Legally Powered Disability & Legal Blog

Lighting of the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Flame 2026

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:21:10 GMT

On Tuesday 24th February the historic flame was lit in Stoke Mandeville.

My full article has been published by Newsquest Media Group. Please click here to read it.

The following video has been edited and produced by myself and is an addition to the above article. However this has been produced for Legally Powered.

Allergy and Free From Show 2025 says 'You are not alone'

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:17:55 GMT

With the event continuing to grow, come and visit them at their new home for 2026 - Birmingham's NEC!

The Allergy and Free from show has just completed it's second year under it's new management of the Racoon Media Group. The event which was attended by thousands of people, gives so many opportunities to try and buy, things they may have seen in the shops but worried what it will taste like, or things that are new to the market. But it is not just about food, the show caters for all allergies, from Asthma to Eczema with bedding available and purifiers, clothing and pet products. There is so much to see under on roof.

There is so much to see that the show is expanding by moving from its current home at London's Olympia to Birmingham's NEC. In 2026 visit the Allergy and Free From Show on the 9-10th May with many new and exciting companies joining in the excitement. It's an event not to be missed.

If for nothing else it's a community, whilst speaking to stallholders, visitors and guest speakers there was one loud and clear message about attending this event - YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

To see what the event is like and to see what people had to say please watch my video. I look forward to seeing you there.

••Please note whilst I am an ambassador for the Allergy and Free From Show, I am not connected to Racoon Media or any other source in any way, and this video is purely to show viewers what the show is like to attend.

WheelPower Host Junior Games.

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 11:37:33 GMT

Every year Wheelpower host the National Junior Games. The video shows what the event stands for, 11-18 year olds with a range of physical disabilities learning multiple new sports under the expertise of sporting coaches.

It shows what it means to be part of a disabled community and how coming together for the event is more than sports, it is about challenging themselves, opportunities, and learning skills they might not get in the outside world, earning medals, and gaining vital friendships that last far beyond the event and keeps them coming back year after year.

However, It is more than the children, it is the teachers, the parents, and the volunteers coming together with the same common ground: inclusivity.

Video of WheelPower National Junior Games 2025 - Full Version

Torville and Dean 'Face the Music' for the Final Time

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:38:16 GMT

As the curtain comes down on their 50-year carer, Jayne and Chris thank their ‘Partner, Best Friend’ and fans as they say Goodbye in Nottingham.

When I was 7 I stood front row of the ice rink at Wembley Arena as crowds around me rose to their feet in rounds of applause and cheers for the treasures we know as Torville and Dean in their tour ‘Lets face the music’.

31 years on, I stood in the same arena for opening night of their farewell tour ‘Our Last Dance.’ I thought nothing could beat it.

Well something could.

I was honoured to be invited to have front row seats of their final performance at the Nottingham arena, the place it all started for the duo and where it was all about to come to an end.

Opening night at Wembley was magical, the start of their tour and you could see the enjoyment on everyones faces, from Jayne and Chris to their Dancing on Ice family supporting them.

By the time, they reached Nottingham, it was not only a show of enjoyment but one of reflection, of knowing this would be the very last time they would step on the stage together.

After each number each skater gave each other a knowing look, and sometimes and hug, in that moment just needing comfort that it was coming to an end.

As Jayne and Chris took to the floor on the eve of the 12th July, for their opening speech, the cheers started before Christopher Dean could utter his first word.

The clapping continued for a good few minutes and when he did begin to speak, the roars increased, showing the amount of support they had in the room that night.

Whilst not being able to execute the lifts as they once could, their moves still matched those of the dances they did 30 years ago.

The pair were supported by talented individuals such as Mark Hanretty, Vanessa James, Alexandra Schauman and Dan Whiston as well as 4 x National Champions Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby.

Performing their own 1920’s routine, and an Orbit routine, the team went onto perform to songs including: “Relax”, “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go”, “Uptown Girl”, and Dan’s breathtaking flying performance to “Send in the Clowns”.

We then reached the 19-year span of ‘Dancing of Ice’, which Torville and Dean took us on a journey of bloopers, from those that failed to the winners through the years.

Then it arrived, the anticipation, the moment we were all there to see. Torville and Dean skate to ‘Bolero’ for the very last time.

As the lights dimmed on the stage, and the music strikes up, silence fell around the arena. Whilst the couple, no longer able to perform the opening move on the floor, we were shown it on a VT, which to us all did not matter, for when the double doors opened and the pair skated to their positions the audience still applauded. But not for long, for still wanting to capture the essence of the song and the moment between these two.

As the music got to it’s crescendo, everyone waited on baited breath. Would they end in the same iconic way, laid out on the floor?

Given that both Jayne and Chris are in their late 60’s, it could be forgiven if they ended differently, though many hoped not.

So when the duo slid their bodies across that floor, the music stopped and the VT board lit up with the original footage of the 6.0’s from their performance, the auditorium did not have a dry eye in the house as every person that was able, rose to their feet, with deafening applause and cheers for these icons.

As the rest of the team came out for their bows and laps of honour the tears continued. Both on and off the ice.

Then the time came for Jayne Torville and Christopher Dean to address their audience for the very last time.

As a hush came over the auditorium, Jayne tearfully said “I want to thank my partner and my best friend” and in turn hugging Jayne, Chris said “I would also like to thank my partner and best friend”.

The rest of the team left the stage, leaving the pair saying goodbye to the fans, as their fans said goodbye to them.

And whilst I am sure this is not the last we have seen of them, I think the question on most people’s mind is what will it take to get this duo a Knighthood?

I reviewed the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

Wed, 14 May 2025 19:19:45 GMT

I review the Dover Marina Hotel and Spa in Dover, Kent. A friendly, welcoming hotel currently undergoing major works to bring this listed building into the 21st century whilst continuing to keep the elegance of the architecture.

It is a stone's throw from the beach, the port of Dover, and the iconic White Cliffs.

As a wheelchair user, the hotel boasts lots of promising features. Whilst they do not currently have a disabled access room, the fact that management are willing to listen, learn and grow is great, and I can't wait to return when all the work is complete.

I cannot name all the staff who went above and beyond for me during my stay as there are too many to name, but a special mention does go out to; Jacob in Churchill's Bar, Poppy in Mr White's Chophouse, Rimishan (reception manager), Pradeep (general manager), Shubabker (restaurant manager) Ruchit (reception) Ayan (reception).

WheelPower hosts London Sports Festival at Stanmore

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:11:08 GMT

On the 7 ^{th of} November, Aspire Leisure Centre became hosts to a number of participants, looking to try a new inclusive sport.

During the recent Paralympic games, research by ParalympicsGB showed that 75% of disabled school children were not taking part in sports at school.

Sports should be something that everyone gets to enjoy, but all too often those with disabilities are left out.

For many disabled individuals, not only finding a sport that is adaptive, but trying it out to find if it is both suitable and if it is something they will enjoy, can become a challenge.

Every year Wheelpower hosts a number of inclusive ‘Sports Festivals’ around the country. Participants taking part range from 5 years upwards.

I had the great pleasure of being invited along to their event at Stanmore on the 7th of November 2024 to see participants take part in sports including, Wheelchair Basketball, Table Tennis, Shooting, Badminton, and Boccia.

Speaking to Ella from WheelPower she said, “WheelPower has organised this event in conjunction with the venue, Aspire Leisure Centre, the spinal unit (at Stanmore) has been involved as well. We have physical activity advisors also on hand.

WheelPower’s mission is to make sure that everyone has access and opportunities to play sport and take part in physical activity. What it brings is introducing people, in the local area and slightly beyond, to those opportunities and opening people's eyes to what's possible.”

On the day not only were there people from WheelPower volunteering, from Emily who greeted me, to Connor who spoke to me via email before the event and Ella, who found time to speak to me about the day, Charles who is a Partner at Stewarts Law and a sponsor of WheelPower along with Paralegal Charlie.

Christina and Malavi who are studying for their Physio Masters at UCL had given up their little free time to volunteer for the day, the Titans Wheelchair Basketball team, and others such as Sandy a Table Tennis Coach, British Shooting volunteers, and Alex from Boccia England.

All these people had given up their time, to help individuals to find a sport they enjoyed, have a great day and it was plain to see that these volunteers weren’t there because they had to be but because they wanted to.

Speaking to Sandy who was hosting the Table Tennis event she said “Table Tennis is very popular with participants as it's one of those sports that’s very inclusive. Anyone can play. You can change the level and skills that you do based on ability.”

Watching each sport, the participants, had all come from different backgrounds, some had been born with their disability, some had only recently become disabled and were coming to terms. This day was not only a chance to get involved with physical activity but also to spend the day with like mind people and socialise.

The facilities at the Aspire Leisure Centre, Stanmore, were great. All set up for disabled people. From doors with push buttons to level access and the swimming pool which has wheelchair access directly into the pool.

Speaking to Centre Manager Joe, he said “Aspire is a sports centre, especially for disabled people. All wheelchair access. we've got the wheelchair basketball, we have Badminton, you name it. WheelPower are here today in Partnership with us to highlight what you can do in a wheelchair.”

During the day, whilst not only observing the participants I spoke to a few. Sunil who tried his hand at a few sports including shooting, said “I was worried coming along that there would be lots of children, but it was so nice to see that there were people of my age that I could interact with and get involved. It made for a really good day”

Max, who used to be a Hockey Goalkeeper before becoming disabled during lockdown said, “I want to find another active sport to get fitter, I tried shooting, but I really liked the wheelchair basketball, even though you're in the wheelchair playing basketball, you still need to be reasonably fit.”

I also got to speak to 12-year-old Aisha, who is a wheelchair user, who said “I enjoyed playing Table Tennis and hitting the ball back and forth. It is something I would like to play in the future.” Whilst Alisha is not sure if the Paralympics is the way for her yet, she was looking forward to spending the afternoon trying out some of the other sports the day had to offer.

The Next WheelPower Sports Festival is taking place at Stoke Mandeville on the 5 ^{th of} December 2024. To register or to see other events please visit WheelPower’s webpage.

Hotel Review: Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 11:16:44 GMT

Victoria-Jayne’s accessible trip to the NEC for Motability’s Big Event Show in May 2024.

Car-Parking

At the front of the hotel, there are eight disabled bays which are accessed through a barrier. We needed to call the concierge on

the number provided on the board to gain access.

I was asked about my visit and my badge details before being allowed to enter. This is done with good intent, allowing only disabled badge holders to park in this area of the car-park.

My only criticism of this system occurs when the phone lines are busy. The disabled parking is at the front and waiting for a barrier to rise blocks the road for other cars to pass by. The board with the phone number is also slightly faded.

Grabbing the last space, we pulled in for our two-night stay.

From the car-park there is a pathway to the entrance of the hotel, making a hasty whizz past the bumblebees sitting on the plants on the way!

Entrance/Reception

The entrance is large and spacious, with luxurious seating.

To the left of the lobby sits a coffee area, also serving takeaway and the Gild lounge. To the right, a corridor with the lifts, the exit to Resort World, and reception.

Walking up to the Hilton Honors desk, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who took our details. However, upon giving our name, the gentleman on the desk next door stepped in to take care of us, having recognised us from a previous stay.

At this time, I must state that the hotel was unaware of my intent to write a review.

Faisal, with his friendly and calm manner, reassured us we had our favourite accessible room. When we went back, before the three o’clock check-in time, he advised the room was ready.

Gild Lounge

Whilst waiting for the room, we visited the Gild Lounge. It is the less formal eating area in the hotel along with a bar. Brightsmiths is the more formal evening dining experience over looking the lake.

There are two entrances to the Gild for wheelchair users, one from the lobby area. The other is from lift lobby C, however, this entrance has doors, which we found closed on multiple occasions.

Once in the Gild, there is a ramp taking you to the seating area of the quick-service coffee bar.

Upon sitting down, we advised we were Coeliac and if they had a gluten free menu. The lady serving us checked with the chef, and said she would text over what we could have.

Another server called Joanne, approached for our drink order. We remembered Joanne from our last visit, as she was so friendly and accommodating. This time was no different and what really stood out was despite it being a year since our last trip, she remembered us, where we sat and that last time there was an extra person in our party. It is extra touches like this that make a guest feel extra special. and why Joanne is one of the stars of my stay.

The gluten-free burger was amazing. We were put at ease by being advised the chips and sweet potato fries were cooked separately in the oven, something that is often a concern for those with Coeliac.

Breakfast

The next morning, heading down to breakfast, we made an early start, wanting to beat the conference guests staying at the hotel.

Upon entering the lifts, which were more than big enough to entertain a powerchair, a mobility scooter and at least two other people, we were advised the hotel was entertaining guests who were at the NEC for a dentistry conference. It went to show the popularity of the hotel.

The Arbour, where breakfast is served, is spacious and we were accommodated immediately. Having a powerchair and mobility scooter can be somewhat overwhelming for some restaurants but every part of the hotel we visited was accommodating and we did not feel we posed an issue.

We were served by Anisa who was another star of our stay. Anisa was attentive, helped get food and drink for us. She talked to us and made us feel special without neglecting any of the other guests she was looking after.

The hotel catered really well for Coeliacs, and the cross-contamination risk was kept to a minimum. They had cornflakes and muesli in bags, blueberry and choc chip muffins (all sealed), bread in sealed bags and then separate toasters behind the counter that only chefs and servers could access.

The buffet breakfast was watched at all times so no spoons were swapped about and if they were the food was removed immediately.

A shout-out goes to chef Debbie, who went above and beyond to ensure our meal was as safe as possible by cooking it fresh and bringing it all to the table.

Just outside the breakfast hall is a disabled toilet.

Access to NEC

After breakfast and belly full, we headed to the NEC for our event. The NEC is a 5-minute walk from the hotel and the ease of access for wheelchair users is amazing as shown in the video.

Walking through the hotel's backdoor and down a woodland alley, suitable for wheelchair users, you soon see the side of the NEC in front of you. The entrance is to the right, past the Moxy Hotel, and across a small entrance road. In my powerchair, it took around 5 minutes.

The alley also takes you to Resort World past a beautiful lake, to the many restaurants and outlet shops, as well as Bear Grylls Adventure and Resort World Arena, all taking me less than 10 minutes.

Other Amenities.

After a long day at our event, we headed back to the Gild for something to eat.

The food was amazing again, this time tucking into steak. The ice cream for dessert is to die but at £8 plus a service charge for three scoops can seem a little pricey.

Our servers Ola and Molly were both attentive and helpful throughout our meal.

Breakfast on Saturday met the same Hilton standard as the day before, with more people in the hotel, the staff never let it show if they were stressed or overwhelmed and food never ran out.

The hotel does have a swimming pool. However, on both my stays, it has been quite busy with people from outside of the hotel as well as swimming lessons taking place so have not felt comfortable using it, but there are places around the pool to sit if you so wish.

The accessibility around the hotel is one of the best I have visited and for the local amenities, once parked I do not have to move the car. I can get everywhere in my chair, even to other local hotels if I so wish.

It is the extra touches such as concierge fetching my luggage from the car to my room and the same upon check out, even packing the car for me. Nothing is too much bother, from housekeeping to reception, to concierge to the staff around the hotel all wishing you a good day.

This hotel exceeds the standard and goes beyond with accessibility of any other Hilton Hotel I have had the pleasure of staying at.

Overall, my stay at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole was brilliant and one where I will be returning to again.

Men’s Wheelchair basketball team claim historic silver.

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 08:41:24 GMT

ParalympicsGB played reigning champions USA tonight in a dramatic showdown on the court after reaching the final for the first time in 28 years.

Before the Paralympics, men's wheelchair basketball was not something many people talked about, but this time the team has taken hold of the nations hearts and held them throught the tournament and people converse about these amazing men and what they have achieved.

Their jouney to the final, seemed to be a breeze, flying through the group stages and an phenomenal win against semi-finalist Germany, allowed them to reach the final in a face off against reinging champions for the last two Paralympics, USA.

The last time the team got to a Paralympics final was in Atlanta in 1996, making this a 28 year wait for ParalympicsGB.

Speaking after the final Captain Phil Pratt said, “they are a hell of a team and Steve Serio was incredible, he’s one of the greatest to ever play the game”.

The team came out strong, but reigning champions seemed to have the edge and getting past them was a challenge. Despite many attempts on target GB finished the first quarter on 18-23.

The start of Q2 looked good with USA’s Williams missing a three-point shot, followed 25 seconds later by a 2-point shot outside paint by GB’S Warburton, assisted by captain Pratt.

The next 2 minutes were tense as GB missed three shots including a three-pointer putting them further behind 29-21. Manning and Warburton teamed up and managed to draw a few points back. Helped by team USA, who missed four shots on the bounce and before GB claimed a few points, Q2 ended on 31-38 (13-15).

Q3 started strong and within less than two minutes GB had closed the gap to 35-38.

However, between the minutes of 7:15 and 3:50 the activity was tense, for every point GB scored, USA were on their heels and for every shot USA missed, GB matched it. Q3 ended a disappointing 43-53.

Into the final quarter, was a nerve-wracking experience. With USA scoring first, but GB were quick to retaliate, and the ball was soon down the other end, for a GB 2 points.

It seemed that as quick as the ball was at one end scoring, it followed just as quickly down to the other end as GB found their groove and started their attack and defence.

Five minutes before the end and the score stood at 57-63, people around the country watching were lucky if they had finger-nails left. Bell, for the USA missed a shot which was followed nicely by Pratt, assisted by Warburton, who took a 2 point shot and scored.

Following a personal foul against Fox after a foul drawn by Serio, two substitutions were made for GB. A tense moment and breaths were drawn as Pratt missed a three-pointer at 2:40 to go.

