 16/09/14 25/11/14Central 11/03/14 12/08/14 06/01/15South East 08/04/14 09/09/14 03/02/15Islands 22/04/14 23/09/14 17/02/15North West 06/05/14 07/10/14 03/03/15West & Glasgow 19/05/14 21/10/14 17/03/15

26

Local NewsAutism and Ethics ConferenceFriday May 16 2014, Smithton Church, Murray Road, Inverness. IV2 YUBAThis is advance notice of a conference to be held in Inverness, May 16 2014. Times andcosts will be available shortly. For further details; how to book, cost and timings, pleasesee www.arghighland.co.uk

This conference aims to step away from theory and achieve a practical understanding ofwhat ethics in relation to autism practice really means. We hope to promote discussionand build bridges between attendees from across the Autism community. The event aimsto attract Autistic speakers that are at the cutting edge of research, policy and practiceconcerning ethics and rights.

Who is running the conference?

This event will be led and co-ordinated by ARGH (Autism Rights Group Highland) inpartnership with The National Autistic Society Scotland.

Our two organisations have joined together to promote joint working and to show thatworking with Autistic people as partners can be beneficial to everyone involved; we aimto improve relationships between the Autistic community and the wider Autismcommunity through successful partnership working with a mutually beneficial outcome.

Who should attend?

This conference will be of interest and benefit to Autistic people, parents, paid andunpaid Carers, other professionals and anyone else with an interest in Autism.

What are our desired outcomes?

We aim to enable people to leave the conference thinking differently about Autisticpeople.

We want to have an impact on the practice of professionals through thoughtful reflection,discussion and independent professional development.

We would like parents and Carers to hear Autistic people speaking as valuedprofessionals and to be given the chance for discussion and networking with the otherattendees: Autistic people, other parents, Carers and professionals.

We would also like to give the chance for reflection and strengthening of identity /networks to Autistic people on their own terms.

27

Local NewsHomelands Trust-Fife hosts Partnership Seminar

Ruth Davidson, MSP and Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, is a local lass who grewup in Lundin Links prior to her university days. She delivered the keynote speech at aHomelands Trust-Fife Partnership Seminar on Monday 27 January 2014.

In her speech, Ms Davidson said, “Homelands is an exciting project that will provide avaluable service for anyone affected by disability both locally and from further afield”.

The seminar was hosted by the Homelands Trust-Fife, a registered charity based inLundin Links which works to engage with other organisations and individuals interestedin working with the trustees to develop services for a disability drop-in centre in theseaside village. The centre, to be known as the Paxton Centre in memory of the lateIsobel Paxton whose generous legacy has funded the build, will offer a range of servicesto people affected by a disability, long-term condition or life-limiting illness, includingfamily members and Carers.

Alongside the centre are four purpose-built, luxury, self-catering holiday cottagesdesigned to meet the access needs of disabled people. The concept of having aself-catering holiday facility on the same site as a drop-in centre for people with a rangeof disabilities and long-term conditions is thought to be unique. No other facility inScotland offers both on the same site.

Two workshops followed that were designed to identify potential partners in the deliveryof services, to gather information from participants and to enable the trustees to plan anddraw up priorities.

Building work has progressed well on the site and the contractors, Campion Homes, areon schedule to have the buildings ready to hand over to the trust in the summer. Thework will then begin to furnish the Paxton Centre and the cottages to the same highstandard as the buildings themselves.

For further information about the project or the Trust:

T: 01333 320864 (Secretary)M: 07563101 226 (Chair)E: homelandstrust@live.co.uk.

Article submitted from Individual MemberMS Jan McDonald

28

Local NewsFree support from Borders Carers Centre

If you provide assistance to a friend, family member,neighbour or relative who could not manageotherwise, due to illness, disability, frailty or addiction,then YOU are a Carer. This means that, if you live inthe Scottish Borders, free support is available to youfrom The Borders Carers Centre.

In 2012, The Borders Carers Centre received fundingfrom the Change Fund to enable us to enhance the

service we offer and, from January that year, we started carrying out the CarersAssessments.  As a Carers only legal right, it was important that we got this absolutelyright for Carers.

A Carers Assessment is a chance for the Carer to chat with a Carers Support Workerfrom the Carers Centre about the help and support they may need to enable them tocare in a healthy, happy way.  This is a totally separate assessment from the SocialWork Assessment and the person cared for does not need to be receiving a service fromsocial work for the Carer to be entitled to a Carers assessment in their own right.   TheCarer does not have to be in receipt of Carers allowance to be eligible.  The onlycriteria to receive an assessment from us is thatyou live in the Scottish Borders, paying counciltax to Scottish Borders Council.

