- Health News, Health & Wellbeing - The Independent

The Camerons make appeal for carers and charities that helped their eldest child
By Amol Rajan

Hours after their six-year-old son Ivan died on Wednesday morning, David and Samantha Cameron asked well-wishers not to send them flowers. Instead, the couple said, donations should be sent to one of the many institutions which had helped Ivan, who suffered from a combination of severe epilepsy and cerebral palsy known as Ohtahara syndrome, throughout his brief and difficult life.
If it were possible for good to emerge from the death of their eldest child, the Camerons felt, it would be that these care centres, which have been pillars of hope in the lives of thousands of parents, received the recognition they deserve.
Among them are two hospices linked by an unlikely meeting 14 years ago. Sister Frances Dominica, the British nurse who in 1982 opened the world's first children's hospice, Helen House, in Oxfordshire, was invited for coffee by Kathryn Turner, a 55-year-old administrator working at the React children's charity.
Inspired by Helen House, and galvanised by her meeting with Sister Frances, Ms Turner set about trying to create a similar institution in Hampton, Middlesex. It took her 10 years to raise the funds – £3m – with donations ranging from 10p to £100,000.
Eventually, in 2005, the Shooting Star Children's Hospice was founded. At the time it was one of only eight such hospices in the world; today, it is an international standard-bearer. The Camerons, who spend weekends in the Tory leader's constituency of Witney, in Oxfordshire, used Helen House extensively when away from London. But during the week, they relied even more heavily on the outreach services – meaning nursing visits to the family home in Kensington – provided by Shooting Star.

Open 365 days a year, the hospice offers several types of service, entirely free of charge, to parents of children with disabilities. Aside from outreach staff and day care, it provides "end of life care" to support parents in the final stages of children's lives.

As well as family rooms, children's bedrooms and therapy rooms designed to provide relaxation, Shooting Star has an arts and crafts room, a sensory room with soft furnishings and music, outdoor play areas and a peaceful garden for grieving parents. Its hydrotherapy pool and spa is hugely popular because it gives children freedom they otherwise don't have.

"David and Samantha would have outreach nurses visit them quite regularly," said Dalton Leong, a former Barclay's banker who now works full-time as chief executive at Shooting Star. He added: "They also came to us regularly on our short break scheme, where they would drop Ivan and his brother and sister off with us while they recharge their batteries. Sometimes this would be for a few hours; at other times it would be for a few days."

Mr Cameron has said repeatedly that his political outlook has been conditioned hugely by his experience of hospices, which he as Prime Minister would seek to give greater prominence. With growing demand – the paucity of such facilities means they are hugely over-subscribed – comes growing needs too. The centre, which receives only 8 per cent of its funding from the Department of Health, costs £8,000 per day to run. Its annual fundraising target rose last year, from £2.5m to £3m. With a third of its funding coming from local community donations, Britain's recession is going to make hitting that target difficult this year.

Campaigning from some well-known patrons has helped. These include Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Trevor McDonald, Joan Collins, Richard E Grant, Vince Cable and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, the last of whom donated £500,000 he earned from a Valentine's Day edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? But few people realise the fragility of these centres' finances, the Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley told The Independent yesterday. Hadley has played in several fundraising concerts free of charge for the hospice.

"I was so upset by what happened to Ivan, so upset, as was my wife and everyone we know," he said. "Before I got involved with Shooting Star, I had no idea they received hardly any help from the Government. These places are so fundamental to their communities, and so much good comes of them, that it's just pure scandalous that they struggle for cash. Nothing will bring Ivan back, but if Shooting Star can keep going that will be a wonderful legacy for him to leave."
Wellwishers should sent donations to Mencap, the Friends of St Mary's Hospital or one of three other charities – the Friends of Jack Tizard School; Helen and Douglas House, in Twickenham, and the Shooting Stars House, in Hampton, Middlesex.

Speech-language pathology is the study of disorders that affect a person’s speech, language, cognition, voice, swallowing (dysphagia) and the rehabilitative or corrective treatment of physical and/or cognitive deficits/disorders resulting in difficulty with communication and/or swallowing. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) address people’s speech production, vocal production, swallowing difficulties and language needs through speech therapy in a variety of different contexts including schools, hospitals, and through private practice.

Communication includes speech (articulation, intonation, rate, intensity), language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics), both receptive and expressive language (including reading and writing), and non-verbal communication such as facial expression and gesture. Swallowing problems managed under speech therapy are problems in the oral, laryngeal, and/or pharyngeal stages of swallowing (not oesophageal).

Depending on the nature and severity of the disorder, common treatments may range from physical strengthening exercises, instructive or repetitive practice and drilling, to the use of audio-visual aids and introduction of strategies to facilitate functional communication. Speech therapy may also include sign language and the use of picture symbols (Diehl 2003).

The practice is called:

Speech-language pathology (SLP) in the United States and Canada
Speech and language therapy (SLT) in the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa
Speech pathology in Australia
Speech-language therapy in New Zealand
Other terms in use include speech therapy, logopaedics and phoniatrics.