At 1:49 Pratt made a great 2 point shot to draw the score nearer at 64-69. With the clock quickly ticking down, Manning was taken off and substituted with Bywater. USA extended the lead to 66-72 and at the moment, it looked like the game was over.

Until 14 seconds to go and Bywater got the ball, took a far out shot and as the nation looked on, wondering which way the ball was going to go, the cheers echoed as it went in for an extra three points, bring the score to a manageable 69-72.

However, it was not to be, as USA got a further point following a foul from Pratt, but the nation clung onto hope as with 11 seconds remaining Bywater grabbed the ball and wheeled towards the net. Throwing from afar, hoping for another three points, the ball went wide, leaving just four seconds of the game to go and no time to react. Making USA the champions for the third consecutive time.

The boys left everything on that court and have to be so proud of what they achieved. At no point did they drop the ball (no pun intended).

After the game, the boys spoke to our Paris reporter Lauren, Bywater said, “I think we're super proud of what we've done. The first final we made in 28 years, like this is something special, but it's going to hurt, to only lose by 4 points as well. I thought we had a fantastic tournament, beating top quality teams by 20 points plus.

When speaking to Bywater about being selected flagbearer at the opening ceremony he said “it's all been a bit of a dream, I’m super proud that, to be picked by my fellow peers, to carry the flag, how many people get a chance to do that. It was a dream come true. And to make the final day to make the final game, it's hasn't really sunk in yet.

Lee Manning, who was integral in getting many of the team’s points said, “we've got loads of things to learn from and maybe grow from the experience. I'm proud of the fight that we showed. I'm proud of the team”.

Abdi Jama said, “ we've had amazing guys that breakthrough, especially Peter, Lee Fryer, both of them were phenomenal, had amazing tournaments and you know, the future is bright for us and we're coming home, with a silver medal.

Speaking about the people behind the scenes Jama said, “this could not be done without the help from our family members back home, the country supporting us. National Lottery, for helping us here with the funding, none of this would be possible.

On the future of both him and the team Jama said, “you know for us to get this to point, to the silver medal, it means the world to us, it's another collection that we can add to but I'm not done yet. I'm coming for you guys”.

Q & A with Paralympian Debutant and European Champion Callie-Ann Warrington

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:17:27 GMT

Swimming the 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle we talk about accessibility, campaigns, nerves, and excitement ahead of the games and how coming away with a silver really felt.

Before heading out to the Paris, Callie-Ann agreed to join me to for a Zoom call to discuss her upcoming excitment over the Paralympic Games. 2hrs later and we finally wrapped it up. A great interviewee who knew what she was aiming for and worked hard to get there. We talked about her excitement for her new kit, and how she copes with juggling her career as a radiographer with the games and her condition, the competitor campaign, before answering some fun-facts about herself.

These are your first Paralympics what emotions are running through you?

“All the time the Olympics were on I was fine, I was like, we’ve got ages until they get to me. Then they were over, and it hit me! It started to sink in. Reality kicked me a bit and I said you need to start getting nervous now. So, I'm excited but nervous.”

Already a gold medallist in the S10 100m Butterfly at the European Championships 2024. Do you feel that puts an expectation on you to bring the gold home in the Paralympics?

“Well, that was unexpected for me. So, expectations yes and no. It'd be nice to come home with a medal. But it's my first ever massive competition. I've never done anything like this because even Europeans weren't near the scale of what I'm about to deal with.

When we come out poolside the commentators sometimes announces, ‘This person is the Gold European Championship holder’, so that puts more expectation from a spectator's viewpoint for me to win, but I am trying not to think too much about it.”

You have an impairment down the left-hand side of your body due to muscle spasms, how does that affect you when you swim?

“I didn’t notice it too much until I was 15/16. During the Pandemic, I was unable to get in the pool and had to have three months out. Three months to an able-bodied person is just a little loss of muscle tone, but they eventually build that up. I have not managed to build that up to what was pre-COVID and have lost a lot of use in my left leg, so I cannot kick properly in the water.

Earlier this year medics advised they think I have something called exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction where my muscles go into spasms. It can hit me on the fly in the pool. As long as I keep relaxed and think of my game in Maderia, I could have this in the bag. People need to understand though that, I can do a set one day and smash it out of the park and do the same the next day and sink.”

How do you cope with the competition and your condition?

“I want to do well. But I know that things can go wrong. Especially with my body. I could be having a really bad day. I try and do everything I can to not have those bad days, especially with the run-up, but it can happen. We always push our bodies to the extreme, and sometimes it pays off and other times it doesn't. Luckily, I have a day of rest between my two swims.”

You are in the S10 Classification, what does that mean in Swimming?

“Within the classification, it is very varied on people's impairments. For example, there are people in my classification with parts of their hands missing, whereas my impairment affects my whole left leg - It's a whole limb. Theirs is only part of a limb. It's just the way that they do the classification system.

They're looking at completely changing it next year or doing a review. The majority of the time though it's a mixture of upper and lower limb impairments.”

Do you have any adjustments that need to be made as part of your classification?

“They give us more time to settle on the block, but the main adjustments are what you can't be disqualified for. This is what separates para-swimming and able-body swimming, as we call it.

For example, breaststroke and butterfly. You have to have simultaneous legs. I've not got the coordination for it, so my legs aren't always simultaneous, I cannot be disqualified for that because I've got a lower limb impairment.”

You have advised you have Autism; do you find the sound of the crowd can get overstimulating, and if so how do you overcome that?

“I try not to get overstimulated because loud noises can trigger my meltdowns. I think as we're swimming, I've got something to focus on. I'm just about to race this - I'm having to think about how I’m going to race and things like that. It's a bit better for me to focus, but I do struggle with anxiety, especially performance anxiety.

One of my teammates is doing the same swims as me, and we've both sat down and said, if our headphones aren't on come and have a chat. That calms my nerves a bit and takes my mind off what's about to happen.”

You are a qualified radiographer away from the pool. How do you juggle your job, training, and your career?

“I don't know how I managed it some days. On a Tuesday I was getting up at 4:30am to go swimming, doing a 10-hour shift, back swimming, and then not going to bed until 11:30pm. I don't know how I did that. It was also various shift patterns in terms of earlies, lates, and nights. As well as doing 5 to 8 sessions a week in the pool. It takes dedication.”

What supporters do you have coming out to Paris?

“I have my family, my mum, my dad, and my other half. My brother is bringing my 12-year-old nephew out to visit me, my sister-in-law and nephew, and the people that I work with. It will also be nice to see family - friends who are making the journey. Unfortunately, my best friend is unable to be there as could not get the time off work, which is sad as she has supported me, through my whole journey.”

There has been controversy around replica kits being sold and how they are the same as the ones the Athletes wear, what are your thoughts?

“I think it is unfair to us athletes, having put in all the time and effort to get where we are and go to wear our kits proudly, to then see non-athletes wearing the same kit that they’ve purchased online. As a member of the public, you’ll see people wearing the kit and either mistake then for an athlete or completely disregard it as they know you can buy it.”

The kits have been made with modifications for the para-athletes, how do these benefit you?

“The zip feels easier to move than normal zips as I have always struggled with these. The trousers also have zips on the legs which I love as it means I can get my AFO on easier under my trousers. This is for everyone, so I haven’t had to ask for modifications.”

How do you feel about the ‘I’m not participating, I’m competing’ campaign?

“I can see where people are coming from, but I feel we are both a participant and a competitor. I know that when people hear about Paralympics, they think we just have a participation pass and just turn up, but it is far from it and the word competitor does add more power, but I personally use both depending on the conversation.

Callie-Ann came 4th in the 100m Fresstyle narrowly missing out on a podium spot by an 8th of a second to Italian swimmer Alessia Scortechini . In the 100m Butterfly, Callie-Ann was up against GB teammate Faye Rodgers. Callie-Ann came in a great second place claiming the silver medal in a Personal Best time of 1:06:41.

After the games, Callie-Ann talked about the race “I spoke to my coaches and they were happy with the pace I went out on, they just said you need to come back a bit quicker. I delivered that and a PB is brilliant.”

Talking about claiming the British One-Two Callie-Ann said, “To be able to race against Faye is just everything. We have been saying to each other the last couple of months ‘come on, we can get the one-two’. It was lovely to have her next to me. We are very good friends until we get to the blocks, then we are competitors, and it’s nice to be able to separate that. We are both very determined people.”

Fun checklist:

Three things can’t live without:

Family, Dogs & Chocolate

Favourite Film:

Finding Nemo

Something you enjoy doing in your spare time:

Boulder Climbing.

Athlete you are looking forward to watching:

All my teammates, especially Ellie Challis. Also, David Smith and I am hoping to have time to watch the final of the Wheelchair rugby.

Do you think you can win?

Oh yeah! I’m definitely going to go for it!

Congratualtions to Callie-Ann on her silver, we cannot wait to see what the future holds for this amazing swimmer.

Swimming Day 8 Updates.

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:13:57 GMT

Its been another successful day for ParalympicsGB in the pool. Here is the low down on what has been happening.

Day 8 of the swimming saw a morning of heats with:

Iona Winnifirth qualifying with a time of 1:32:36,
Faye Rodgerd qualifying for the 400m Freestyle with a time of 4:43:22,
Scarlett Humphrey qualifying with a time of 1:31:90 in the 100m Breaststroke,
Toni Shaw qualified in the 200m individual medley,
Rebecca Redfern qualified with a time of 1:16:40 in the SB13 100m Breaststroke.
Alice Tai qualified in the 50m freestyle S8 heats

Matthew Redfern failed to qualify coming in 13th in the mens SB13 100m breaststroke with a time of 1:12:90. At the end of his race Matthew talked about his Paralympic experience, “It has been quite magical. Swimming takes you places you never thought you would go before. I never thought I would be swimming in front of 15,000 people so it has been a brilliant experience.”

The evening started at the Paris La Defense Arena:

The womens SB7 100m breakstroke saw a silver medal and a new personal best for Iona Winnifrith in . Becoming the youngst British Paralympic simming medalist this centrury. “I’m really happy with that performance. As much as I wanted that gold, I knew I had to keep fighting and that’s what I did so I’m really happy. Getting a silver medal at 13 is really cool. It’s a lifetime best, so I’m as proud as I could have been.”
Speaking about her inspirations, Iona said, “Ellie (Simmonds) has influenced me so much. I’ve met her a few times and she is very good at talking to us and inspiring us. As much as I wanted a gold, a silver is… what more could I want?
One of my old clubmates, Callie-Ann Warrington, got silver a few nights ago so to join her is a really cool experience.”

Faye Rodgers took 5th place in the S10 400m Freestyle final, behind gold winner Canada's Aurelie Rivard and USA's Alexandra Truwit in silver position. Discussing her swim and time, Faye said, “It’s really nice to see the class is getting more competitive, it’s looking really good. I couldn’t be prouder to swim in a race that competitive, it’s insane, and it’s making me faster. I’m a little bit disappointed with the time, I’ve been training a lot better than that, but you can’t change it and I gave it my all.”

Scarlett Humphrey came in 6th place in the Women's 100m Breaststoke SB11 finals. After the race Scarlett talked about being an inspiration to others with a Visual Impairment, “Having VI swimmers at a Paralympics shows what VI people can do in sport and gives the next generation role models to look up to. It shows they cannot just compete but succeed, but also that sport is accessible if people want to take part recreationally.”

Toni Shaw narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in theWomen's SM9 200m individual medley coming behind Spain's Anastasiya Dmytriv Dmytriv

Rebecca Redfern won Gold in the Womens 100m Breaststroke SB13 Final with a time of 1:16:02 USA's Olivia Chambers and Colleen Young got Silver and Broze retrospectivly. On discussing her win Rebecca said, “It’s something I’ve worked really hard for. To win two silvers at my first two Paralympics and now gold, it means the world. It feels really surreal, I was half expecting someone to come out of lane one and beat me. A gold medal is just crazy. We’ve had a hell of a journey to get here.”

Alice Tai Won gold in the Womens S8 50m Freestyle with a time of 29:91 Speaking about winning gold Alice said "I knew it was going to be a close race and I thought someone might duck under 30 (seconds) but I didn’t think it would be me. My starts have been affected since my amputation so this was a shot in the dark, I don’t have that power off the start any more. I didn’t know I’d won until the girl next to me told me, I couldn’t see.”

Alice raced the 400m yesterday, discussing going from that race to today, Alice said "“Going from 400 yesterday to 50 today is a real change in system, my whole stroke is different. I’m just in shock.
“That was a 0.6 PB post amputation, which is insane on a 50m – over half a second."

Everybody Moves

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:38:05 GMT

Grace Clough and Jack Hunter-Spivey discuss why the campaign is so important and why you should get involved.

The Paralympics are very much about the elite athletes of this world.

However, all these athletes started somewhere. Whilst some were involved in sports from youngsters and were spotted by the various organisations, many went along to trial days.

As part of a drive to get more disabled people involved in sports, ParalympicsGB with Toyota, have launched a new initiative Everybody Moves in the hope to inspire more people to get participating in an activity that is suitable for them.

As part of the growing movement to get more coverage of the campaign I was invited along to the Offical ParalympicsGB Fan Zone at Battersea Power Station, to speak to Rio 2016, Gold Medalist in the PR3 mixed coxed four rowing, Grace Clough and Tokyo 2020 Para Table Tennis Gold Medalist Jack Hunter-Spivey.

After being inspired by the 2012 London Paralympics, Grace attended a SportsFest event in 2013 at the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield to promote disability sports, trying a mixture of activities from athletics, cyling and rowing.

One year later she was competing. Grace was helping the mixed coxed four to the gold in the world championship and again in 2015 before she made her debut at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. Grace said, “I never thought that opportunity would take me to where it took me to. It's a crazy experience where I can still remember stood on that podium as if it was yesterday, but it also feels like a lifetime ago as well. I feel very privileged to have had that experience”.

For Jack his journey into table-tennis started at the age of 10, “it was a place for disabled kids really and we used to get a hot evening meal. They had table tennis and I just fell in love with the sport. One of the reasons why I love table tennis so much is that I could play with my non-disabled friends, and I was able to beat them.

For Jack the everybody moves campaign is something he is very passionate about. “Over 80% of disabled people have said that physical activity would help them in some way and for me, it's not just about elite Sport, it's about getting everybody involved in whatever way they can”.

Grace talked about turning up to her first day at the trials, “Everyone's got to start somewhere. For me, when I turned up on that day at the EIS, I'd never stepped foot in there. I've never gone into any disability sport before and I just thought, this is something I've got to try, do something that was more tailored towards me as someone with a disability.

The Everybody moves campaign is trying to get everybody moving and enjoying the freedom that sport, or activity can bring. It can help you physically, help you mentally and improves on your confidence.”

Asking Jack for his advice on where to start he said, “just go and do it and that might be the scariest thing you ever do, to go to that first session at a club, but there's only positives that can ever come out of that. There will be no negatives from you reaching out, whether that's by making friends, getting yourself physically fitter or improving your mental health. There's a lot of positives from getting involved in the Everybody Moves project".

Research has been carried out on Behalf of ParalympicsGB* which shows the impact disabled people face with activity because of factors outside of their control such as Covid-19 and the cost of living.

Disabled people are almost twice as likely as non-disabled people (17% compared to 10%) to say they are unable to find accessible and inclusive activities near them.
Disabled people are twice as likely as non-disabled people (30% compared to 15%) to say they are feeling lonelier and more isolated now than before the pandemic and cost of living challenges.
82% of disabled people could name at least one reason why taking part in physical activity and or sport is important to them.
Almost half (48%) of disabled people agreed that being part of an inclusive community involved in physical activity is important to them.

The Everybody Moves website, which has been co-produced by disabled people features more than 7000 activities, including at home sessions and hints and tips.

ParalympicsGB and OceanOutdoors have teamed up to launch the offical ParalympicsGB Fan Zones across the country. Each fan zone has lots of activities to try out until the closing ceremony on the 8th. Try your hand at wheelchair cycling, rowing, Boccia or Blind Goalball to name a few.

Whether you are looking for a new activity, to improve your mental health, make new friends, or find an inclusive sport the Everybody Moves website will direct you to your nearest activity. And who knows you could be the next Paralympian heading to LA2028!

*Source: Savanta interviewed 2572 UK adults (aged 16+) online between 17th -19th February. The sample included a boost for people with a long-term physical condition, mental condition and/or disability, bringing the total of those with a long-term condition and/or disability interviewed to 1053. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of UK adults by gender, region, and social grade.

Silver and Gold in the Women’s S10 100m Butterfly

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 20:23:46 GMT

Paralympic debutants Callie-Ann Warrington and Faye Rodgers took to the pool this morning winning their heats to make for a sensational final tonight at Paris La Défense Arena Pool.

Callie-Ann Warrington won her heat in a time of 1:07:23 - 1:32 behind GB teammate Faye Rodgers.

Warrington who has problems with muscle spasms affecting her left-hand side missed out on the S10 100m Freestyle on the 1 ^st so coming back from that to win the Silver today show her determination and desire to succeed.

Talking about her race Warrington said, “I spoke to my coaches, and they were happy with the pace I went out on, they just said you need to come back a bit quicker, I delivered that and a personal best.

Callie-Ann swam a personal best of 1:06:41 to beat Canada’s Katie Cosgriffe.

After the race Callie-Ann talked about going up against GB teammate Faye Rodgers, “to be able to race against Fay is just everything. We have been saying to each other the last couple of months ‘come on, we can get the one- Two’. It was lovely to have her next to me. We are very good friends until we get to the blocks, then we are competitors, and it's nice to be able to separate that. We are both very determined people”.

Faye Rodgers who swam the final in 1:05:84 spoke of her journey into the Paralympics “it's exactly 3 years as of now since my accident, so it's a bit emotional. It's a big full circle moment and I couldn't be prouder of how far I've come. I couldn't have asked for more from the last three years”.

