Listening Books

Reading a book can be difficult if you are not able to hold a book or if you have difficulty holding it for a long period. If you have an illness or disability which makes it difficult to read the printed word in the usual way, you can join Listening Books to gain access to over 8000 fantastic audiobooks for leisure and learning, and you can choose from 3 ways to receive your books: downloads; streaming to an iPod or other portable device to listen on-the-go; or if you prefer you can receive CDs through the post.¨

If you choose to download the books, membership costs £20 a year which allows you to download up to two new books every day. For more information visit listening-books.org.uk

Airshows, a Great Day Out by William Garside

The Royal International Air Tattoo, run since 1976 is the largest military air show on the planet. For me the main draw to the 2015 show was the Avro Vulcan bomber which was flying its final display season.

As an Aerospace Engineer I must confess I can easily get carried away at air shows but before this happens I must mention the accessibility of the event. Held at RAF Fairford, a standby US Air Force base and former Space Shuttle emergency landing site it is suitably flat to accommodate such a large runway. As the event was so big there was a regular fully accessible bus service which takes you between the individual ‘zones’ along the airfield which included the static displays, stalls and company stands. There was also an accessible seating area which if you love plane spotting as much as I do is excellent because it is as close to and as near the middle of the runway as you can be which means that the flying displays are centred on your position! In total there were nearly eight hours of flying on each of the days of the event so there was certainly plenty to see.

Vulcan being put through her paces was a very impressive sight

Of course, the show is not just about the many aircraft flying with many more on the ground to look at and the sheer number of aircraft is impressive on its own. For me the highlight of the static displays had to be the Royal Air Force’s huge new Airbus A400M ‘Atlas’ transport aircraft. It was open to the public and access into and out of the aircraft was via the huge rear ramp which went down to ground level. Now as a powerchair user I had to take this as a challenge and with a run up made it up the ramp into the main cabin. Indeed from experience I can say that the RAF’s new airlifter is wheelchair accessible!

The A400M ‘Atlas’ with its rear ramp is incredibly manoeuvrable for its size

So in conclusion the Royal International Air Tattoo is a fully accessible event. With so much to see I cannot recommend it enough, even if you’ve never been to an air show before. Unlike many large air shows it is held every year and I can assure you, its scale, flying and static displays are sure to impress!

For information about forthcoming airshows visit www.air-shows.org.uk

Live Life – Marc Chapman

I have written this article to show that life with a disability isn’t all doom and gloom! I believe we are the same and can do the same as anyone. I’m proof of that and I have never let anything get in my way preventing me from doing something.

I used to go to Hebden Green School (next to the NMC). When I was doing my GCSE’s, I didn’t get the results that I wanted in Maths and English and ended up with a D in English and an E in Maths when I needed a C or above. I thought this would ruin my chances of getting to college.
However, whilst at school I started coming to the NMC and studied Graphic Design which I very much enjoyed. I achieved an NCFE Level 1.

Inspired by my success in Graphic Design I moved on to college and studied BTEC Level 3 in Moving Image (Film and TV), where I achieved a Distinction. I also continued with functional skills in Maths and English.

This just proves that if you don’t get the grades at school it isn’t always the end of the world. There’s nearly always a way round it and you can end up being successful.

During my time at college I still carried on coming to NMC for physiotherapy. It kept me fit and healthy and was a huge boost to my well-being.

Although my next step was to pursue a HNC course at college, the course did not run, due to being under-subscribed. So I took a gap year. I have kept myself busy. I approached Matthew at NMC who was able to offer me some work experience with the Design and Print team on Wednesdays. I have loved every minute of it and never looked back. The camaraderie is second to none.

I have regular physiotherapy and I have started doing a web design course in training which I have also really enjoyed.

Coming to the NMC is a big part of my life and it provides me with the opportunity to socialise with many like-minded people. If I have any problems with my ventilator or wheelchair, someone in the building will have a solution, which puts your mind ease. I have made some good friends along the way, so I would definitely recommend the NMC to anyone with muscular dystrophy!

University, work and independence - James Taubman

I am a 23 year old business graduate originally from North Wales. I have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which I was diagnosed with at birth. I have used a wheelchair ever since I was 12 years old.

University
In 2013 I graduated from Glyndwr University in Wrexham with a BA in Business Marketing (2:2). The assessment consisted of coursework, examinations, group work and presentations. Attending university was a really enjoyable 3 years both from a social point of view and an educational aspect. The facilities and services for disabled students were very good.