The Carers Assessment will identify areas wherethe Carer may benefit from somesupport or assistance.  This may be assistance toapply for extra funds, essential aids andequipment, a holiday, respite, a referral to RedCross or a benefits check.  The Carer will also begiven plenty of emotional and practical support aswell as access to peer support groups, days outand special events to help alleviate some of thestresses caring for someone 24 hours a day can bring.

Since the Change Fund was in place, there has been a 65% increase in the completionof Carers Assessments, and all Carers who have completed the Quality of Life Reporthave reported feeling less stressed, both physically and mentally.

If you live in the Scottish Borders, you can refer yourself to the Carers Centre – just bypicking up the phone and dialling 01896 752431 for a chat.  If you do not live in theScottish Borders, speak to your local Carers Centre and ask how you can receive acarers assessment.

www.borderscarerscentre.co.uk

“For once, I didn’tfeel conscious of time… TheCarer Support Worker had allthe time in the world to just

listen to ME.    I have myself-esteem and my personalityback.  I’m able to ask for what Ineed now, and I know I’m not

alone.”

29

Local newsBlairgowrie and District Next Steps Wednesday (Stride forLife) WalksThe Wednesday Walks Programme hasreturned for 2014. Of these we have a core ofapproximately 60 people walking with us everyweek. The Wednesday Walks take place onshort, low level, and sometimes urban routeswith a duration of about an hour to an hour anda half. They are intended as an introduction towalking with a definite social feel and a chancefor a chat over coffee or tea afterwards.There are usually two choices each week: ashorter walk for those who prefer a slower pace and who are perhaps recovering fromillness or have a long term condition, and another for a medium/fast pace covering aslightly longer distance. Some of the routes are buggy and wheelchair friendly. TheWalk Leaders are all volunteers and are appropriately qualified Outdoor First Aiders.

The walks are open to all, however those coming for the first time are required tocomplete a Registration Form and brief health questionnaire. If in any doubt about yourfitness for a walk please consult your GP or other medical advisor. Participants shouldmeet at Blairgowrie Townhall at 9.15am. The walkers usually return around 11.30pm forrefreshments. The Wednesday Walks give people an opportunity to develop and take onmore challenging events held on other days during the week.

There is a fee of £4 per person which covers the hire of the Townhall, bus hire andrefreshments.

Further information is available on www.badns.org or by telephoning Nick or Sue Cole on01828 640763.

Our Club is open to anyone with a physical disability who would enjoy playingWheelchair Sport. Our members attend training sessions for Wheelchair Tennis atScotstoun Leisure Centre. They are run by qualified coaches and also very experiencedplayers.

The West of Scotland Wheelchair Basketball Team aka West of Scotland Warriors hasbeen running for over 30 years. You could find a new fun and inclusive way to get fit andmeet people you wouldn’t otherwise meet.

If you would like to find out more, “like” us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/WOSWarriors or follow us on Twitter @WOSWarriors. Please alsovisit our website http://westofscotlandwheelchairsportsclub.btck.co.uk

West of Scotland Wheelchair Sports Club

30

Other newsEuans Guide

SDEF is delighted to announce a new partnership with Euan’sGuide – the brand new disabled access reviews website.

They aim to provide a service to disabled people and very muchhope Access Panels will find it useful and worthwhile too.

What is Euan’s Guide?www.EuansGuide.com went live on 1 November 2013. Euan MacDonald, Founder andhimself a powerchair user, says "The goal of Euan's Guide is to provide a friendly,honest and empowering alternative to hours of web searching and phone calls and, mostimportantly, remove the ‘fear of the unknown’ when visiting a place for the first time."

They already have over 250 reviews and venues listed in over 75 towns and citiesacross the UK and plan to go international as soon as possible in 2014. Edinburgh iscurrently the most reviewed Scottish city which at this early stage demonstrates howuseful the site can be to people that live in, work in or visit the city.

December was a busy month for Euan’s Guide as not only did they put in place thefoundations of the partnership but they featured on STV and had Professor StephenHawking endorse the site. “EuansGuide.com helps people with disabilities and theirCarers give an open and honest account of a venue's accessibility, good or bad. Thismeans that users can check before they go whether a venue will cater for their needs.The site will make a huge difference for people across the UK, giving them a reliablesource of information to help plan their leisure, personal and business activities”.

How will this work?This partnership will provide all Access Panels with an online platform to publish disabledaccess reviews and access statements.

It’s an easy to use and accessible website, it’s absolutely free and the information thatyou provide will be accredited to your local Access Panel.

In addition to inviting reviews from individuals, they’re asking all venues to list theiraccessibility information on the site too – so if you know of any venues with barrier-freeaccess don’t forget to mention it to them too.

It’s free for venues to list as well as all individuals to use and is very much designed as apositive resource and knowledge bank for disabled people, their friends and families.