Faye swam her heat in 1:05:92 beating Warrington to go through top of the group.

At the end of the first 50m stretch Rodgers was in second place behind Warrington and swam a strong race to come into the gold medal position. “There are always days it feels like it's never going to get any better, but it does. There's always a way to adapt to stuff and overcome stuff. I found over the last three years there's nothing I can't do, it might just look a little bit different, and that's absolutely OK. It has been such a whirlwind and I couldn't be happier.”

It was not to be for other ParalympicGB athletes tonight as Ellis Challis came fourth in the S3 100m Freestyle, After the race Ellie said, “I definitely wanted to be faster and wanted more from myself. But tonight wasn’t my night and that’s ok. After yesterday(gold), I really can’t ask for anything more”.

Also in the pool was Tully Kearney swimming in the S5 women’s 50m backstroke. Up against three athletes from China, Kearney gave it her all, but was just not quick enough to beat the Chinese into a medal position coming 5 ^th behind them and Turkey’s Sumeyye Boyaci. “It’s been a fun event. It’s not often you get to do an event with no pressure on you. It’s just go out and enjoy it.

Tully who made her Paralympic debut in Tokyo said “I really struggled with my mental health, I wasn’t sure what was going to be possible so to come here and come away with two golds is incredible. More than I could ever imagine a few years ago”.

Twins Scarlett and Eliza Humphrey came sixth and seventh in the SM11 women’s 200m Individual medley.

Eliza broke a PB with a time of 2:59:51, speaking about the race, Eliza said, “it was nice, it felt good. We had things to work on from the heat and it obviously worked, I got under 3 minutes which is something I've been aiming to do for a while”.

Speaking about competing against her sister Eliza Scarlett said, “it was good fun. To line up next to each other was quite nice. Having raced already means the nerves are less-the first time was quite nerve wracking in front of the crowd”.

Whilst it was not the best night for the women’s ParalympicGB team, they still came away with a Silver and a Gold from two of the team’s debutants. Add that to the golds already won and the medals are racking up.

Congratulations to Callie-Ann and Faye and all the team that have won a medal in Paris. `

Krysten Coombs Wins Silver

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 21:35:35 GMT

An advancement on his Tokyo medal, the para badminton player played with admiration and determination.

After starting an hour after schedule, Coombs took to the court at Porte de La Chapelle Arena against Frances Charles Noakes.

Losing the first 2 sets straight 19 - 21 and 13 - 21, Coombs was determind not to give up and gave it his all to the end. Speaking in a post-match interview Krysten said, "There was a momentem swing at 17-17 in the first set, he got that little edge and rthat's badminton, that's what happens. I struggled a little bit to come back out in the second set but I gave it my all."

Krysten smashed the group stages, winning all bar one of his 3 meetings, before meeting Thailands Meechai winning 21,18,21,

The semi-finals saw him meet world number one M.K. Chu which he won.

Krysten who made his first apparance at the Tokyo Paralympics, was looking forward to advancing on the dramatic Bronze he won.

Krysten who was looking forward to a 'proper' Paralympics, after playing behind closed doors in Tokyo due to Covid in 2021.

Depsite having lots of friends and family in the audience to support him, the over powering roar of the french crowd was overwhelming and at times seemed intimidating with their insanely loud demoner and home flags flying high.

Whilst it may not have been the medal we were hoping for, for Krysten, his dream of advancing his silver, has been made a reality. Krysten sid "It was amazing. It obviously wasn't the result I'd have wanted but to be out there with that crowd was incredible. We don't have that in other Para badminton tournaments so to be able to experience that was amazing."

Speaking on upgrading his Tokyo Bronze, Krysten said, "It's the dream. The hard work, the dedication, the year of sacrifices, not being able to do things with friends and family - to have them here tops it off".

Boccia’s Stephen McGuire finally wins gold.

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 20:12:40 GMT

After coming fourth three times and a career spanning twenty-years, ParalympicGB’s Boccia Boy has the medal he always dreamed of.

After 20 years, at 4:50pm today (02/09/2024) Stephen McGuire of the GB Boccia team finally made his dream of winning a Paralympic medal come true.

McGuire defeated Columbia’s E Chica 8-5 to win the BC4 men’s individual title at the South Paris Arena.

Speaking to Paris reporter Lauren Lethbridge, before heading to Paris, McGuire, told of his excitement to be selected once again to represent Paralympics. “I’ve come fourth three times, fingers crossed, I can go over the line this time and deliver that medal”.

Talking about the tactics of the game, McGuire says “it’s a balance between defending and attacking. It’s never really over until the last ball is thrown.”

Well in the case of the gold medal match, it was ball three from the Columbia player, where the smile crept onto McGuires faces and the reality that he could have won that gold became real. Not wanting to believe until the final confirmation, McGuire sat tight for the final two red balls to be thrown.

With cheers from his family in the audience, McGuire shook the hand of his Columbian opponent before starting his own celebrations.

His run up to the final has been pretty plain sailing winning all bar one of his games.

McGuire, who has Muscular Dystrophy, had only lost one game out of 18 in the last year, setting him up nicely for the games ahead.

This will be the first time McGuire will have played in the individuals only, having played his first ever Paralympics with his brother Pete. “I’ve only got an individual focus this time, something I have never done before. I suppose it gives you that space to just fully focus on one job.”

McGuire only qualified for the games 45 days before they began so has been a whirlwind of emotions for the 40-year-old Scotsman.

This Paralympic cycle has not been without its challenges, as McGuire broke his femur and knee following a fall at home in 2022.

Despite it taking a year for him to get back into challenges he said “It was the toughest period of my career, but there was light at the end of the tunnel and I managed to push myself back up to world number three again.

McGuire, said himself and David Smith are the more experienced member of the Boccia team and referred to both of them as “the athletes that had been round the block a few times”. He advised he was looking forward to the new members of the team coming in and helping them in their journey.

Talking about his disability and the sport, “It’s the backbone of the Paralympics, because it’s for athletes with the highest disability, with the highest physical impairment needs. Boccia is the most inclusive sport”.

Boccia does not have an Olympic equivalent, and Mcguire speaks about his memory of their only being one international match per year when he started. Now he says, there are 12 or 13.

With a gold medal around his neck, McGuire beamed with pride as the Arena sang the national anthem, for a man who came third four times, he can now be remembered for the man who won the gold.

In collaboration with Lauren Lethbridge @ procrastipoise

Paralympic Flame makes its way across the Channel Tunnel in Historic Handover

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 21:36:00 GMT

With the rain hammering down, it could not dampen the spirits of the 250 guests who had been invited to attend the prestigious lighting of the Paralympic Flame at Stoke Mandeville Stadium on Saturday 24th August.

With an opening from the fantastic Jordan Jarret-Bryan to brighten our day, we were quickly introduced to IPC President Andrew Parsons, who thanked us for giving them a taste of typical British weather, and hoping his speech on paper would survive.

Parsons stated the importance of celebrating Stoke Mandeville’s place in Paralympic history. “For everyone involved in the Paralympic Movement, Stoke Mandeville represents sacred and cherished ground …. Through Sport, Guttman created a transformational movement that today has a profound impact globally, advancing the lives of millions of people with

disabilities,

Little did he know that what he created here in 1948 would go on to become one of the world’s biggest sporting events.”

Tony Estanguent, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee said, “As we celebrate the lighting of the Paralympic Flame and the origins of the Paralympic Movement here in Stoke Mandeville, it’s exciting to know that the first-ever summer Paralympic Games in France are just around the corner. Over the coming days, the Flame will travel all over France as we build towards an unprecedented opening ceremony on the Palace de la Concorde – a symbolic venue in the heart of Paris that will set the tone for a magical and meaningful Paralympic Games”.

Other guests to grace the stage included Nick Webborn CBE, ParalympicsGB President and Baroness Tani Grey Tompson DBE.

The creation of the Paralympic Flame fell to two British Paralympians, Helene Raynsford and Gregor Ewan. Once lit, the first torchbearer of the Paralympic Games Torch Relay, was IPC President Andrew Parsons who ran part of the circuit of Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

The Paralympic torch relay for Paris 2024 will be known as the “Forerunners relay”. After a short stopover on Saturday night, the Flame was ready to begin its journey.

Twenty-four British torchbearers, started their expedition in Folkestone, taking the Paralympic Flame from the United Kingdom and meeting at the halfway point of the Channel Tunnel, where a fraternal torch kiss under the English Tunnel, dominates the return of the torch before continuing its journey with twenty-four French Para Torchbearers Flame made its way into France.

Amongst the 24-strong British team were Ian Rose and the Captain of the team, Tokyo Gold medalist, Andrew Small.

Awaiting the flame was the great-granddaughter of Sir Ludwig Guttman and 12-time Para Swimming Medalist Ludivine Munos.

Upon exiting the tunnel, the flame was split into Twelve to represent the 12 days the flame will shine bright for the Paralympic Games.

Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Banque Populaire, and Caisse d’Epargne, the Paralympic Torch Relay embarked on its tour of the first 12 host cities along the perimeter of the country. The arrival of the torch reignited the popular flavour for the Games with just three days until the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.

400 torchbearers headed inland, and two teams showcasing Para-sports, organised together with the French Paralympics and Sports Committee set the tone for the day.

Upon entering France, the torch blazed through the streets of Calais, whilst other torches lit up the heart of Valenciennes in Nord and the architectural heritage of Rouen in Seine-maritime. The torch also touched several cities in the South of France.

The weekend saw children from Schools and those of Le Shuttle staff who had been picked from a Ballot, watch the flame and cheer it on as it reached the entrance to the tunnel.

The ambiance was one of togetherness, caring, and above all pride. The Paralympic Torch continues its journey through the cities and streets of France before it comes to its final resting point on the eve of the 28thof August to signal the start of the Paris 2024 Games. These Games are said to be historic and will go down in history as being the most inclusive games for both Paralympians and supporters.

A legacy the Paris 2024 games has brought is phenomenal. Stoke Mandeville will be the home of the lighting of the flame for all future Paralympic games, and as Baroness Grey-Thompson said, “the Stoke Mandeville story and its legacy, symbolised by the Paralympic Flame, will travel with a message of peace, goodwill and hope for all the athletes and delegations to inspire the world”.

by Victoria-Jayne Scholes – ADJ Diploma Student

Originally writen and posted on www.abilityytoday.com

History of the Paralympics

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:01 GMT

How a museum in the centre of Stoke Mandeville Stadium, is dedicated to exhibiting the story of the games in a way that is accessible to all.

Many people know the story of the Olympic games, or if they don’t know the history at least know it originated in Greece. However, many don’t know and are surprised that the Paralympic games were born and bred right here in the UK, in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire.

The man behind the games.

Sir Ludwig Guttmann was a Jewish refugee who fled Nazi Germany in 1939 and settled in Oxford.

Guttman was a surgeon who specialised in spinal injuries and was asked to run a new centre at Stoke Mandeville in 1943 to help injured service personnel. The National Spinal Injuries Centre opened on the 1 ^st of February 1944, in time to help those injured in the D-Day bombings.

At the time, people with spinal injuries were given a year to live at the most, but Guttman had ideas that many did not believe in.

Many patients died due to sepsis from not moving in bed, Guttman’s idea was to take patients off sedation medication and to move the patients every two hours to stop them from getting bed sores.

He believed that using sports, helped the patients with their rehabilitation and building back their self-respect.

Patients with spinal injuries went from having a death sentence handed to them, to being given a second chance at life.

Ludwig Guttman Portrait with his famous

saying which is quoted thorughout the stadium

‘If I ever did one good thing in my medical career

it was to introduce sports into the rehabilitation of disabled people’.

Nonetheless, that day saw the birth of 16 Paralympians.

Every year Guttman, or Poppa as he was known, organised an event that grew bigger and bigger, and by 1952 Stoke Mandeville was host to a small Dutch team in their first international event.

By 1956, word had gotten out about these great games taking part in England for people with spinal injuries, and the games took shape with the arrival of countries including the USA, Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan.

Plaque commemorating the opening of the

Stoke Mandeville Stadium by Her Majesty the Queen,

1960 saw history in the making with the ‘Stoke Mandeville games’ taking place in Rome after the Olympic games. 400 athletes took part in the sport, from 18 countries. Great Britain took home 20 gold medals from the event. These were widely believed to be the first Paralympic games.

The meaning behind the name ‘Paralympics’ was not about the athletes being paralyzed or paraplegics, but refers to the word parallel, as the games run alongside or next to the Olympic games.

Until the games in 1960 only wheelchair users had been allowed to take part and no mention of disabled people with other impairments were mentioned for the Paralympics. However, in 1964 the creation of the International Sports Organisation for the Disabled started offering opportunities for those who did not conform to the requirements set out by the Stoke Mandeville Games, such as those who were visually impaired, paraplegics, amputees, and those with cerebral palsy.

The Toronto Olympics of 1976 saw visually impaired, and amputees take part in events for the first time.

The 1980 Paralympics in Arnhem, saw all four impairments represented at the games, which led to the formation of the International Paralympic Committee in 1989.

1984 saw a backward slide when New York advised they were unable to accommodate games for those with spinal injuries. Not wanting anyone to miss out, the Paralympics became a game of two cities. Those with Visual Impairments, Amputees, and Cerebral palsy would compete in New York, and those with spinal injuries and related impairments competed at Stoke Mandeville.

The games saw the flame lit at Stoke Mandeville in a cauldron, which is still in situ today.

From 1988 the Paralympic games were viewed with new ambition. Performing to sell-out crowds, momentum from here onwards built. The degree of professionalism of athletes and standards grew.

2012 saw the Paralympics come home to London. The IPC recognised Stoke Mandeville as the birthplace of the Paralympics as the flame left Stoke Mandeville Stadium at the start of the Relay.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics is said to be taking another step towards accessibility. The recent Olympic closing ceremony saw the effort they are putting into the Paralympics, with mentions of making kerbs wheelchair-friendly and trying to make the games accessible not only for the athletes taking part but also for the spectators and the media waiting in the wings.

Entrance to the NPHT centre in Stoke Mandeville Standium

Picture Credit to: NPHT

The centre is home to both the story of the Paralympics but also home to many artifacts.

Being shown around the centre by Ben Banyard-Phelps, Operations Officer, was a great experience and one I would recommend.

The dedication that goes into the centre and to the online facilities by the team is outstanding.

The centre is smaller than I thought it would be, but this is a good thing if you have mobility needs or cannot take large open spaces.

Upon walking into the entrance of the museum, you are greeted by an interactive screen. What I found incredible is the detail of accessibility the team has thought of. In front of the screen is a sign in braille for those with sight impairments. The interactive screen also has an audio description.

The information leaflets, describing what is in the centre are available as both an easy read and again in braille.

Walking to the left-hand side you are met with a portrait of the amazing Ludwig Guttman, followed by a case of artifacts including medals awarded to him during his life, medical slides, and a copy of ‘The Cord’ a magazine introduced by Guttman, produced and edited by the patients.

Other memorabilia in the centre includes the first gold medal won by Great Britain in 1960 and a bronze, silver, and gold medal won at the ‘Games of two cities’ in 1984.

For myself, the most inspiring relic was the flame from London in 2012.

Missed by a few hours was the leg of ‘Last Leg’ host Adam Hills signed by the gold medallists of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, having just been packaged to ship to another location which will be going on a fundraising walk to help raise funds for the trust.

The boxes they have stored filled with treasures make you feel like a kid in a candy shop.

However, the team wants to make the history and all the artifacts that go with it as accessible as possible. That is why they are launching several online projects which people can access to learn more.

The first is the ‘Global Virtual Museum’ showcasing the history of the Paralympics through an ‘innovative virtual space where visitors worldwide can explore the history of the Paralympic games from its birthplace in Stoke Mandeville’

Find out about Ludwig Guttman's life in the Guttman room. The Japanese Room sponsored by Mitsubishi, tells the story of how Japan was involved in the early years of the Paralympics and how Dr Yutaka Nakamura pushed for disabled people of all abilities to join the Paralympics long before it happened.

The Global Virtual Museum is at the start of its journey and has been created by trainees at the centre with a range of diverse disabilities. With guided tours still to be added to this feature as well as other disability sports rooms, this has the potential to be a great asset to people around the world to learn about the Paralympics history.

The team has created many learning features for its website, to be used either at home, in a school setting, or on a self-guided tour of the centre.

Upcoming Events

They often host events, currently, there is a Story of the Games exhibition at St James Market Pavilion in London. The 15 ^th of August is Family Day, where you can try your hand at Boccia, get to hold a Paralympic Flame, and enjoy arts and crafts, all for free!

Vicky Hope-Walker CEO of the National Heritage said, ‘The history of the paralympic movement is one of incredible pioneers and stories of human endevour. We are proud to showcase this important national history in central London this Summer and hope that it is enlightening for all and might even inspire our next generations of Paralympians’

The team has thought of everything to make the experience of learning about the history of the Paralympic games as accessible as can be.

Their mission ‘We exist to enlighten and inspire future generations by celebrating, cherishing and bringing the Paralympic heritage and its stories of human endeavour to life’

‘We exist to enlighten and inspire future generations by celebrating,

cherishing and bringing the Paralympic heritage and its stories of human endeavour to life’

Entrance to the centre is free of charge and can be accessed from 9am to 7pm Monday – Friday and 9 am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday.

For schools, clubs, and societies, interactive tours can be arranged.

The team has thought of it all and continues to provide the Guttman theory throughout with breathing exercises on their website to help calm before your visit to arrange for sensory toys to be available when you arrive.