Work Experience and Training
The NMC has given me with vital work experience, which was the initial reason that I made contact. Fresh from graduating from University, the NMC have provided me with a platform to gain new skills, which have included learning database software, speaking at events, marketing tasks such as creating product packages, and I recently began a graphic design course in-house.

I work at NMC as a Database and Marketing Assistant, and my main role involves assisting in the management of all the NMC databases. Joining and being part of NMC has brought so many benefits.
My condition has a physical impact on my work ability in the following ways;

• Difficulty in using standard desks
• Using a keyboard to type is a  struggle  - Drinking and eating  - Using the toilet.

NMC services that help me include;

• Height adjustable desks throughout the building  - Providing computers or laptops with on-screen keyboard devices 
• Care assistance with eating,  drinking or anything physical  - Providing unique and specialist physiotherapy
• Fully accessible toilets and rooms with hoists
• Helpful support and advice  about the condition or just general matters
• Work experience and training motivation.

Physiotherapy & Exercise Prior to attending NMC I had not received any physiotherapy since school. I now have physiotherapy once a week, which helped me physically and mentally. This treatment also allows me to access the specialist equipment including the exercise arm and leg pedals and tilt table beds to stand supported.

I find the Neuromuscular Centre a great and welcoming place to visit. It provides a sense of community with an enjoyable work environment that is professional and highly sociable at the same time.

Independent Living
I live in Chester City in my own apartment with 24 hour care. Many of the people that help care for me are friends that I have met, so we are a close knit team. Whilst at university I began my care package with a care agency. However, after a year we switched to direct payments which has proved easier, providing me with more choice over who cares for me.

Leisure / Driving
I did attempt to learn to drive and had several lessons with an instructor in an adapted vehicle. However I felt it just wasn’t for me. This hasn’t stopped me getting around as I have a Motability vehicle which my PA drives. I have travelled abroad around Europe, USA & Canada, the most memorable places being Amsterdam, Toronto and New York.

I enjoy nights out with friends, going to the cinema, music concerts, days out/walks and eating out. One of my big passions is football. I‘m an Everton fan and also a season ticket holder so I go to home games. I have also been to Wembley twice.

Railcard

To see if you qualify for a railcard Visit: www.disabledpersonsrailcard.co.uk/what-is-adisabled-persons-railcard  Or write to: Disabled Persons Railcard, PO Box 6613, Arbroath DD11 9AN

Cinema Tickets

You can get a Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card (CEA Card) for UK cinemas. This enables you to get a free ticket for anyone accompanying you to the cinema. To qualify for this card you will either have to be in receipt of disability living allowance or attendance allowance, or be a registered blind person. For more information please contact, T 023 9224 8545 visit www.ceacard.co.uk

The Grand Union Canal

The Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) charity has recently made some major renovations to its wheelchair accessible canal boat the QEF Jubilee. It has been upgraded to further enhance its access for people with disabilities and people with very restricted mobility can drive this canal boat. There are ramps for getting on and off board and lifts into the main inside section.
Facilities include a medical bed, a fully accessible bathroom with a level shower, hoist tracking on the ceilings throughout and charging facilities for powered wheelchairs. The controls are adaptable and can be customised, so that either a wheel, joystick or buttons can be used. For more information Tel. 01372 841148 visit vasd.org.uk/holidays/canalboat-holidays/

Walks with Wheelchairs

walkswithwheelchairs.com is a dedicated website of wheelchair friendly routes in The Lake District.

Holidays - Hafon y Mor, Marton Mere, Blackpool

My family and I (and the dog) went for a three night break away in May at Haven holidays, Marton Mere. It was an accessible, 2 bedroom caravan. The kitchen had lowered worktops and the bathroom had a shower with a seat on the wall in addition to a mobile seat and grab rails. The caravan was ramped and all the internal doors were sliding doors. I booked it through the Bookings Line and explained about my needs to ensure that I had the caravan that would best suit us. We had a lovely break. www.haven.com T 0871 230 2760 For adapted and accessible caravans – Call 0800 072 9496 to speak to the special needs team.

Discounts on anything from mobility aids to accessible holidays

DH Discounts is a new site bringing together a collection of discounts, vouchers and special deals on a wide variety of products and services that disabled people want and need. The site aims to empower disabled people, to shop around, compare products and get the best price. So whether you want to have your bathroom redesigned, or you’re hoping to jet off to an accessible holiday destination, DH Discounts can help you source the best deals that the internet and the high street has to offer. http://disabilityhorizons. com/2015/04/dh-discountsempowering-disabled-people- through-consumer-choice/

Gardening

Gardening is a lovely hobby and pastime. It gets you outdoors and gives you that all important vitamin D boost, something that people with neuromuscular conditions are often lacking in. Also, there’s nothing quite like seeing the fruits of your labour!