Continued on next page…

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Other newsEuans Guide - Get Involved!What to do next?

Do you currently have a list of local venues that you have reviewed that includes theiraccess details? Send it over to the Euan’s Guide team and they will publish it on theirsite and give credit to your Access Panel. (NB They can accept most formats, includingprinted information.)

A longer term goal is to provide an easy to use tool to publish Access Statements forvenues – more information on this will be following shortly.

Check out the website now at www.EuansGuide.com

For more information and to get you and your Access Panel involved, please contactPaul Ralph – paul.ralph@euansguide.com.

About Euan

Aged 29, Euan MacDonald was given 12 months to live. 10 years later he’s pleased tolaunch Euan’s Guide.

“In 2003, I noticed a loss of power in my thumb when trying to change gear on my bike. Itseemed innocuous at the time but two months later I was diagnosed with Motor NeuroneDisease. I now use a wheelchair and ventilator but my condition has progressed slowly. Iam one of the lucky ones.

I came up with the idea of Euan’s Guide because I wanted to go out for a drink withsome friends, I wanted to go somewhere new and I couldn't find any information onaccessible bars locally.

I would love it to be a place where we can routinely help each other by recommendingplaces to go, I want Euan's Guide to become a useful part of people's lives...”

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Other newsLiving Streets

Living Streets is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. Withour supporters we work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, wherepeople want to walk. We have been the national voice for pedestrians throughoutour 80-year history. In the early years, our campaigning led to the introduction of thedriving test, pedestrian crossings and 30mph speed limits.

Living Streets believes that ‘Walkable Communities’ are communities where peopleof all ages and abilities are comfortably able to make short journeys on foot andwhere people with disabilities can access footways and pavements with ease. Wecampaign to improve conditions for all pedestrians – most recently rallying supportto influence the UK government to change the guidance for pedestrian crossingtimes to ‘Give Us Time to Cross’ by increasing crossing times by three seconds.Find out more about our activities from our website www.livingstreets.org.uk

In Scotland, our recent campaigns activity has included the production of a shortvideo to highlight the plight of wheelchair users on the streets of Edinburgh andemphasising the importance of designing and maintaining our streets so everyonecan get around. Find it by searching for ‘Creating Streets for All Living Streets video’or http://tinyurl.com/qgvjqsa

We are also very keen for like minded local groups to partner with us to promotepedestrian issues in their area and help us work towards creating better streets foreveryone. One way for established groups such as Access Panels to get involved,have your say, and lend weight to our campaigning activity is to become anAffiliated Group. By affiliating, you will become part of a growing community ofgroups and organisations demanding change in our villages, towns and cities. Findout more and affiliate your group at http://tinyurl.com/nwu9bul

In the spring, we will be taking forward the next year of our successfulWalkable Communities Project. Walkable Communities supports communities toimprove their local walking environments and encourage more everyday walking.They use our highly commended Community Street Audits to help evaluate andimprove the quality of streets and spaces from the viewpoint of the people who usethem, rather than those who manage them.

Walkable Communities starts up again in April, and if you’d be interested to find outmore about the project, or about supporting any audits in your area, affiliating yourgroup, our crossings campaign or any of our other activities, then please take a lookat our website at www.livingstreets.org.uk/living-streets-scotland, or contact ourCommunities Coordinator at penny.morriss@livingstreets.org.uk

33

Other newsMessage in a Bottle

Message in a Bottle was introduced to parts of Great Britainduring the late 1990s.

Many thousands of Bottles have since been distributed by arange of statutory and voluntary organisations e.g NHS HealthImprovement Teams, Community SafetyPartnerships, Rotary Great Britain and Ireland, Lions ClubsInternational and some individual projects.

The President of the Lions Clubs International reported in 2012 that their distribution hadreached 1.4 million Bottles since the year 2000.

Message in a Bottle is a very simple idea. You collect your own Bottle from a local suppliere.g. a Health Centre or Surgery, Library, Pharmacy, Access Panel, Carers Centre, somehealth service teams, or an organisation like the Rotary.

The Bottle contains a form which allows you to record personal details, medicalconditions, contacts and any other special information. The form is put into the containerand placed in the fridge, in a door compartment, where it will be safe and quickly found.

The Bottle also contains one, or two, green stickers. It is essential that a green sticker isstuck to the outside of the fridge door.

Emergency services are trained to look for the distinctive green cross label if they attendyour house. If you have two stickers place the other one somewhere that would be veryobvious to emergency personnel, perhaps on the door jamb leading into the kitchen.

On no account should a sticker be put in a window or door where it is visible to theoutside.