Guttman’s Legacy

Guttman died in 1980 at the age of 80 leaving behind a legacy for many a disabled person. He also left behind his daughter Eva Loeffler who carried on his vision and was appointed the mayor of the London 2012 Paralympic Games athlete’s village.

Ludwig Guttman, would often say to his patients, ‘I will make a taxpayer out of every one of you’, his mission for most worked and successfully over the past 64 years, Great Britain has won circa of 670 Gold medals.

‘I will make a taxpayer out of every one of you’.

The history of the Paralympics is just as important as the history of the Olympics. Furthermore, we live in the country of its birthplace, not many people can say that, so whether you live 10 miles from the National Paralympic Heritage Centre and visit in person or live 100 miles from the centre, and visit virtually, find out more about the Paralympic history and why it means so much for disabled people.

I would like to thank the National Paralympic Heritage Trust and all their collaborations for preserving Paralympic artifacts and to

Guttman, a true national icon, may his memory continue burning brightly.

‘Being made redundant from the HMRC was the best thing to ever happen to me’

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 06:00:01 GMT

Vicki Wilson worked for the HMRC for 20 years. She now helps the self-employed with her own business, Vicki-Admin Fairy, and has recently been shortlisted for a Female Business Award.

Award ceremonies used to be something other people attended, but now donning her best outfit and rocking up at the latest star-studded awards, is nothing unusual for Vicki Wilson.

For 20 years Vicki Wilson, 48, from Oswestry, who has spastic quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, worked as an Administrative Officer in the HMRC, during her time here she worked in various area of UK taxation such as Employers PAYE, Personal Tax and Self-Assessment department. This gave her ample experience to become her own boss.

It had been planned that the Wrexham HMRC office would close with the emergency of Regional HMRC offices. It was announced in mid 2019 that Wrexham HMRC office would close September 2020. The option to relocate two hours away was just impossible for Vicki. So she decided now was the time to follow her dream to start her own business and took redundancy in May 2020 (in the height of the Covid pandemic)

Asking Vicki how she felt about being made redundant she said, ‘It was the best thing to ever happen to me’.

‘It was the best thing to ever happen to me’.

Vicki went on to explain ‘If I hadn’t left when I did, I would still be in a job that was ‘ok’, but I would be stuck in a rut’.

Vicki has been married to Steve for 24 years and after leaving the HMRC, she started helping out with his bookkeeping business. However, when Steve decided to give the bookkeeping business up at the start of 2021, it gave Vicki an idea.

When Vicki was helping Steve, many of his clients had asked for help with the admin side of their business, so she started looking into becoming a virtual assistant and in 2021, her business ‘Vicki Admin Fairy’ was born.

As she states on her website, ‘Vicki Admin Fairy does the tasks that business owners hate and brings order to chaos, clarity to confusion and efficiency to the administration of small businesses’.

‘Vicki Admin Fairy does the duties that business owners hate

and brings order to chaos, clarity to confusion

and efficiency to the administration of small businesses’

The business started growing and her name preceded her. However, working with a disability is not always easy for Vicki, although many would never know.

Vicki was diagnosed at 18 months with Cerebral Palsy, following her parents’ realisation that she was still unable to walk without the aid of furniture.

What followed was 16 years of enduring operations to release tight tendons and muscles in her legs and operations to straighten her femur, which resulted in difficulties with her mobility.

Vicki’s youth was one which she did not hold back from and in between operations still found time to hang out with her friends.

Vicki said, ‘I was never treated as disabled by my friends or my family’.

‘I was never treated as disabled by my friends or my family’.

In 2018 Vicki was off work with a broken hip. During this time, she contemplated the freedom to be her own boss, to work the hours she wanted and have time to look after her health.

Upon her return she was advised her office was closing and she had to choose between relocation and redundancy. It was a no-brainer for Vicki and in May 2020, after 20 years, she worked her last day at the HMRC.

Leaving, certainly gave Vicki the boost to look after her health and at the end of 2021, reached out to Sam James at InclusFit in Swindon, who does online personal training.

Vicki, with her standing frame showing

her pride at how far she has walked.

I haven’t done since I was 12 years old’.

Speaking to Sam she described Vicki as ‘determined and stubborn and knows what she wants.’

‘Determined and stubborn and knows what she wants.’

Sam herself has Cerebral Palsy, so understands the struggles Vicki goes through day-to-day.

Seeing her dedication Sam nominated Vicki for ‘Inspirational Participant’ at the Heart & Soul Awards, which much to her delight, she won in July this year.

Vicki and her personal Trainer

Sam James from InclusFit

‘Other clients can do what they want without thinking about access needs,

while Vicki always turns up no matter what, is the most

determined client I have and gives it her all both at the

appointments with me and anything I set her outside of the appointment’.

Vicki – Admin Fairy is going from strength to strength and has recently been shortlisted in the ‘Professional Service’ category for this year's Female Business Awards run by the Female Business Network taking place in November. Vicki said, ‘It’s an incredible honour’.

The 12 ^th of July 2024 saw Vicki as a Finalist in the ‘Independent VA of the Year - West Midlands’ category at the PA Awards after being nominated by her clients.

The year before, she won the esteemed ‘Highly Commended Virtual Assistant of the Year’ award at the Strategic PA Network Awards in October 23.

Earlier this year, Vicki took the business to new heights when Vicki-Admin Fairy was trademarked.

The business which started with just a few clients has quickly grown to over 20, and Vicki has found a network of other Virtual Assistants who help each other out.

Vicki and best friend Veronica,

enjoying the sun at a garden BBQ

‘Vicki’s success is due to her determination and resilience to never let her disability get in the way’.

This determination also applied to Vicki’s education. Spending time in hospital as a child didn’t hold her back from achieving 12 O levels.

Vicki went on to gain three A levels in Computing, Business and Psychology and following on from this achieved a Business Management degree (Hons) from the University of Wales.

After leaving university, Vicki had difficulties finding a job, and whilst this got her down initially, she said ‘I’m disabled I got this’. This is when she found employment with the HMRC.

Speaking to multiple people who know Vicki, they all applauded her for her bubbly personality, her fun-loving nature, her sense of adventure and above all her stubbornness to succeed

Vick grew up with three ponies and attended the local pony club and riding school for the disabled. She did not let her disability hold her back and mucked in with all the able-bodied children.

Now, Vicki lives in the quiet town of Oswestry, Shropshire with Steve and their two dogs, Pudding and Pippin.

Pudding and Pippin enjoying a rest. Vicki and Steve at the West Midlands PA Awards

Vicki speaks about Steve with admiration in her voice. This year they celebrated their 20 ^th wedding anniversary.

Looking at Vicki’s socials, you can see her love for travelling and food. Asking her about hobbies Vicki said, ‘I love going for a walk with Steve and the dogs and discovering new places in the UK.’

With a cheeky grin on her face, Vicki expressed her interest in following the Welsh rugby team and watching a game or two whilst socialising with friends. Admitting her favourite film is ‘The Godfather’ whilst loving the song ‘It’s My Life’ by Bon Jovi.

Veronica went on to describe Vicki as ‘Trustworthy, honest, straight talking and has a great sense of humour.’

‘She is trustworthy, honest, straight talking and has a great sense of humour.’

My most memorable moment with Vicki was at her wedding to Steve and her dad gave a speech. She has so many hurdles to overcome, and she always gives more than 100%.

Speaking to Vicki about her plans for the future she said, ‘I want to plan some more trips around the UK, maintain my health and continue to succeed with my business’.

‘I want to plan some more trips around the UK,

maintain my health and continue

to succeed with my business’.

Vicki Wilson is one determined lady, who is set for greater heights.

Sam advised, ‘Disabled people can learn a lot from Vicki, she can be a role model for people.’

‘Disabled people can learn a lot from Vicki, she can be a role model for people.’

With Vicki Admin Fairy already being noticed at awards, who’s telling where she will go next?

Find out more about Vicki-Admin Fairy by visiting her website .

Kerbo Charge helping to improve accessibility on the streets

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 09:30:34 GMT

New EV cable gullies are currently being trialled in local authorities. CEO and co-founder Micheal Goulden talks about his invention and how he plans to make it accessible to all.

Electric cars are set to become a thing of the future. For those with drive-ways charging them does not pose an issue but for those with no off-street parking the situation is far from ideal and creates significant challenges for those with disabilities and sensory impairments.

Companies across the country are working to make EV charging at home accessible for all. Micheal Goulden, CEO and co-founder of Kerbo Charge is one of the people paving the way forward.

‘It was when I was driving around London, trying to find a charge point that was working,

had two failed attempts, and thought, as I walked past row

upon row of houses

that had a perfectly adequate power supply outside the house,

there must be a way of safely getting the power from the house to the car.’

Putting his ideas forward and working together with business acquaintance and co-founder Ben Whitaker, who has a manufacturing engineering background, Kerbo Charge was formed.

Kerbo Charge works by a gully being inserted into the surface of the pavement outside of the house to the edge of the kerb. The EV cable is then inserted into the gully by bending down, lifting up the lid and pushing in the cable. The lid itself has a self-closing mechanism which snaps down after inserting or removing the charger.

EV Cable Gullies are not new to the market with the first one being trialled between 2017-2019 in a collaboration between Oxford City Council and Oxford Couty Council under the Go Ultra Low Emission (GULO) plan.

Kerbo charge should not be confused with Gul-e, once known as GULO, which whilst a similar concept, has different mechanisms.

The standout difference between the two, from first look is, Kerbo charges patented lid.

On examining Kerbo Charge at the house of Tim Liddle in Reading Berkshire, the first in his local authority to have Kerbo Charge installed, it sat flush within the pavement, making this extremely accessible to walk over with no obvious hazards.

It also took away the need for narrowing the pathways and trailing leads.

Tim said ‘it is now much easier to charge my vehicle. I do not have to park the car in town and walk back home as I would never trail a lead across the pavement.’

‘It is now much easier to charge my vehicle.

I do not have to park the car in town

and walk back home as I would never trail

a lead across the pavement’.

Kerbo Charge has recently received investment from Deborah Meaden after appearing of Dragons Den and is starting to gain the attention of other local authorities.

However, the mention of how the product affected those with disabilities was lacking so I spoke to Vicki Wilson who has Cerebral Palsy and is a full-time wheelchair user to get her thoughts on the product.

Vicki said, ‘at first glance it looks really good and takes away the need for trailing leads and will help those like me who do not have a driveway’.

However, Vicki advised ‘I would not be able to bend down to use the charger myself as there would be a danger I would fall out of my wheelchair in trying to insert the charger into the channel’.

‘I would not be able to bend down to use the charger myself

as there would be a danger I would fall out of my wheelchair

in trying to insert the charger into the channel’.

Michael Advised ‘At the moment, you do need to be able to crouch down to insert the cable - it's very easy to pull it out.

We do know that we have several residents that have disabilities that will be getting an installation soon in some forthcoming trials. Some of these are Motability customers. We're really looking forward to speaking to them about the experience and to gain feedback on how we can continue improving.’

With the government pushing ahead with their 2030 agenda with 80% of new cars being zero omission, Motability customers will be affected the most, with changing their cars every three to five years. For those without driveways, parking 20 minutes away to charge a car overnight is often not an option, so it would be good to see the cable gully included in the scheme.

I spoke to Lewis Dixon operation Manager at ODS who now runs the trial of GUL-e on behalf on the city and county council in Oxford with the trial running into other local authorities around the country who said ‘our gully is accessible as the cable can be inserted from waist height, in the gap in the pavement and for those that need extra help a crevice tool is available’.

‘Our gully is accessible as the cable can be inserted from waist height,

in the gap in the pavement

and for those that need extra help a crevice tool is available’.

According to Surrey County Council website, who are trialling both the Gul-e and Kerbo charge, only one in five on-street chargers will be accessible.

Many disabled drivers do not have a disabled bay outside their house. Therefore, with the option of not always being able to find an accessible charger this is something local authorities may need to address.

Michael advised the EV car charger, with permission from the local authority, can be used one parking space either side of outside the home by trailing it in the gutter carefully. However, putting up signs to say EV charging space was a no-no!

Regarding financial accessibility, having a charger at home is also more cost effective. According to Zap-Map using a public charger can currently cost up to 46p/kWh on slow/fast chargers.

Tim Liddle uses his own electric supply, which he advises, only costs him 7.5p/kWh which is a massive saving compared to public chargers.

Asking if there were plans to make Kerbo Charge permanent and their future plans Micheal said, ‘we are in advanced stages of discussions with some local authorities about this.

Let's make it possible for residents living in cities who mostly don't have off -street parking to be able to charge at home. And let's accelerate the improvement of the environment around us and the reduction of CO2 emissions so they have a brighter future’.

‘Let's make it possible for residents living in cities who mostly don't have off -street parking

to be able to charge at home.

And let's accelerate the improvement of the environment around us

and the reduction of CO2 emissions so they have a brighter future’.

Questioning Michael on if he had plans to make the charger more accessible in the future, he said ‘ Yes, those are very much in our plans. We are working at this very moment on an accessibility tool so that anybody with reduced mobility, or for example, if they're in a wheelchair, would be able to easily insert their cable.'

Michael went on to advise they hoped this device would be available to Kerbo Charger users in the second quarter of 2024.

‘We are working at this very moment on an accessibility tool so that anybody

with reduced mobility, or for example,

if they're in a wheelchair,

would be able to easily insert their cable.’

For thousands out there with a disability we look forward to how their vision unfolds.

To find out more about this product please visit the Kerbo Charge website .

World Diabetes Day 2023

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:12:53 GMT

Marked every year on the 14 ^{th of} November, we come together to celebrate the successes in technology, raise awareness and turn the world blue for a condition affecting so many.

I am one of the many. 30 years ago this month, my life changed forever. A scared six-year-old, who had already been through a trying time in the previous few months before, was told that for the rest of her life she would have to inject herself, a lifetime of counting carbs and a lifetime of blood sugar tests. Told that she had Type-One-Diabetes.

It was a lot. Looking back now, that little girl was strong. If it happened now, would I take it on in the same way and I could honestly say I don’t think I would.

According to Diabetes UK, only 8% of the population diagnosed with Diabetes are diagnosed with Type-One, which is where the pancreas stops producing insulin altogether. It is not caused by weight, lifestyle, or diet.

My diabetes, I was advised was caused by a shock 4-6 weeks prior to diagnosis. I had a shock, 4 weeks, and 4 days before. Does living with diabetes get better, No! You find ways of living with it, you find ways to manage and working together with agencies you hope one day you will find a cure. I know it won’t be in my lifetime but hopefully for generations to come.

Every year on the 14th of November, the world turns blue in recognition for World Diabetes Day. It’s a day where millions of people raise money, raise awareness, but also celebrate how far this disease has come.

If we go back over 100 years ago, a diagnosis of Diabetes was a death sentence. Children put in a ward and left to die. A horrific vision for anyone.

That was until Frederick Banting came on the scene. Having experienced the horrifying suffering first hand, after a friend Jane died of the condition just two months after diagnosis and Frederick being her pallbearer, he was determinded to come up with a

cure. Working with John Macleod they discovered Insulin.

In 1923 Frederick Banting became the youngest person to be awarded a Noble Prize for their discovery.

For every type-one-diabetic, insulin is not just another medication. To us, it is life-support. Without it we would not be here.

This year’s theme for World Diabetes Day is ‘Access to Diabetes Care’ and is about making sure everyone, everywhere has the same equal access to the care they need.

I know firsthand, the difference in care between two hospitals, let alone between two countries. I was astonished when moving from a home counties hospital to a London hospital and the extra services I was given. I was first asked when I last saw my psychotherapist. ‘I don’t have one’ came my reply. The new consultant looked at me in disbelief. ‘Every patient with Diabetes should have a psychotherapist, you are living with a lifelong condition – well you will see one by the end of your appointment today’ and I did.

I have experienced this once again today. What better way to celebrate World Diabetes Day 2023, then with a Diabetic review at my doctors surgery. At my old surgery I would go in, have my appointment, they would talk through my blood sugars, discuss if I was going to my diabetic appointment at the hospital, told to do a self-service blood pressure check on the way out and give the results to reception, book in for a blood test and I would be out in 10 minutes.

At my new doctors, I saw the nurse, who took my blood pressure, talked through my heart issues, checked my feet, did weight, height, urine analysis, talked through my concerns with food and then took my bloods there and then. She even held my hand when I almost passed out afterwards!

I go back in two weeks to see the nurse to discuss my blood results and go through more details. It is a real thorough check. I was

in the first appointment for 30 minutes.

I followed my appointment with a visit from my Podiatrist, Tristan, who comes and sorts out my feet. However, this has to be paid for privately, as whilst one of the most import parts of the body for a diabetic is to watch is the feet, the service you get from community chiropodists can be quite shocking. I have ingrown toenails and due to my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome cannot have local anaesthetics so have them treated, but the NHS won’t treat them, and I was left for years in extreme pain and discomfort unless I had an operation. Privately, I have them treated every six weeks, no anaesthetics needed and no pain.

Access to care, is not just about the doctors we see and the services we get. It is about the technology that is available. I have been lucky in the sense that I was offered the pump in 2009 after being on 8 injections a day. The Inulin pump is a device that delivers insulin through a small tube and canula into the stomach.

This was followed by a flash glucose system in 2018, whereby I can scan a device or my phone over a small round disk which is inserted into my arm, and it tells me my blood sugar. Unfortunately, it is not as rosey as the adverts on the TV says and doesn’t totally cut out finger pricks but it has cut them down dramatically.

However, access to these devices is a postcode lottery and just as individuals are now all gaining access to them in the UK, new ones are coming out with better features.

We have already come so far with technology that there is hope that one day children will say I used to live with Type-One-Diabetes, not I live with it!

Whilst it can seem to the outside world that Type-one diabetes is not that serious, it is…

Please know the symptoms!