When you have a disability, it can be more difficult to enjoy pottering in the garden. However, in most instances with some adaptations it can be done. Whether it’s the equipment that you use or the way in which your garden is set up, there are ways around it. And with some help from a PA, friend or family member you are ready to go!

Sometimes standard tools can be adapted and sometimes it might be better to buy something more specialised. When you have a disability it’s important to try and reduce the effort involved, as you don’t want to tire yourself out and overdo it. If more specialist tools can reduce the effort on your part then it is worth paying that bit more.

Equipment and Tools

• Make sure you use the right   tools for the job and try and   choose lightweight tools.
• Think of how you might carry   your tools, in your wheelchair,   scooter etc.
• Choose tools with longer  handles to avoid  over-reaching.
• Think of the grip. Some grips   are made from soft materials and some have extra wide   handles.
• Adapt your tools. You can make standard tools easier to   use by putting some plumber’s insulating tubing   over the handle.

Find a way that works for you. You may have to break down tasks into small achievable steps. Yes it might take you longer but does it matter. You will achieve an end result. Garden Layout Whether your garden is small or large, it can be enjoyed. You may have moved into a new property and therefore have a blank canvas. For most though, we inherit our gardens but with a bit of thought and ingenuity adaptations can be made so that we can all enjoy our garden. Think of the layout and accommodating as many senses as possible. Consider real grass, artificial grass, paving slabs, raised beds, pots and planters, plants and shrubs, a water feature, bird boxes/bird table. Some things are more costly than others. You can reduce the chances of weeds growing in your garden by covering the soil with a weed suppressing membrane and/ or a thick layer of mulch. Do remember to keep paths clear whether you are ambulant or in a wheelchair or scooter. Raised flower beds Containers or large areas that bring the planting area off the ground, making it easier to reach the soil for planting, weeding and watering. This is ideal if you have a disability particularly if you garden from a wheelchair or scooter. Garden Furniture and Seating This is another important consideration. You might stay in your wheelchair or scooter or you might transfer to a garden chair or bench. Adapted picnic benches are available and here at NMC and we have our very own one built by the NMC Shed Club! Enjoy the garden! The key is to accept that some things might be difficult or not practical for you to do. You may not be able to stand up and dig a vegetable patch but there plenty of other things that you can do. Ask for help. Share the enjoyment with your PA, family member or friend. For example you could choose the plants and explain where you would like them planted and your PA could help put them in. You will have much enjoyment watching them grow and feel a sense of achievement.

Simply “Being” If you simply enjoy just sitting and relaxing in the garden, think of all your senses, smell, sound and sight. Think about having a bird feeder and maybe a small water feature – there’s nothing more relaxing than the sound of water. Enjoy the perfume and colour of the flowers and plants. You can enjoy your garden all year round, just wrap up warm.

The Mobile Garden

This originally started as a creative, versatile solution to the problem of any gardener, who has become less able through age or infirmity, to enjoy their favoured pastime. It is suitable for use all year round, indoors or outdoors.  The Mobile Garden workstation is constructed in polypropylene; a durable, light weight and non- perishable material which requires no maintenance; the main, circular, planting tray of The Mobile Garden is 1.2 meters in diameter and 15cm deep with drainage holes in the base and a central divider. tel 0773 398 3768 or visit: www.mobilegarden.co.uk  

Gardening for Disabled Trust

Don’t let disability, age or accident stop you. We can help by: - Adapting private  gardens to meet the special    needs of the disabled  gardener - Making grants towards tools,    paving, raised beds,  wheelchair access and    greenhouses for disabled  gardeners.  - Providing a forum for  disabled gardeners by  publishing the Garden Club’s magazine. www.gardeningfordisabledtrust.org.uk 

Thrive

Thrive is a national charity that helps people with a disability to start or continue gardening. The website contains lots of information on how to make gardening jobs easier and details of equipment and tools that might help you. www.thrive.org.uk

Carry on Gardening

Lots of advice and tips for disabled gardeners, whether you are gardening from a wheelchair, have a weak grip, are one-handed, can’t bend down very easily, are partially sighted, have had a stroke…. www.carryongardening.org.uk

Peta (UK) Limited

They design, manufacture and supply ergonomic tools, aids and assistance devices for disabled people including garden tools. www.peta-uk.com

Royal Horticultural Society

Sharing the best in gardening - www.rhs.org.uk