The information in the Bottle allows the emergency services to decide appropriatetreatment for you:

● They will be able to see what your medical conditions are.● It will inform them if you are deaf or hard of hearing.● If you have difficulty with speech, or if English is not your first language.● They will have an emergency contact for you,● and even who has been allocated to look after your pet if you have to go to

hospital.

The Bottles are free. You just need to ensure the form is filled in and updated if yourcircumstances or medical details change.

34

Other newsSense Scotland – Support in the Early Years

Sense Scotland now has an Early Years team involving twoEarly Years Advisors and an Early Years DevelopmentOfficer.

Funded by the Scottish Government the Early Years teamhave developed a national programme of early interventionand support to families who have young children withcomplex communication support needs.

The team support families who live in Scotland who care for a child between 0 and eightwho has communication support needs because of sensory impairment including deafblindness, learning and/or physical disabilities. We offer free support and advice tofamilies in their home or in community settings, whilst working together with colleagues inhealth, education, social work and other voluntary agencies to share resources andideas to best support children and their families.

Gwen Auchterlonie is the Early Years Advisor covering the East of Scotland, GillianNicolson is the Early Years Advisor covering the West of Scotland and Rachael Grant isthe Early Years Development Officer.

For further information and contact details please visit our website:www.sensescotland.org.uk/what-we-do/support/early-years.aspx

Technology that helps you take control of your life...SDEF has invited SOL Connect (Support for Ordinary Living) toattend our ‘Scotland Online: Access for All’ event due to happenlater this year. SOL Connect is an innovative company usingassistive technology in improving supported living .

They provide a wide range of assistive technology products thatcan be tailored to the persons needs and can be used in conjunction with SOL Connect’siQare hub. The hub is a touch screen computer that is linked to SOL Connect supportstaff 24 hours a day, seven days a week giving the person instant access to the type ofsupport that they want when they need it.

The success of the SOL Connect is down to the way that they work with a person. Theyspend time getting to know the people that they work for to fully understand how theywant to be supported. They consider how the person wants to live their life andidentify technology that can assist the person to do this.

If you would like to find out how you can take advantage of the very latest technologycontact SOL Connect today on 01698 314026, e-mail info@sol-connect.org or visitwww.forliving.org/sol-connect

35

Other newsNEW online debt and money resourceUPDATE Disability Information Scotland has launched anew online debt and money resource dedicated tosupporting disabled people.

The new resource provides comprehensiveinformation on sources of help and advice for people struggling with debt and moneyworries it directs them to the right support that is available free of charge.

The new section is available online at www.update.org.uk/page.php?page=803 andincludes information on:

● Money advice – where to get free, confidential advice● An A-Z list of free Money advice services within Scottish Local Authorities● Debt solutions – including budget planners● Credit Unions● Foodbanks

For more information, please contact UPDATE’s helpline on 0131 669 1600 orinfo@update.org.uk.

The Stroke Association is dismayed that over a quarter (26.4%)of the public who took part in a recent poll do not know what astroke is. The charity asked over 1,200 people where a strokehappens in the body in the lead up to Brain Awareness Week(10 – 14 March) and was shocked to discover that 15% wrongly

thought that stroke happened in the heart and 6% thought stroke happened in the chest.

Elspeth Molony, Deputy Director Scotland said:

“Stroke is a brain attack. It happens when blood circulation to the brain fails. One in sixof us will have a stroke so it is crucial that we increase awareness so more peopleunderstand what a stroke is and how to recognise the symptoms of stroke.”

The charity also asked people what they would do if they thought someone was having astroke. The Stroke Association was pleased to find that over 90% of participants in thepoll knew to treat stroke as a medical emergency and to dial 999.

For more information on stroke and support available contact the Stroke Helpline on:0303 3033 100.

For further information, case studies, interviews and images please contact AngelaMacleod on 0131 555 7244 or email Angela.MacLeod@stroke.org.uk

Dismay at Scottish public’s poor stroke awareness

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Scottish Disability Equality Forum is grateful for the generosity of its sponsors and theirongoing support as we work together toward achieving the goals of the organisation.

If you are interested in sponsoring our magazine ‘Open Door’, please complete ouronline registration form - www.sdef.org.uk/index.php/our-sponsors Alternatively, pleasecontact Susan Grasekamp, Manager for further information onsusan.grasekamp@sdef.org.uk

Open Door is published by

Scottish Disability Equality ForumOffice 2/5, The e-CentreCooperage WayAlloaFK10 3LPTel: 01259 272064Fax: 01259 272065

SDEF is Registered in Scotland as a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable StatusCharity Number SC031893, Company Number SC243392

Patron: Tricia Marwick MSP

Open Door is available in alternative formats on request

Any comments made in any contributed articles do not necessarily reflect thepolicy or the views of SDEF.

Scottish Disability Equality Forum is funded by the Scottish Government