The checklist on my Diabetes page are the four main signs and a quick finger blood test can rule the condition out. Don’t be someone who says my child used to live with diabetes.

"Why living with a life-long impairment won’t stop me living my best life!"

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 14:14:48 GMT

Retired British disability gymnastic champion Lauren Lethbridge is awe-inspiring as she reveals her rollercoaster of a journey in gymnastics, living with a genetic disorder and a career move into journalism

Born at 26 weeks, Lauren Lethbridge from Kent, was not expected to achieve much in life, including going to mainstream school. Now 27, Lauren has proven the medics wrong.

Described as someone with, ‘a fantastic sense of humour, academic and sporty in equal measures’ by her mum Catherine Lethbridge and ‘determind, kind and always looked so pretty’ by her coach, Pauline Wilson, life has not been easy for Lauren. However, she has not let this stop her achieving.

At the age of five, she followed her sisters’ footsteps into gymnastics. She worked hard to compete against other children despite breathing issues.

Lauren said, ‘Some people come in and they’re a real early talent, I wasn’t one of those, I had to really work at it.’

By 2006, aged ten, Lauren represented the South East at national finals in mainstream gymnastics.

As Lauren was celebrating her success disaster struck at the Kent County Championships when she broke both her feet simultaneously. Whilst desperate to get back to the floor, her slow healing injuries held her back.

Pauline stepped in, refusing to give up on Lauren who was struggling in mainstream. Pauline came across what was then known as Gymnastics and movement for people with Disabilities British Championships (GMPD).

Lauren imparted “Pauline said, ‘I think we should give this a try’ and it enabled me to keep going for quite a few more years as a competitive gymnast. I’m so grateful for her”.

“Pauline said, ‘I think we should give this a try’ and it enabled me to keep going for quite

a few more years as a competitive gymnast. I’m so grateful for her”.

One-year later, Lauren competed in her first ‘GMPD’ championship. Wowing the judges, she won Gold All Around (AA) British title and Gold in all four of the apparatus events (bars, beams, floor, vault).

Moving to the disability stream of competition didn’t come without judgement as Lauren’s conditions were not automatically disclosed or obvious. Whilst at first, she wanted to keep her health issues private, once her hidden disabilities were explained, she broke down the barriers between herself and the other contenders to become accepted.

‘I think its always a really good idea to not let other people set limits on what you can do’.

Whilst celebrating her first win, Lauren and her family were thrown into turmoil again, when in January of 2009 she suffered a respiratory arrest.

Not one to suffer in the face of adversity, she bounced back and later that year she retained her AA British title.

Within months, Lauren unable to keep food and water down, was being fed through a tube. After multiple tests, a doctor diagnosed Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic disorder.

The new diagnosis explained many of her symptoms, including difficulties with her endocrine system, multiple breaks, issues with her bowels and lose joints.

Finding new ways to work around her disability allowed for her journey in gymnastics to continue. Coach Pauline said, ‘you didn’t want to punish her because she had an illness.’

‘You didn’t want to punish her because she had an illness.’

Lauren’s determination to succeed saw her retain her AA British title for the third consecutive year.

Lauren’s mum Catherine said, ‘If you don’t let a diagnosis rule you then you can probably do a lot more than if you do.’

‘If you don’t let a diagnosis rule you then you can probably do a lot more than if you do.’

This is the sentiment Lauren has always lived by. She took to the gymnastic floor at the age of 17 for the final time at the British Disability Championships, retaining her AA title and wining 3 gold and one silver on the apparatus. This was despite having intravenous lines inserted earlier in the year to combat her being under-weight.

The decision to retire from gymnastics hadn’t been an easy one and left Lauren’s life in confusion. “I was a gymnast and when I wasn’t had a bit of an existential crisis and I didn’t really know how to think of myself, and it’s probably around that time that I had to consider myself as being disabled”.

‘I was a gymnast and when I wasn’t had a bit of an existential crisis and I didn’t really know how to think of myself, and it’s probably around that time that I had to consider myself as being disabled.’

Lauren still had a yearning for gymnastics, so started coaching. She said, ‘I’m a bit of a contradiction, I’m quite bookish, I’m quite academic but I also like to be active’.

Earlier this year, Lauren commentated at the British Championships in Liverpool and has announced for local competitions and has since taken up ballroom dancing.

Wanting to keep a hand in academics Lauren embarked on a journalism course. Her new career sees her combine her academics with her passion for gymnastics. Her day consists of talking and advising on the sport, as well as helping a digital marketing company at events.

It is no wonder others see Lauren as an inspiration. However, from speaking to her it seems she may be suffering Imposter Syndrome, ‘I get those kinds of labels and I think, I’m glad you feel inspired, but I don’t think that it’s much to do with what I am consciously doing’.

She went on to say, ‘To get other people’s views can be very reassuring and a good sense of prospective. Sometimes I need to be kinder to myself’.

‘To get other people’s views can be very reassuring and a good sense of prospective.

Sometimes I need to be kinder to myself’.

Lauren is looking forward to exploring new opportunities such as writing features and profiles, but describing herself as indecisive, she said ‘there are many avenues to explore, but for now I’m keeping my options open.’

Asking Lauren where we will see her in the future, this high-flying lady has her sights set on commentating at the Gymnastic World Championships.

A lady living her best life - now that is an aspiration I can get on board with!

You can follow what Lauren’s doing now via @procrastipoise.

“Consistency & transparency” The trials of inaccessible EV public chargers

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 08:43:36 GMT

Tammy faces various challenges at electric charging stations and in this article, she discusses why – And what she feels needs to be done to make them accessible for all!

Walking up to an EV charging point Tammy Scott, 28, from Berkshire is faced with her first problem…. Which app service does this station use and has she used it before? After finding out she has to sign up to another app for the third time this month here comes her second problem…. Can she validate her sign-up without getting distracted by the other 20 emails she has and totally forgetting she has to charge her car and driving off without topping up!

In 2022 Tammy treated herself to a brand new, blue, electric mini. Excited about the prospect of lowering her petrol bill; she couldn’t see the downside of owning an electric vehicle. That was until she was faced with charging her car at a public charging station.

The mileage range of the car was 160 miles, so she was aware of the need to use public chargers but the inaccessibility she encountered, was unexpected.

As well as being diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia, Tammy is one of approximately 1.8 million adults with ADHD in the UK, (according to the Office of National Statistics), which can mean her attention span is much shorter than another adult.

The effect these conditions have on her day-to-day living she describes as ‘organisational difficulties, time-blindness, and the inability of seeing the steps involved in things’.

With electric cars it is not as easy as seeing the petrol needle getting low, looking for the nearest station and pulling in. It takes planning.

A two-hour journey suddenly has an extra 45 minutes added – 30 minutes to charge the car and 15 minutes to work out how the charger works! This extra time Tammy has included in her journey, what she has not foreseen is the other four cars waiting, all taking 30 minutes plus to charge. Tammy explains: “This feeds into my time-blindness as I’ve not planned enough time into doing that”.

“This feeds into my time-blindness as I’ve not planned enough time into doing that”.

For people with disabilities this causes stress and anxiety, a missed appointment, additional tiredness, and worry, trying to plan medication around charging the car.

Pulling up to the electric charger – Tammy has to think…. which way does this station work? Have I already got the app… Tammy notices that this charger is different to the ones she had visited before and it’s asking her to sign up to their app.

Tammy explains: “It can hurt my brain if I have to sign up for something and then go into my email to confirm and then go back to the app – flicking between numerous tasks is really hard when you’ve got ADHD – you get really distracted”.

“It can hurt my brain if I have to sign up for something and then go into my email to confirm

and then go back to the app – flicking between numerous tasks is

really hard when you’ve got ADHD – you get really distracted”.

It is not just the signing up to a different app each time that causes issues, payment for the chargers causes confusion too.

Tammy says: “It’s a nightmare as there’s no consistent way that every company does it. Some make you sign up and pay via the app, some you tap your contactless card and others you have a charging account”.

Not only is the way you pay inconsistent but so is the way the chargers work. Some you have to pre-authorise your card then attach the charger, others it is the other way round which can be confusing to anyone.

For dyslexics, the elderly or people who are not good with technology, trying to work out how to use the chargers is testing. Tammy informed me, people waiting for chargers could get frustrated and aggressive which for the vulnerable can be overwhelming.

The current cost-of-living crisis means many are living hand-to -mouth. Pulling up to petrol stations the amount you put in is the amount you pay even if you have pre-authorised at pay-at-pump. However, with electric chargers the pre-authorised amount – which can be as much as £50 – can take 10 days to be returned, even it is has only cost you £12.

With dyslexia Tammy found when trying to work out how much it would cost to charge her car was another obstacle.

In the UK, it is not a legal requirment for EV chargers to give an amount of how much they are charging you. Instead, they write it as per kWh which many find difficult to understand. “They all word it differently. You just plug it in and then when it’s finished, you’ll see how much it charged you”.

Once Tammy has worked out how to pay for her electric and how the charger works, she is now faced with the practicalities with plugging the charger in.

Whilst Tammy does not have any physical disabilities, her dyspraxia makes her ‘clumsy’ and at risk of tripping. Some chargers have massive bumpers in front of them, “when I’m pulling a really heavy charging cable, I’m not focusing on the floor, and I always fall over them”.

For anyone with mobility issues these bumpers are huge hurdles to get over and could cause significant injuries.

Public Chargers have been criticised by Motability Operation Chief Executive Andrew Miller who said: "A lot of our customers don’t have off-road parking and public charging is often inaccessible, up kerbs or in narrow parking spaces. Charging cables are heavy, it can be confusing to juggle different payment apps, and hard to plan longer journeys. It can be difficult to accommodate the battery alongside vehicle adaptations. These are the things that we, and our customers, are dealing with”.

In asking if Britian would be ready for Net Zero for 2030 Tammy’s reply was: “Absolutely not! The infrastructure is just not there!”.

Tammy expressed her love for her electric car, but the inaccessibility of public charging stations leaves much to be desired. Asking what changes could be made to help people such as herself access the chargers more efficiently she advised: “Everyone wants you to sign up to their bloody app. There needs to be a central app; A central way of finding all the charging stations; details of all the chargers; more charging stations, and a central charging account. There needs to be better consistency and transparency!”

Ariel Wash Colder Challege Beyond Expectations

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 09:23:59 GMT

Ariel Pods given disabled approval

Due to my disability, I am prone to dropping things, this doesn't stop me trying to pick things up though, often resulting in spilages.

To get stains out I often have to wash my clothes at high tempretures and even then they can still be seen after. Coffee, blackcurrent, baked beans you name it, have taken up resident on items of my clothing. So when I was asked to try Ariel's new pods, in which you wash at 30 or even 20 degree, I was sceptical.

As part of the project I was given I have to take phone and videos. I put the first load on and I will be honest, I didn't take a before photo as I really didn't think it would work and I would be posting up that I would not recommend these. However, I was proven wrong!

I got the tea-towel out of the wash, which you can see in the videobelow. I had used this to soak up everything that had been spilt on my kitchen side for the last 5 days, so you can imagine the state of it. I could not believe how white it was.

The claim on these pods is that you can save up to 60% on your washing machine energy bill*

Which in this climate, I am willing to try anything to help reduce energy cost.

The other great things which I love about this product, is if you are anything like me, getting into the tups of ariel pods can be a challenge in itself. The might be child proof but they are also me proof. I can spend half the day trying to get into them. I could leave the top off but I am then worried that one wrong move could see the whole tub sprinkle over my kitchen floor like a confetti cannon. These you can also see from the video are so easy to open for me. Nine times out of ten, my PA will be here to help me get into the tubs, but if I need to wash one item, I want to feel that bit of independace and these allowed me to do that. So another tick from me.

All in all, these Ariel pods exceed my expectations and if they can get the stains out of my clothes whilst saving me money I would say that is a winner all round.

#ad #washcolderchallenge #joyofclean #savvycircle @supersavvymeofficial.

Written by: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

Goodbye Our Queen

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:33:01 GMT

Farewell Ma'am

Today marks a sad occasion of which there are few words to say.

A remarkable woman who has set records and shown strength throughout everything.

We will remember her for many a thing, in recent times, her love for her beloved Phillip and her Platinum Jubilee. She has given us many memories and a country to be proud of.

Our thoughts are with all members of the family at this time.

We bid you a fond farewell, your Majesty.

There are no more words at this time, except God Save the King.

With love from all at Legally Powered x

Academy for Disabled Journalists Launches 2nd Year of Diploma

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 10:21:19 GMT

ADJ have launched their search for the next cohort of disabled students to study for the Diploma in Journalism with our Academy for Disabled Journalists.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a unique, inclusive initiative to gain a qualification equivalent to a foundation degree that many editors consider to be a prerequisite for junior reporter roles.

If you or someone you know is interested in a career in media and has a disability, then please help me reach them. The course is in partnership with the NCTJ and subsidised by the National Lottery. This is a great chance to jump on a pathway to employment in media.

More information on the Academy, the Diploma and how to apply can be found here:

https://www.abilitytoday.com/diploma-in-journalism/

"I might be disabled and my body may let me down, but that doesn't mean my brain doesn't work. I am really happy to have passed, it feels like a great achievement and to know I did it first time means that it can be done." Victoria Scholes - ADJ Student

"I have been offered a traineeship that’s really exciting. It wouldn’t have happened without the course. In the interview process everyone who talked to me commented positively on it, so I am not exaggerating to say there is no way I would have got to that point without Ability Today." Jamie Green - ADJ Student

Closing date is the 16th September 2022.

Accredited to Ability Today.

**Disclaimer: This article is in no way afiliated with third parties who share or reproduce this content for their own publiation.

Links to third-party sites are clicked and entered at your own risk. **

Make Our Park Inclusive for All

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:17:22 GMT

Support Kenyngton Manor Park to Get a New Playground

Picture taking your children to the playground, their eyes lighting up at wonders that surround them; the roundabout, the swing, the slide. There is so much to entertain, their little minds brimming with so much joy they do not know where to go first.

Now imagine walking up to the gates and finding a few pieces of out-of-dated, tired looking, unsafe, rusty and boring looking equipment? 5 pieces of apparatus tops and out of them only one you feel safe letting your child play on.

Now imagine walking up to the gates with your child, all excited and instead of seeing happiness on your child’s face, you see nothing but sadness and disappointment as once again, you have come to another park, with inaccessible equipment your disabled child is unable to play on.

The park at Kenyngton Manor is just that, out-dated, tired and in desperate need of updating and most importantly inaccessible.

That was when a group of mums decided enough was enough and started the fight for a new playground.

Speaking to Hazel Osborn, from the Friends of Kenyngton Manor Park she said, ‘Playgrounds are not just a ‘nice to have’, they are an essential part of every community, every family and every childhood'.

The ‘Friends of Kenyngton Manor Park’ association have been campaigning tirelessly for the past few years, gaining major support from the community. Their social media engagement is increasing daily.

Learning of the project, I wanted to make sure that those children with disabilities had been catered for. Taking to email, I was quick to receive a response and the very next day I was meeting the team.

Getting into the playground in my wheels, was my first challenge due to there being no path, so even if the play equipment already there was accessible, getting into the playground wasn’t. Driving over very bumpy ground, gaining whiplash on the way in.

My mind was soon put to rest when I saw their vision. Hazel went on to say ‘Our aim is to promote all types of play, enabling children to develop physically, social-emotionally and cognitive-creatively in a safe environment. The park is also not accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, so we aim to make the park as inclusive as possible by adding in a path directly to the playground and more inclusive play equipment'.

The playground needs the support not only from the local community but from the wider community also. Our children deserve to have a safe place to play, to build, but we need your help. Every email, every new follower, every new like is an act of support.

It is not fair that our parks in the 21 ^st century are not inclusive for all. Why should children be left out? Why do we have to tell our sons, our daughters, sorry you cannot go to the park, the people at the council don’t think you are worthy enough. Because that is what they are really saying!

The answer from the people in charge, there is one 5 miles down the road. In the current cost of living crisis, parents can no longer afford to drive their children miles down the road to find another park. They deserve the one that is a walk around the corner, the one on their doorstep, the one their friends are play at, to be updated.

Hazel also expressed ‘Kenyngton Manor Primary school is next to the park and the 400+ children would make use of the park after school. We also need to replace the existing youth shelter and have this placed further away from the play area to reduce antisocial behaviour and make the park cleaner and safer for all’.

To Support Kenyngton Manor Park to have a playground that is not only safe, fun, interactive but also inclusive for all please get use the links below.

Let's get out children playing safe.

Let’s get #AccessibilisingBritian

Written By Victoria-Jayne Scholes.

Link to Friends of Kenyngton Manor Park Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176057369463439/permalink/1468572410211932

Link to Friends of Kenyngton Manor Park Twitter Page –

https://twitter.com/KenyngtonOf

Or write a letter of support to –

Friendsofkmpark@yahoo.com

I'm Disabled and Need Care - Where's My Right to a Private Life?

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:41:43 GMT

Many disabled people requiring care have to forgo their right to a private life - this just isn't fair!

Everywhere you go these days you see a four-letter word you cannot escape – GDPR! Do you consent to share your data? At that point you have a choice, tick yes or tick no.

For many people with disabilities, that require care, the option to tick ‘no’ disappears.

Most people recognise that when you attend an NHS medical appointment at a hospital the data will be shared with you GP. A letter outlining what happened at the appointment is normally sent to you with a copy also sent to your GP. Results for tests done at the hospital can be accessed by any other medical professional within the same trust, so if you needed to see two consultants at the same hospital the results of any bloods tests could be crossed referenced.

This is given and accepted by many but when it comes to people with disabilities and claiming disability benefits such as Personal Independent Payments, we then often have to share all those medical notes with someone we have no idea who it is, in a centre somewhere. We have to trust our notes to go through the postal system, to reach there and have every inch of our lives looked into. We have to consent to these people at the DWP contacting our consultants. This is on top of writing down on the form every part of our lives.

How do you get out of bed in the morning, how do you get in bed at night, what do you do whilst in bed! How do you wash, how do you go to the toilet, how do you go out! There is not a part of our lives they do not want to know about. Our lives are no longer private but there written on paper for all to see.

It is not just one person that sees these notes either, it goes to one person to look through and decide if you need an assessment, if so, it goes to the assessment people, they then write up their notes and it is all passed to a decision maker. If you need a re-consideration, someone else looks at your personal details, takes all the notes down and then passes it through to the decision maker again and so it goes on.

We then go on to those, like me who need carers to get through the day. Help getting up in the morning, help during the day to keep safe, help going to bed at night and then someone to stay awake and watch over me to make sure I am safe.

To do this, again, you have to lay your life out for a social worker who wants to know everything about your life. You cannot just hand over the form you have filled in above or the decision letter, you have to go through it all again, every…. Single……. inch, of your life written down on paper again. And here comes that saying’, ‘I need you to sign here to consent to speak to your GP?’

‘What if I don’t want to?’ ‘I need to speak to them to get the information else you won’t get the care you need’

No choice! So, you tick the box. Off they go, speak to the GP, all your medical notes in their possession. They fill out their report, now it has to go to a board to decide, if I need the care and if so, how much.

They say yes you need the care, I will get a company to come and do an assessment.

Out the care company come, and you guessed it! I need to do an assessment on you, to determine what sort of care you need. ‘Can’t you take the social services report?’ You ask. We will take that, but we want you to tell us everything as well’

So, you sit for the next hour or two telling them the ins and outs of your life. You sign the contract and tick the box to say they can discuss me with my medical teams.

They go back to the office and draw all this up on a care plan, discuss it with the team in the office and then pass around to all the carers on my team. My life up there in lights for all to see.

After a few months, the care company, due to staff shortages, cannot cope with the number of hours you have, so you start looking for another agency. One agrees to come out to do an assessment. You go through everything, your life written down on paper again. Then you here, ‘I will have to go back to the office and check what availability we have before going ahead’.

You have just told this person in front of you your life, and then they advise they don’t have the staff to do the hours you require but my file will be kept in case something turns up. Great someone else with my life story.

This happens not once but two or three times, with different things, ‘sorry your needs are too complex’ ‘we don’t have staff who can drive and you are not near any travel links’.

Eventually, you find a company and think this is it. Then you get a call. I think you will be better off with a different funding body!

So out the new funding body come. Another assessment, they take notes from the social services one and from the care plan but the want the rest from you. Who are your family? Who are your friends? Who is important in your life? What is your social life, where do you go? How long do you spend there? Where will your care take place?

You get tired from putting your life down on paper over and over again…

Finally, the funding is in place, the care is in place and you think to yourself, I can finally feel like I have a private life again without it being shared with the world.

My friend that is where you are wrong. You see as a disabled person requiring care, as long support workers/Carers/Personal Assistances are in the house you will never have a private life.

Every little thing you do, you say how you act will be written down in notes, passed to a care team and then when it comes to review time for funding shared for all of them to see.

In the past 6 months my funding body has accessed my GP medical notes eight times now. They will see every time I have visited the GP and the reason for this. They can look at my notes and see if I was sad and the reason for it. I might tell my PA something in confidence, but there is nothing stopping them keeping it confident between the office and themselves. I’ve waived my right to any privacy.

I get that these people have to check that we are not faking the system, but it gets tiring. I have to have a review for my funding every year.

It gets you down when you try to be positive about your life, but how can you when every day you have someone asking you about your condition so they can write it down to share with the world.

When everywhere you look you have someone questioning your disability and prodding into every inch of your life.

It doesn’t feel right that just because I am disabled and require care that I should waiver my rights to a private life, but that is exactly what I am being asked to do!

So, next time you see a GDPR box and have the option to tick yes or

no, think about those in the care system who only have one option.

Written By: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

High Sheriff Visits the Home of Legally Powered

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:30:09 GMT

Ahead of his support of Surrey Domestic Abuse Awareness Week 13 ^th – 19 ^th June 2022

The high Sheriff of Surrey is a position appointed by the Sovereign and is non-political and un-paid. Their duties whilst including attending royal visiting in the county and support in the courts, a major area they cover is supporting the voluntary work within the community.

This year the High Sheriff is his Honour Christopher Critchlow DL.

It was a lovely surprise then, when the High Sheriff advised, he would like to visit my home to get to know more about the work I was doing with Legally Powered.

On the 7 ^{th of} June the High Sheriff and his wife Wendy, visited my home, and for the first time in 5 days the sun shone beautifully allowing us the privilege to take our meeting into the garden.

During our meeting, the High Sheriff and I discussed Legally Powered and Accessibilising Britain. He asked lots of questions about how I started out with Legally Powered, what I wanted to get out of it and where I would like to take it as a role. It was great to hear both his and his wife’s suggestions of areas I could visit and left me feeling upbeat and positive, especially after receiving an invite to their annual garden Party.

The High Sheriffs Work.

During the High Sheriffs visit, I also got to learn more about him and his role. He advised he spent time at the judiciary and supporting the High Court Judges when on Circuit but how he was also a big advocate of charities within the county.

Every year the High Sheriff has a theme for their year of office and this year the theme is ‘Against Abuse, for Recovery’.

He advised that next week he is getting involved with Surrey Domestic Abuse Awareness Week. 13 ^th – 19 ^th June 2022. The High Sheriff is also supporting charities, that are supporting individuals and families affected by domestic abuse during the pandemic.

‘As a High Sheriff at a time of recovery from the adverse effects from Covid,

I intend to assist those working in the County to help people

badly affected by the pandemic, which disrupted lives

and brought serious difficulties for many, including children,

some of whom are suffering from mental health difficulties’.

High Sheriff of Surrey website

Domestic abuse can come in all forms and is not only physical. The new Domestic Bill Act 2021, which came into force in April last year, placed a large emphasis on the fact that domestic abuse is not just physical but can also be, emotional, controlling, coercive and economic abuse.

Coercive control can be difficult to spot by the person in the situation at time, it can start of with little things that the other person controls. Asking where you are going? Checking up on you, asking you to be back at a certain time? It then starts to build sometimes months, sometimes years. This means it can go un-noticed by friends and families.

Coercive Control is not ageist nor sexist, it can happen to anyone at any age.

It you need help, you think a friend needs help, or you yourself feel you are becoming too controlling help is out there. The Surrey against abuse website has lots of information on who to contact for help.

Written By: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

New Up & Coming Author Brianne George Celebrates Carers Week

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:16:08 GMT

Carers Week 6th - 12th June 2022

6 ^th to the 12 ^{th of} June celebrated Carers Week in the UK. The idea behind this national celebration is to highlight the challenges faced by unpaid carers but to also celebrate their work, their dedication to the people they look after and the sacrifices they make.

The theme of this years Carers Week is ‘Make Caring Visible, Value and Supported.

It is hard to identify exactly how many people identify as unpaid carers in the UK, but according to Carers Week, led by Carers UK this could be in the region of 6.5 million and rising .

During the Covid-9 pandemic, the number of people caring has increased and those that were caring before are taking on more responsibility. Some carers are taking on 50+ hours of caring a week. This is mainly due to a factor of some social care facilities still not opening after the pandemic or having to close their doors for good. Lack of staff in the sector and an increase in the number of people requiring social care against the number of facilities available.

A report brought out for Carers week, has seen some worrying facts with some carers own mental and physical health now declining as a result add this on top to the cost-of-living crisis and it is no wonder the 7 main caring charities has called for urgent change from the government.

One of the changes would be help with food and energy bills ahead of the winter months as well as specific help with their mental health. The report showed that the public are supporting unpaid carers and feel a change is needed with 84% in agreement. Only 3% disagreed.

One person standing up and showing what it is like to be an unpaid care and shine a true light on the struggles in the care industry is new up and coming author Brianne George.

Her recently released book on Kindle titled the ‘Frustrated Carer’ talks about caring from all angles from looking after a loved one in a nursing home, the relative who lives 50 miles away and a big subject on discussion at the moment ‘Where do kids in wheelchairs play?’

The whole book is in easy-to-read rhyming poetry and is based on her own experience of being a carer for her mum, dad and disabled daughter.

The book is available to buy now on kindle or will be available to pre-order as a paperback from her website soon. To be notified when it is available for pre-order, please fill in your details on her website to keep up-to-date. The book is due to be released on the 6 ^{th of} July.

The follow up book to ‘the Frustrated Carer’, ‘the Frustrated Carer, Frustrated Again’ is already in talks with the marketing company.

To read the full report from Carers Week please visit their website .

Written By: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

Surrey Legal Sector Walk for Justice

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Mon, 16 May 2022 09:33:20 GMT

Guildford Legal Walk 2022

Surrey is known for lots of things, Brooklands Museum, the University, Thorpe Park, beautiful country Walks and a quick google search shows it as one of the wealthiest areas to live in, in the UK. In 2015 Surrey was ranked number two in the UK .

However, to the thousands of people in poverty across the county, they tell a very different story. The current living crisis is not helping matters with thousands more heading towards a life of financial struggle.

Food, heating and bills is a necessity. However, for many, they feel currently, access to justice is a luxury, when in reality it is a right.

To help fight for the right to access to justice for the poorest and most vulnerable across the county, over 300 individuals from the legal sector took to the streets and countryside of Guildford on Monday 9 ^th May 2022.

The 10km walk aptly named the Guildford Legal Walk, aims to raise funds for the South West London Law Centre who helps those most in need access legal advice on a wide range of social issues, from housing to immigration to supporting the disabled and elderly, to work issues and benefits and giving advice to those in or facing debt.

The walk took the walkers, many in teams, up through the Surrey Hills for a beautiful sunset.

Among the walkers were judges from the Crown and County Court, Law Firms, and the CEO of the South West London Law Centre.

“Although Surrey has the reputation of being an affluent area, there are huge pockets of need in the county and the money raised from this event will help ensure people aren’t cut off from accessing legal advice because they can’t afford a solicitor.” Patrick Marples, CEO of South West London Law Centres

So far, collectively the teams have raised a substantial £13.7K of their £15k target.

The Legal Walk, run by the London Support Trust and Bob Nightingale, has grown massively over the past years. The main event, the London Legal Walk, takes place in London every year with over 10,000 legal beagles taking to the streets.

However, breakout walks started to take place and they are starting to become popular, but more than that, a lifeline to the Law Centres that rely on funding to continue operating and to the millions of individuals every year that passes through their doors.

Other Legal Walks include Oxford, Tunbridge Wells, Reading, Chichester, Eastbourne and Southampton.

The walk is not just about walking for justice, it is about coming together as a county and supporting those who need help the most. To show support and solitude at a time when the county most need it. And for the Court Staff and Judges which included Judge Raeside, Mrs Wendy Critchlow and DJ Linda Nightingale, who ‘try not to be distracted by the pubs that we pass on the way. But there will be no guarantees’.

After the pandemic, many thought that access to justice would be more in need, more individuals out of work following the collapse of companies and more individuals in debt. However, I don’t think anyone could foresee the financial struggle that is upon us, and it is now more than ever that we must show a united front.

It does not matter how much money you have in the bank, how much money you can raise for the charity, it is about the little you can do to help each other in your own unique way.

You can still help those most in need in the county. Even if you do not have the means to donate, just by sharing this post or the Donate button below to raise awareness for the amazing work that the South West Law Centre does, will be a huge help.

By sharing this post, you will also show thanks for the time and dedication that all the individuals that took part in this walk gave. Many did not have to give up their time, especially after being in the office or in court all day, but they did.

If you are interested in raising funds during this year or taking part in the Guildford Legal Walk 2023, please get in contact with me and together we can all fight for the right to Access to Justice.

Are We All Publishers Now?

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Mon, 02 May 2022 12:21:06 GMT

The effects of Social Media Posting by the public on Journalists and Broadcasters.

The internet for many businesses has had a profound effect. It has allowed them to reach audiences across the globe that without the internet, they would have been lucky to reach an audience in the next town. However for newspapers and broadcasters, the effects are still unravelling.

There is now much more competition out there, and with more people able to just open up websites and start writing, are people starting to transcend the limits? Especially since the phrase “we are all publishers now “has started to be exercised.

Although, what does the phrase “we are all publishers now” really mean and is that saying really true? If it is, what are the legal implications for the everyday layman?

With the introduction of social media sites and blogs, what and where people write has changed. Before if someone had a news story they would pick up the phone to their local newspaper. These days, individuals, pick up their phone, tablet, computer and take to the internet, impatient to tell the world their news.

As Scott Gant published in his book ‘We’re All Journalists Now’ the American dictionary, nor does the English, give us a clear definition of what is a journalist. Does someone have to be paid for their work to qualify, and is there a standard to their work? Again as he says why does a one type of publication qualify but not another.

Blogging is another means of distributing news that is starting to hit the internet in a big way but by definition are these writers’ journalists? All the influential people have a blog. Most businesses now have a blog page. It is how people convey their news and messages to people. Vlogging is the latest craze in which news stories are filmed.

However, there are legal implications to this. Do ‘everyday’ people really know the law and the rights and wrongs behind what they are doing?

The saying ignorance is no defence of the law is the first thing they teach you at law school, but for individuals posting up information that could be infringing people’s privacy, reporting on a court case that is currently half way through a trial, exposing a defendant during a rape trial or worst the victim or defaming a business man, do they really know that these things are legally wrong?

They think they are doing things in the public interest, but surely these individuals should suffer the same consequences as a journalist or publisher would if they released it in a newspaper or broadcast?

There needs to be a clear definition of what can and cannot be shared on social media sites, in order to make it a fair playing field. Newspapers and Broadcasters are both being affected with sites such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr, battling to get to news stories first and break them before members of the public do.

Two major companies that have profited from ‘everyone’ being a journalist is giants Google and Facebook. An article published in the PressGazette in 2017 set to start a petition on the Doupoly campaign to help the UK’s journalistic economy from breaking.

Both business giants, made money from advertising campaigns and we are not talking pounds and pence here. Between them they are expected to be coining near 70% of the advertising market according to OC & C who are compiling a report on UK advertising. The campaign is also looking at fair policies for journalists.

With the creation of Facebook, more and more people are now sharing news around the world through this social media platform. With this news comes photos. In the past photo journalists would make money by selling these photos. Most individuals are unaware that these photos are copy-written and what they are doing is breaking the law.

The campaign also wants business giants to crack down on fake advertising and finally the big one, the legal responsibility. Journalists are covered under many laws and these companies should face the same penalties should they break these laws. They need to make sure the advertising campaigns they run are not fake nor is the news they are allowing individuals to publish.

Without a clear definition of what journalism is, it is difficult to determine when people are writing and sharing their stories and photos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or sharing their videos on YouTube or TikTok, if this constitutes, journalism.

However, people need to be aware, that the media and broadcasters out their working, portraying the correct stories, don’t do it for the money, they do it as a service to the public. They do it so everyone can get the correct information and make an informed decision from that.

Yes maybe a few ‘journalists’ forgot that on the way, but if we forget the traditional newspapers and broadcasters in all of this, the way news is portrayed is changing and it has to be asked if the information given to us by everyday public, is something that can be trusted?

And by definition, if “We are all publishers” then we need to start taking responsibility for the information we post.

An End To The Blame Game

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 20:45:53 GMT

No-Fault Divorce Comes Into Force

At 10am on the 6th April 2022, the biggest reform to divorce law came into force in the form of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.

The new act aims to reduce conflict and allegations between parties, thus reducing the impact on children and families and bringing an end to the blame game in divorce proceedings.

This law has not only been a welcome change by Resolution , who campaigned tirelessly since 2015, but to the many children and domestic abuse charities who hope the new law will stop divorce from being used as another weapon.

History.

No-fault Divorce was something not to be heard of when the Matrimonial Causes Act was brought into force originally in 1857. The only way to get a divorce was in an open court for all of society to condemn. A man had to prove his wife’s adultery and a wife had to prove her husband of rape or incest. Due to the judgement, it was something not often brought into practice.

By July 1966, no-fault was being considered for the first time and in 1969 the Divorce Reform Act was enacted. It was later consolidated into the matrimonial Causes Act. The 1969 Act stated that the sole ground for divorce was the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage based on one or more of the following facts [1] :

The respondent has committed adultery
The respondent has behaved in such a way that the petitioner cannot reasonable be expected to live with them
The respondent has deserted the petitioner for a contentious period of a least two years
That the parties have lived apart for a continuous period of at least two years and the respondent consents to a decree being granted
Parties have lived apart for a continuous period of at least five years

Whilst the act seemed to work for a few, many were still pushing for the act to go further with no-fault divorces.

In 1988 the law commission looked at grounds for divorce and advised that fault should be removed and a reflection and consideration period should be added.

This commission was led by Professor Brenda Hoggett who has gone on to become one of the country’s best known Supreme Court Justices now known as Lady Brenda Hale.

The commission was praised by then Prime Minister Margret Thatcher. Upon her resignation one month later, John Major took on the project of getting it through parliament.

However, it was not without criticism with many stating those in favour were notwithstanding the values of marriage.

Then papers started turning on those at the forefront including Lady Hale. It was eventually given the green light but enacted into the Family Law Act 1996 due to the rules surrounding divorce with children. This was later repealed in 2014 due to its complex nature.

Enactment of New Legislation

Resolution started campaigning for change and for a no-fault divorce and in 2016 had a successful day lobbying in parliament.

They spent the next year reaching out to the media and in 2017 ‘the Times’ blasted their front page with the wording ‘No-Fault Divorce’ signalling a time of change and showing the media was finally getting on their side.

A report from the Nuffield foundation entitled ‘Finding fault? Divorce Law and Practice in England and Wales’ was released which showed the current fault-based system was ‘damaging, legally and intellectually dishonest’ [2]

The report indicated that currently when allegations are made for the basis of the divorce most of the time no investigations into the allegation are made when the divorce is not contested.

The other fault with the current system is most of the time the reason for divorce is not as stated. Parties do not want to blame each other, but for not wanting to wait the two years before moving on with their lives, there is no other choice as the court’s powers can only be exercised on financial matters when there is a divorce.

In 2018 media coverage was drawn to the attention of the case of Tini Owens. Married 40 years and with two children Mrs Owens advised her marriage had broken down irretrievably and in 2015 left the matrimonial home and pursued a divorce against her husband. Mr Owens contested the divorce and the case ended up in the Supreme Court in 2018 in which Mrs Owens lost. It advised she would have to stay married until 2020 unless Mr Owens agreed to a divorce.

With the Media coverage of the case, alongside Resolution’s campaigning and the report on Finding Fault? It drew the attention of Parliament and in April 2019 then Justice Secretary David Gauke agreed to bring forward legislation.

This time the bill received almost no opposition and on the 25th June 2020, the bill received Royal Assent.

What is the New Legislation?

The new legislation puts the basic features of the divorce proceedings into as simple terms as possible and puts an end to the blame game.

Whilst the basis of divorce is still irretrievable breakdown of the marriage it is now evidenced by a simple statement.

This will be followed by 20 weeks of a conditional divorce order and then a further six weeks to a final order.

For the first time, couples will be able to make an application jointly.

Steps to be taken to get a divorce

In order to get a divorce, an application is made online for a divorce or dissolution. Civil partnerships applications are made on paper forms.

Copy of a D8 application form for Divorce or dissolution. (for a civil partnership)

The application must provide a statement of irretrievable breakdown of marriage but due to the removal of the fault basis, there is no required evidence of conduct or separation to be provided.

The applicant then ticks to confirm if they wish to apply for a financial order.

Unlike the old D8 form the new form contains useful guidance throughout.

Only one application can be made at a time. If for any reason the application is withdrawn or dismissed by the court, then the other party can submit an application.

The applicant must pay a fee of £593 for the application. Those on benefits or a low income may be able to apply for help.

Urgent cases:

20 weeks can be shortened in extreme circumstances. You make the application online; a legal advisor will consider the urgency and if a hearing is needed. This is the same for the 6-week final order period.

How will no-fault divorce shape the future?

No-fault divorce will undoubtedly change and shape the future of divorce.

With some divorces only taking 6 months from beginning to end it means couples and families can start to move on with their lives much quicker.

Domestic abusers will no longer have the upper hand using divorce as a coercive control in a relationship. Victims are no longer attached to their abusers for years unable to getaway.

Hopefully, it will mean more amicable splits where both parties have control and can make joint decisions and easier terminology so all can understand what is happening along the way. No stopping and starting as one tries to defend the allegations made.

Many of the features implemented into the new legislation were recommended by Lady Hale in her commission in 1988. 34 years later and it looks like it is finally the end of the blame game!

Divorce, Dissolution, and separation Act 2020

Written by: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

[1] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1969/55/pdfs/ukpga_19690055_en.pdf

[2] https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/Finding_Fault_summary_report_v_FINAL(1).pdf

Legally Powered Celebrates Pancake Day!

PAR002_123@heg.com — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 01:19:40 GMT

Pancake recipes.... How do you eat yours?

To celebrate Pancake day on the 1st March, I have posted below a selection of websites for pancake recipes. I would like to state that other well-known websites are also available and any accidents that occur from the flipping of pancakes, we will not be held responsible. This includes but not limited to; broken frying pans and pancakes stuck to ceilings! However, photos of either of these will be greatly accepted.

Easy Pancakes .

Vegan Pancakes.

Gluten Free Pancakes . With suggested swaps on the article these can also be Dairy and Egg free.

Once you have made your pancake the big question is the topping? What is your favourite? According to a YouGov survey the population is split on favourite toppings by generation.

The younger generation favour the chocolate spread, whilst the older population prefer to go with the traditional sugar and lemon.

It seems that even those in their 50's enjoy the firm favourite of the lemon topping. Liz (55) of Reading stated 'I don't eat pancakes anymore, but lemon and a little bit of sugar was always my favourite'. Niki, (64) of Surrey agrees.

However, not everyone over the age of 60 is in agreement. Eileen,(85) of Oxford said 'American pancakes are much better, you can throw anything into the mixture, fruit, pecans but my favourite is throwing in some streaky bacon pieces and then topped with maple syrup.'

No matter your favourite topping, pancakes bring joy no matter the age. Speaking to an array of individuals the older interviewees were just as excited as the younger ones about pancake day.

Frying Pans ready! Flippers ready! Pancake Day is officially open! #LPPancakeDay2022 #LPPancakeTopping

Written by: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

Legally Powered Founder.

National Love Your Pet Day

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 12:02:03 GMT

As National Love Your Pet Day arrives, spread the love and joy and head to one of my social media pages below to share your favorite picture of you and your pet or pets.

Youth Offending - Just Another Blame Game?

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 00:36:57 GMT

There has long been a stand-off between those in a position of authority as to who is to blame for the crimes of today’s youth.

Many arguing, it is their social upbringing, it is the lack of power from the police, it is the lack of respect in Schools or the government and the laws which are put in place to protect have gone too far.

Turning on my social media page, my local police beat page flashes up. The familiar post stares me once again in the face… “do you recognise these youths?” Or “dispersal in place this weekend in town centre following anti-social behaviour from youths”.

In the year 2020-2021, 15,800 under 18’s was cautioned or sentenced in England and Wales of which 8,800 were first-time offenders. {1}

During the lockdown, the number of arrests, cautions and sentencing have been at their lowest since times began. The Statistician behind the figure believes that lockdown and the fact that children were home-schooled was a major factor in these figures being so low.

However, what does that mean? That schools lack the authority to keep children under control? Lack of peer pressure, keeping away from the wrong crowds? Maybe, that children are looking for the attention of their parents? How about police presence was more obvious during lockdown due to no one being out? Or was it all of these put together?

The blame game pushes the responsibility of who is at fault from one-to-another with no real resolution to the situation. The Government blames the parents; parents blame the schools & police and police & schools blame the government.

Parents:

Not every parent whose child breaks the law blames someone else. Most will discipline their children in a way they think is reasonable. This may be grounding them for a week; taking away a possession important to them, or even sending them to a relative, but what happens when that doesn’t work?

There are a number of parents who think that other authorities need to do more to keep the children in line.

Whilst society may think that the children who offend come from broken homes, parents who do not work or ‘sitting at home on benefits’ This is often not the case.

Speaking to Trish Spiller an ex-nurse from a local Young Offenders Institute, she advised ‘many come from single-parent families who had to go to work often leaving the children unsupervised. But some come from families with both parents and decent incomes.’

This asks the question are children committing crimes to get the attention of their parents?

Very often parents have to make the difficult decision of choosing between looking after the children or going out to work to earn the money to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.

Although, what happens to the children during this time? Are they looked after by other family members? That’s okay if they are there to help.

What about friends maybe? Again, very often they will be in a similar situation, and with more rules being in force, such as having to register with Ofsted if money is exchanged for childcare for more than two hours a day, many will look into alternatives.

Parents may turn to afterschool clubs, but these mostly run-up to a certain age and the cost of the clubs is often more than the parents earn.

Some parents feel that schools need to do more to help parents in these situations.

Schools

If we look back to pre-1980’s, bad behaviour in school was punished at an early stage. Step out of line and corporal punishment was administered mainly in the form of the slipper or cane. In 1982 the European Court of Human Rights allowed parents to stop the punishment if they so wished of which many did. By 1986 Corporal punishment was banned in England in state schools but was not banned in private schools until 1999 in England and Wales.

Since then, the authority schools have on children has dwindled. No more standing children in the corner of the room or telling them they are naughty.

According to the government website, the main examples of punishments are: a telling-off, a letter home, removal from class, confiscating an item, detention or exclusion either temporary or permanent.

Whilst students once feared a telling off from a teacher, a typical come back from some students witnessed in schools these days is ‘what are you going to do about it’.

Unfortunately, apart from one of the punishments above which more times than not will disrupt a lesson more, not much will normally be done, meaning a student is left laughing, but for the behaviour not to be addressed at an early stage can see the child spiral out of control.

If a child is excluded the responsibility is put back on to the parent, who as stated above may be working, if the child is found in a public place within the first 5 days of being excluded it is the parent that may be prosecuted.

Schools are being asked to act as referees between the fine line the government issues them, which are put in place not only to keep the children safe but also the welfare of the teachers, and the line of which the parents or police ask them to go by, keeping them entertained until parents get home, whilst keeping in line with the times' government sets that child need to be in school learning and playing, keeping them disciplined so they know right from wrong, fearing teachers enough that they won’t get in trouble but not feared enough that it is seen as abuse.

Has the lack of respect some children have for teachers and the school environment in general, led to high rates of crimes we have seen in past years of youths?

Should schools do more to keep children out of trouble and if so, how can they work with the police to collaborate in keeping children in schools during the day especially with all the rules set by the government tying them up in red tape?

Police

The blame game continues between the police and society with many asking where the police are to man our streets and keep some of our youths today in order.

It is hard to ignore the calls of recent years to have more police, manning our streets.

Many ask where the ‘bobbies’ have gone from the beat?

Our missing police task has been blamed on a lack of funding with cuts to police forces over recent years with MP’s advising that more police on our streets will not lessen the crimes which is a direct contradiction to a supposedly leaked government document in 2016.

In 2020 – 2021 there were 115,663 stop and searches on children and 50,784 arrests (including those which resulted through means other than stop and search). [2]

The Police were another service which was feared years ago, brought home by a policeman and you knew that you were in trouble due to the collaboration between police and parents at the time. If the police brought you home, you were not only in trouble with them but also your parents and punishment was served twice as it was allowed.

The powers the police have does not seem to work on the youths of today’s society. Whilst the rules and legislation has been put in to try and rehabilitate the youngsters the question has to be asked if sentencing guidelines have gone too far.

As it currently stands, cautions will be given where possible. If the crime is one that needs more than a caution, then an absolute or conditional discharge can be given meaning the sentence will be spent on that day or a day up to three years in the future. A financial order may be given if the youth is in a positive financial position or a youth rehabilitation order. A sentence will only be given to youths who are persistent offenders.

Does the term persistent offending act as a determinant for our children? Is this too lenient on a society who for some like to see how far they can push the boundaries?

With many officers working on their own on the beat or two at the most having large groups of 20 youths to manage must seem intimidating and confrontational.

Do the police do enough to talk to these individuals to ask them why they are doing the crimes they have committed or is it easy to say, ‘where are your parents?’ Are they not home, wondering where you are?’ Or have their hands been tied too far by a government trying to protect both parties?

Whilst the police have systems in place to work in collaborative situations, this may seem patronising to a child. Surrey police use a system called Targeted Youth Support to help those aged 12+ who have or may be at risk of offending, but with officials often blaming other institutions it is no wonder a child is sometimes reluctant to open up.

Government

Whilst government will sit through hours of consultations, listen to experts of situations, and will put legislation in place to protect all, you have to wonder if whilst protecting the rights of one party you are harming another.

It is right that the punishments of older days were banned, however, it was due to many going too far and taking it to the edge and beyond of abuse. However, there seems to be such a lack of respect for the law and society by certain members of today’s youth that you have to question has taking everything away gone too far?

Take away the corporeal punishment and the smacking, but don’t be so lenient on youth sentencing guidelines? Should the government give more powers to the police? That would be fine but as you can see by the figures it is not the stop and searches and the arrests that are the issue. Going back to my much earlier point about my local beat on social media, most of the time it is about finding them.

The real issue is the need for services but for that, there needs to be money. Schools are often under-funded and oversubscribed but the government advise that schools need to do more to engage the students. That is difficult when class sizes are increasing, and teachers are leaving the profession at a high rate.

Youth centres have been closed meaning that there is nowhere for youths to gather apart from our streets and parks. Again this is a lack of funding, but the government is blaming our local councils to do more for the children.

The government continues to put legislation in which penalises the parent for the activities of a child which is sometimes out of their control. They believe the child is at school in a classroom where they dropped them off that morning. However, 4 days later they receive a phone call to advise they have not been in school all week. If that continues, a parent can then be fined.

If a child is expelled but does not stay home, the parent can be prosecuted. There have been calls for expulsion to be banned due to the rising number of them and parents unable to control the child once out of school due to work and other commitments.

The government again blames the parents and schools for not doing enough to engage the children, but if funding was given then there may be more resources available to put the opportunities in place to engage the child.

Conclusion

The blame game is just a circle where everyone goes round and round and no solution is found. Speaking to a source from Youth Services they advised ‘in the blame game, there is one important person who is forgotten, the most important person. The child’.

If everyone stopped blaming each other and worked together as one and with society, they may get to the bottom of the reason why the child committed the crime in the first place.

Are we really listening and acting up the reason behind youth offenders or are our children just another pawn in society’s blame game.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/youth-justice-statistics-2020-to-2021/youth-justice-statistics-2020-to-2021-accessible-version

[2] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1050107/Youth_Justice_Statistics_2020-21.pdf

At What Stage Do I Disclose My Disability To Law Firms?

legallypowered@gmail.com (Victoria-Jayne Scholes) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 20:34:19 GMT

Disclosing a disability to an employer can be a daunting experience. Speaking from experience, for an individual who has needs different to others, the moment you start filling out an application, you can feel the dread coming over you. As the page scrolls down, you know what awaits. That little box stating do you have a disability or do you need reasonable adjustments.

It is at this point you must make a decision. For all of us we should be able to tick the box with confidence stating, ‘yes I do’ and this is what I need to put me on a level playing field as everyone else.

However, for some there is that nagging feeling in the back of your mind, ‘what if by ticking that box, sends my application straight to the shredder?’

I know some will be thinking, that will never happen, but when you have been rung up and bluntly told we are not employing you due to your disability, the nagging feeling going forward never leaves. I am not saying all employers are like that. I know they are not, and many will have their reasons for not picking me over other applicants; I may not have the experience they are looking for; I may not be qualified enough but that 1% of me, always thinks ‘what if they just don’t want to deal with accommodating my disability?’

If you decide not to tick that box, at what stage do you disclose your disability? For myself now, I have to disclose when booking in the interview due to my wheelchair, but there was a time when I thought I would tell them at interview.

You get to the interview, it may be that you can walk but not far, as was my case. You are welcomed at reception and told you are going to the room in the building on the opposite side of the complex. I can do this you think, but at what cost? It maybe that you are now in so much pain you cannot focus on the questions put to you in the interview.

For others it may be a learning difficulty you have decided not to disclose. When you get to the interview you are greeted with a test and given a 5-minute time limit to read a whole document. Do you tell them, that you have a slower reading speed so need more time, or leave it and not finish the test and fail?

This is your next decision; do you tell them at interview? Your interview has gone brilliantly (so you think), they have not noticed your hidden disability. You know you will have forms and contracts to fill out if successful. You can tell them then, you express to yourself, but what if there were issues in your interview that if they had known about your disability, adjustments could have been made?

To some it may seem simple…just tell them from the offset they say. It is something I have often deliberated over, sat at the computer, just tick the box I say to myself and in the past I have done.

Can I say that by not notifying prospective employers of my disability has given me better opportunities than telling them? At the beginning of my career, I would have said yes, it did seem that way, but it could have just been coincidence and as I have said before I may not have got the jobs for other reasons.

That being said as time goes on, I believe that disclosing a disability has got better and more firms are open to reasonable adjustments and discrimination is becoming less.

However, if you have read some of my other articles you will have seen that there have been times, especially in the legal system where doors have been shut firmly in my face due to my wheelchair and inaccessibility. This needs to change.

Looking for companies that sport the diversity and inclusion logo is a great start for any individual that has reasonable adjustment needs. One point I must make is to check with the firm that this does include disabilities as this term has many meanings. The Disability Confident Employer logo is another way firms can show that they are open to disabled practices and for you to know they are inclusive and accessible.

Speaking to firms, networking and research is key to finding workplaces that will be suitable. No company should be discriminating at any stage, and they should not make you feel that you are worth any less.

Law firms and Chambers are working hard with the Law Society and other organisations to make sure they are putting strategies in place to make individuals who are neurodiverse or those with disabilities feel more comfortable in asking for reasonable adjustments from the outset.

We must focus on the positive that change is happening and there is now more talk around the subject of adjustments in the workplace, but we must not lose sight that there is still a long way to go and this is just the start.

Written By: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

World Diabetes Day - From Nurse to Superhero

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 09:50:00 GMT

Every year on the 14 ^th November the world turns blue in support of the millions of diabetics worldwide. This year is no different. Right now millions of superheroes get ready to don their capes from carers, to parents, to diabetic teams to friends and family and most importantly diabetics themselves.

This year the theme is the ‘Nurse and Diabetes’ which celebrates the truly wonderful work millions of nurses do in support of individuals with diabetes, but I ask you this ‘What defines the definition of a nurse?’.

I ask you to look at the cover photo of this story and study it for a few moments. As you do ask yourself these questions, what do these ladies have in common? Is one more qualified than the others?

Ready to move on…

T o answer your question what these ladies all have in common is they all care for someone with Type One diabetes.

First the Support worker who for the last two years has cared for me, a type 1 diabetic of 27 years. Every visit she reminds me to check my bloods hourly sometimes more if needed, assists getting me sugar if my blood is low, running to grab my insulin from the fridge when I run out and being my support when my diabetes just gets too much for me at times.

Next the healthcare assistant that goes from door to door giving diabetics their insulin injections. Checking that their blood sugars are stable, making sure their HBA1C is in range. Checking on their wellbeing and being there for them when they can’t get to see anyone.

Finally my mum who for 27 years, has cared for me and my diabetes, has had endless sleepless nights checking my blood sugar, making sure they don’t dip too low and I slip into a coma, sitting at my bedside in intensive care as my diabetes spirals too high out of control as my body cannot fight off another infection.

Only one of these ladies is qualified, but does that make the other two less capable? In my eyes they are all nurses as they all look after me in their own unique way.

JDRF Theme

Whilst the national theme for every diabetic association is Diabetes and the Nurse, JDRF has its own campaign it runs every year called #type1superheros and recognises the fact that having diabetes is a big deal and at times we need our own superheroes around us in the disguises of friends and family, teachers and pupils and work colleagues and healthcare assistants.

The ladies in the picture above may not be qualified nurses but they are all superheroes.

How you can help!

World Diabetes Day is celebrated on the 14 ^th November, I am asking you to please spread the word. Please click on the link below where nearer the time you will be able to download posters and add a social media filter. Please get your superheroes outfit out for someone you know with diabetes and you too can become a #type1superhero.

To find out more about the work of JDRF and world diabetes day please visit their website. https://jdrf.org.uk/world-diabetes-day-2020

To find out more about my story please keep an eye out for my next blog.

Written By: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

County Care Independent Living Celebrates its 10th Birthday

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 11:21:00 GMT

County Care Independent Living has turned 10 and despite celebrations being cancelled they still celebrated, lockdown style!

County Care, who have offices in Lincolnshire and Surrey provide support for many individuals with learning disabilities, autism and mental health, so have been thinking of ways they could celebrate their upcoming birthday over the past year.

Their birthday, which was on Friday 21 ^{s t} August was due to be honoured in true County Care style with celebrations throughout the month in all their offices and community and even a whisper of a party was heard. So when the government announced lockdown, their plans were sent into disarray. Lockdown has been particular hard for outreach support agencies.

Director of Care, Alex Noakes, has been at the forefront of the team during Covid, trying to keep the balance of staff safety whilst continuing to support the clients. Alex said “T he outbreak of Covid brought with it the biggest challenge I have had to face as a registered manager to date. Thankfully our hardworking team and collaborative approach which are core values we pride ourselves on meant we were able to continue providing the high level of care to our service users.

County Care would not see a birthday go by without marking the occasion though and especially one as big as their 10 ^th . Working with both service users and support workers, individuals sent in photos of themselves in various locations signing the number 10 which was then put into a collage.

Alex went on to say “It’s fantastic that County Care are celebrating their 10th birthday and I’m delighted to have had the pleasure of sharing 7 years of that time. Here’s looking forward to the next 10 years

So whilst the festivities might not have been what they wanted or expected, they continue to put smiles on everyone’s faces and at the end of the day that is all you can ask for.

So across the country people are raising glasses to say ‘Happy 10 ^th Birthday’ to County Care.

Written By: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

Wheelchair Users Guide to Visiting the Supreme Court

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 11:44:00 GMT

Bar Standards Board ‘Failing’ Disabled Students

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 21:21:00 GMT

Students sitting this year’s bar exams are alleging they are being discriminated against as reasonable adjustments and basic rights are not being met.

Due to the Covid pandemic, the exams for aspiring barristers, which were due to be sat in April, are now due to be held throughout August. This leaves many with concerns who are due to start pupillage in September.

Many students are sitting their exams at home via ‘remote proctoring’. This means sitting in front of a computer for three hours, sometimes more, at a time without moving. Moving away from the situated camera would render the exam a failure. Students who have already sat their at home exams are already complaining that they had an hours wait before the exam commenced.

For those who would be unable to sit their exam at home for various reasons, they will need to sit their exams at a test centre or defer until December. This means some students would be unable to commence pupillages or employment as planned. Visas have also started to expire meaning students are unable to sit the exam in the UK.

The Bar Standards Board released exam slots for those without reasonable adjustments first. This left those with additional requirements fighting for their spots as their local test centre was fully booked and they would have to travel miles away for exams that started as early as 8am in the morning. For individuals with disabilities this is an added stress and tiring in itself before the exams even start. For many this meant an overnight stay with an additional cost.

Further, students with reasonable adjustments were unable to book using the online booking system which is free. Instead they were directed to the Parsons Vue telephone booking line. A number of students allege this is a premium number and cost some in the region of £200. Also many students were then on hold for hours waiting to be served only to be hung up on.

Many students who were finally able to get through to someone were told that their reasonable adjustments could not be accommodated. This was despite on the 3rd July the BSB explicitly stating that “no student should be asked to waive a reasonable adjustment” 蜉

Some did not have options at all and were told they would be contacted. With exams due to start some are still waiting.

However on the Bar Standards Board website they have advised any student who is still waiting for an exam date should email Parson Vue directly.

Students are now receiving emails to say their exams have been cancelled with no reason or replacement option given. Some students did not receive emails but instead found out via social media from other students.

Further, it transpires that students are being denied their fundamental right to water during their exams. Unless adjustments have been put in place to take fluids into the exam centre with them, students must leave all drinks outside.

With some areas of the country due to hit 37 degrees tomorrow, some students will have to choose between hydration and their future. It has been scientifically proven蜉 that dehydration can lead to confusion, but students are worried that drinking water will lead to them needing to use the bathroom. Something else that is also not allowed. Parsons Vue and the Bar Standards Board are yet to comment on the situation.

For some time now, the BSB have been trying to make the bar a more diverse and accessible organisation. An investigation into the failing of the exams is being called for by the Association of Disabled lawyers ‘and the impact of students. It should publish a public report on its findings’.蜉

The Students against the BSB Exam Regulations (SABER) have also issued urgent action from the BSB to “remedy the adverse and discriminatory effects of the August exam regulations”蜉

According to the BSB蜉 Diversity at the Bar published in January this year individuals with disabilities are hugely unrepresented at the Bar with just 6 per cent of Barristers who responded to the survey disclosing they have a disability. This is less than half of the national average.

The Bar Standards Board, who has a statutory obligation under the Equality Act 2010 has previously released a statement advising it is committed to delivering diversity and equality and fairness must be a standard principle within their establishment.

The Bar Standards Board have not yet advised whether or not they will be opening an investigation into this year bar exams. If they did look implementing some if not all of the recommendations from the Association of Disabled Lawyers, The Young Legal Aid Lawyers and SABER, then the BSB may start to re-gain students confidence.

Written By: Victoria-Jayne Scholes

The country’s going back to 'normal' and it’s frightening.

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 16:19:00 GMT

Not many things frighten me, and ask anyone and they will tell you, despite my disability I try to be as independent as possible (with a few trusted individuals by my side), so then why please tell me has this pandemic made me into a person that is too frightened to leave her front door. Too frightened for her friends to come round and sit in her living room and too frightened for her to go shopping, because for me this is not normal. It’s far from normal. I’ll be honest with you here, it is frightening the hell out of me.

When the country was still 'normal'

Before Covid-19 hit, I wasn’t one for sitting indoors. Now don’t get me wrong I wasn’t trekking about town from dawn to dusk doing hikes. I can’t. My disability wouldn’t allow for that unfortunately. My disability would get so overwhelming on a daily basis that I wouldn’t cope and my outlet would be, my support worker, myself and my pink power chair getting out for a small outing. Whether this be a trip to Dunelm to look around or Tesco to buy dinner for that night nothing major but it would be enough for my brain to calm down from whatever storm it was concocting that day.

However the day th e government announced lockdown, I felt my life disappear before me. That might sound dramatic to you but those little outings were my life-line. The thought of staring at the wall 24/7 was enough to send me into ‘meltdown’ and I will admit, I did send a few texts when I was told to shield by the NHS. The texts were along the line of ‘call me vulnerable one more time, I will show you what vulnerable is’. However think more ladette than lady when reading that sentence in your head. Looking back I shouldn’t but that was my way of coping in the beginning.

Covid has affected my mental health and it's frightening

Since the beginning of lockdown I have adjusted to being in the house. However the effect on my mental health has been affected greatly. I started to watch the daily updates watching the numbers go up and down and up again. The thought of leaving the house with the numbers that high filled me with dread. My support worker helped me greatly, collecting prescriptions, getting any food shopping that did not come with the weekly delivery, and anything else that required going out.

As the government started to ease lockdown a feeling of dread came over me. Whilst the government told the vulnerable to carry on shielding, people around me started to do normal things. I think that made it worse. Until now many of my friends had been in the same situation as me. For the first time ever I actually felt normal as we were doing things together over zoom and I wasn’t left out because they were holding the event at a location that was inaccessible to me. Instead we hosted littleV’s isolation Eurovision Song Contest and it was the best feeling in the world, but as the world started to get back to normal and could see loved ones again I was once again left out. The one sat in the cold watching everyone get on with their liv es.

The c ountry's g oing ba ck to 'normal'

The struggle within me this time was that I didn’t want to do what they were doing. I didn’t want to go to the shops. I didn’t want to go to the pub or restaurant. I was too scared and frightened. The virus, whilst dropping in numbers, is still out there and the human race is not always aware of their actions and how it affects others. Even now as new carers come into the house we have to tell them to put facemasks on. They don’t see how dangerous it can be, as it does not affect them. Until people who do not have disabilities and health conditions are out and about doing normal daily activates for a few months and there is no rise in numbers, will I feel safe, but to others, I am the one with the problem. I am the one wrong in the head as I will not allow them to come sit in my house, but they are not the one who is at risk here. So why do I feel the one in the wrong?

The world around me is n ow returning to normal, and that is more frightening than Covid itself.

Slater & Gordon Redefines Diversity

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 10:19:00 GMT

Alicia Alina (40) is the Chief People Officer for leading law firm Slater & Gordon . Although she has only been in her position for ten months she has certainly made her mark.

One of her visions, initiatives and big changes for the business is remote working. Escalated by Covid-19, this is something that she has advised will continue long after the pandemic.

Alicia’s vision has been backed by a very forward thinking board who allows her to express her ideas and run with them. The trial of remote working has been immensely successful and in a recent engagement survey with staff most of them asked for remote working to be made permanent. On listening to their staff this is what they have done.

One area this will help with is diversity, especially disability. Alicia informed me “There is no sense of inequality and it treats everyone the same. It allows them to make decisions that is right for them”.

Come September when the lease ends on their London offices they will not be renewing. Instead they will focus their energy on looking for a more dynamic space for their employees.

With less individuals in the office on a day to day basis, it will allow the organisation to have a more diverse friendly environment, one where there is a purpose for going to the office.

Once there the cubicles will allow for individuals with diverse needs to have the correct equipment they really need. Alicia advised they are going for more of a 'google office' environment and it will allow individuals to be treated as adults. Managers will set employees daily KPIs and as long as these are met, the company are happy for them to continue to set their hours and work from home.

On asking Alicia if the recent articles surrounding the sale of their Manchester office is also true she informed me “it was pretty inaccurate”. She went on to advise that they have put two floors up for lease of their seven story building. However over time they will be reviewing all of their office spaces. Meaning that the opportunities for remote working to open up across the UK and for the company to expand their diversity even more, is not out of sight.

Individuals with disabilities use the Open University for further education as it allows them to study around their disability. On interviewing Alicia the feeling of her support of Open University students really shone through. She advised she felt OU students possessed the ability to work on initiative and ones own merit. We discussed how employees these days are looking for different skill sets not just knowledge and this must be taught at uni to set students up for a more realistic future.

It seems the S & G employees have been having some remote fun as well with live events such as S & G’s got talent. Some of their social events have attracted over 1000 staff, showing that their singing can’t be that bad!

Alicia went on to recommend that other companies should learn from this current pandemic that has forced diversity in a profession which is still struggling with the idea.

Why Are Disabled Individuals Still Being Discriminated against in the Legal Profession?

Wed, 20 May 2020 11:38:00 GMT

Legally Powered Disability & Legal Blog

Lighting of the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Flame 2026

On Tuesday 24th February the historic flame was lit in Stoke Mandeville.

Allergy and Free From Show 2025 says 'You are not alone'

With the event continuing to grow, come and visit them at their new home for 2026 - Birmingham's NEC!

WheelPower Host Junior Games.

Video of WheelPower National Junior Games 2025 - Full Version

Torville and Dean 'Face the Music' for the Final Time

I reviewed the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

I review the Dover Marina Hotel and Spa in Dover, Kent. A friendly, welcoming hotel currently undergoing major works to bring this listed building into the 21st century whilst continuing to keep the elegance of the architecture.

It is a stone's throw from the beach, the port of Dover, and the iconic White Cliffs.

As a wheelchair user, the hotel boasts lots of promising features. Whilst they do not currently have a disabled access room, the fact that management are willing to listen, learn and grow is great, and I can't wait to return when all the work is complete.

WheelPower hosts London Sports Festival at Stanmore

On the 7 th of November, Aspire Leisure Centre became hosts to a number of participants, looking to try a new inclusive sport.

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Hotel Review: Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Victoria-Jayne’s accessible trip to the NEC for Motability’s Big Event Show in May 2024.

Men’s Wheelchair basketball team claim historic silver.

ParalympicsGB played reigning champions USA tonight in a dramatic showdown on the court after reaching the final for the first time in 28 years.

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Q & A with Paralympian Debutant and European Champion Callie-Ann Warrington

Swimming the 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle we talk about accessibility, campaigns, nerves, and excitement ahead of the games and how coming away with a silver really felt.

Swimming Day 8 Updates.

Its been another successful day for ParalympicsGB in the pool. Here is the low down on what has been happening.

Everybody Moves

Grace Clough and Jack Hunter-Spivey discuss why the campaign is so important and why you should get involved.

Silver and Gold in the Women’s S10 100m Butterfly

Paralympic debutants Callie-Ann Warrington and Faye Rodgers took to the pool this morning winning their heats to make for a sensational final tonight at Paris La Défense Arena Pool.

Krysten Coombs Wins Silver

An advancement on his Tokyo medal, the para badminton player played with admiration and determination.

Boccia’s Stephen McGuire finally wins gold.

After coming fourth three times and a career spanning twenty-years, ParalympicGB’s Boccia Boy has the medal he always dreamed of.

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Paralympic Flame makes its way across the Channel Tunnel in Historic Handover

History of the Paralympics

How a museum in the centre of Stoke Mandeville Stadium, is dedicated to exhibiting the story of the games in a way that is accessible to all.

‘If I ever did one good thing in my medical career

it was to introduce sports into the rehabilitation of disabled people’.

‘We exist to enlighten and inspire future generations by celebrating,

cherishing and bringing the Paralympic heritage and its stories of human endeavour to life’

‘I will make a taxpayer out of every one of you’.

‘Being made redundant from the HMRC was the best thing to ever happen to me’

‘It was the best thing to ever happen to me’.

‘Vicki Admin Fairy does the duties that business owners hate

and brings order to chaos, clarity to confusion

and efficiency to the administration of small businesses’

‘I was never treated as disabled by my friends or my family’.

I haven’t done since I was 12 years old’.

‘Determined and stubborn and knows what she wants.’

‘Other clients can do what they want without thinking about access needs,

while Vicki always turns up no matter what, is the most

determined client I have and gives it her all both at the

appointments with me and anything I set her outside of the appointment’.

‘Vicki’s success is due to her determination and resilience to never let her disability get in the way’.

‘She is trustworthy, honest, straight talking and has a great sense of humour.’

‘I want to plan some more trips around the UK,

maintain my health and continue

to succeed with my business’.

‘Disabled people can learn a lot from Vicki, she can be a role model for people.’

Kerbo Charge helping to improve accessibility on the streets

New EV cable gullies are currently being trialled in local authorities. CEO and co-founder Micheal Goulden talks about his invention and how he plans to make it accessible to all.

World Diabetes Day 2023

Marked every year on the 14 th of November, we come together to celebrate the successes in technology, raise awareness and turn the world blue for a condition affecting so many.

"Why living with a life-long impairment won’t stop me living my best life!"

Retired British disability gymnastic champion Lauren Lethbridge is awe-inspiring as she reveals her rollercoaster of a journey in gymnastics, living with a genetic disorder and a career move into journalism

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“Pauline said, ‘I think we should give this a try’ and it enabled me to keep going for quite

a few more years as a competitive gymnast. I’m so grateful for her”.

‘You didn’t want to punish her because she had an illness.’

‘If you don’t let a diagnosis rule you then you can probably do a lot more than if you do.’

‘I was a gymnast and when I wasn’t had a bit of an existential crisis and I didn’t really know how to think of myself, and it’s probably around that time that I had to consider myself as being disabled.’

‘To get other people’s views can be very reassuring and a good sense of prospective.

Sometimes I need to be kinder to myself’.

“Consistency & transparency” The trials of inaccessible EV public chargers

Tammy faces various challenges at electric charging stations and in this article, she discusses why – And what she feels needs to be done to make them accessible for all!

Ariel Wash Colder Challege Beyond Expectations

Ariel Pods given disabled approval

Goodbye Our Queen

Farewell Ma'am

Academy for Disabled Journalists Launches 2nd Year of Diploma

On the 7 ^{th of} November, Aspire Leisure Centre became hosts to a number of participants, looking to try a new inclusive sport.

Marked every year on the 14 ^{th of} November, we come together to celebrate the successes in technology, raise awareness and turn the world blue for a condition affecting so many.

Ahead of his support of Surrey Domestic Abuse Awareness Week 13 ^th – 19 ^th June 2022