Contents
1 Scope of practice
2 Professional roles
3 Education
4 Methods of assessment
5 Patients/clients
6 Place of work
7 Colleagues
8 See also
9 External links




Scope of practice
The practice of speech-language pathology involves:

Providing prevention, screening, consultation, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, intervention, management, counseling, and follow-up services for disorders of:
speech (i.e., phonation, articulation, fluency, resonance, and voice including aeromechanical components of respiration);
language (i.e., phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatic/social aspects of communication) including comprehension and expression in oral, written, graphic, and manual modalities; language processing; preliteracy and language-based literacy skills, including phonological awareness;
swallowing or other upper aerodigestive functions such as infant feeding and aeromechanical events (evaluation of esophageal function is for the purpose of referral to medical professionals);
cognitive aspects of communication (e.g., attention, memory, problem solving, executive functions).
sensory awareness related to communication, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive functions.
Establishing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques and strategies including developing, selecting, and prescribing of such systems and devices (e.g., speech generating devices.)
Providing services to individuals with hearing loss and their families/caregivers (e.g.,auditory training; speechreading; speech and language intervention secondary to hearing loss; visual inspection and listening checks of amplification devices for the purpose of troubleshooting, including verification of appropriate battery voltage).
Screening hearing of individuals who can participate in conventional pure-tone air conduction methods, as well as screening for middle ear pathology through screening tympanometry for the purpose of referral of individuals for further evaluation and management.
Using instrumentation (e.g., videofluoroscopy, EMG, nasendoscopy, stroboscopy, computer technology) to observe, collect data, and measure parameters of communication and swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive functions in accordance with the principles of evidence-based practice.
Selecting, fitting, and establishing effective use of prosthetic/adaptive devices for communication, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive functions (e.g., tracheoesophageal prostheses, speaking valves, electrolarynges). This does not include sensory devices used by individuals with hearing loss or other auditory perceptual deficits.
Collaborating in the assessment of central auditory processing disorders and providing intervention where there is evidence of speech, language, and/or other cognitivecommunication disorders.
Educating and counseling individuals, families, co-workers, educators, and other persons in the community regarding acceptance, adaptation, and decision makes about communication, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive concerns.
Advocating for individuals through community awareness, education, and training programs to promote and facilitate access to full participation in communication, including the elimination of societal barriers.
Collaborating with and providing referrals and information to audiologists, educators, and health professionals as individual needs dictate.
Addressing behaviors (e.g., perseverative or disruptive actions) and environments (e.g., seating, positioning for swallowing safety or attention, communication opportunities) that affect communication, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive functions.
Providing services to modify or enhance communication performance (e.g., accent modification, transgendered voice, care and improvement of the professional voice, personal/ professional communication effectiveness).
Recognizing the need to provide and appropriately accommodate diagnostic and treatment services to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and adjust treatment and assessment services according.

Professional roles
Speech-language pathologists serve individuals, families, groups, and the general public through a broad range of professional activities. They:

Identify, define, and diagnose disorders of human communication and swallowing and assist in localization and diagnosis of diseases and conditions.
Provide direct services using a variety of service delivery models to treat and/or address communication, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive concerns.
Conduct research related to communication sciences and disorders, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive functions.
Educate, supervise, and mentor future speech-language pathologists.
Serve as case managers and service delivery coordinators.
Administer and manage clinical and academic programs.
Educate and provide in-service training to families, caregivers, and other professionals.
Participate in outcomes measurement activities and use data to guide clinical decision making and determine the effectiveness of services provided in accordance with the principles of evidence-based practice.
Train, supervise, and manage speech-language pathology assistants and other support personnel.
Promote healthy lifestyle practices for the prevention of communication, hearing, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive disorders.

Education
In the UK( United Kingdom) , SLTs undertake a three to four year degree course devoted entirely to the study of clinical language sciences and communicative disorders. This qualifies them to work in any of the three main clinical areas. The course, which varies according to university, includes intensive study of core theoretical components underpinning competence to practice , Linguistics, Psychology and Medical science, in addition to the study of a range of communicative disorders in children and adults. Students are also expected to become familiar with a range of policies, processes and procedures relevant to working in different contexts, including health and education. The course is very demanding, and is assessed via coursework, exams and clinical placement. Some universities require students to assess and diagnose an ‘unseen client’ prior to completing their degree course; all require the completion of a pilot study related to the field of Speech and Language Therapy. Throughout the course, students undertake a variety of clinical placements in which their ability to practise is continually assessed. All courses require students to complete a certain amount of hours of clinical placement, although the structure of placement differs from course to course.

Upon qualifying SLT’s enter the profession as a newly-qualified practitioner. The recommended career course is that they then achieve a number of competencies, which qualify them to work autonomously. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, the professional body representing Speech and Language Therapists in the UK, provides a framework of competencies which therapists are expected to achieve within 12–18 months of beginning clinical practice. Access to supervision during this period varies from trust to trust, and each individual therapist is expected to provide documentary evidence of competencies achieved to a senior colleague (usually a manager) who determines whether a therapist meets the required criteria for admission to the ‘full register’.

Speech and Language Therapists in the UK are required by law to register with the Health Professions Council, a regulatory body governing a range of health professions. The Health Professions Council has the power to discipline members who do not meet the rigorous standards for effective and safe clinical practice, and may ’strike off’ or deregister members who fail to maintain these standards.

In the United States, Speech Language Pathology practice is regulated by the laws of the individual states. However, by 2006, the minimal requirements to be a certified SLP member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association were: a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology, which typically entails 2 years of post graduate work; a completed clinical fellowship year, which is generally employment for a year while supervised by a practicing SLP who is also ASHA certified; and passing the Praxis Series examination. The graduate degree work to acquire a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology is rigorous and demanding, requiring many hours of supervised clinical practica, and intensive didactic coursework in medical sciences, phonetics, linguistics, phonology, scientific methodology, and other subjects.

Certification by ASHA is noted as carrying one’s “C”s. (Certificate of Clinical Competence) It is noted after an SLP’s name as: CCC-SLP.

In Australia, Speech Pathologists either undertake a four year undergraduate degree, or a two year Masters degree to qualify. These dual pathways are considered by Speech Pathology Australia to produce equally prepared graduates. To be eligible for optional membership of Speech Pathology Australia, students must study in one of the accredited courses outlined on their website. Speech Pathology degrees in Australia vary in curriculum, but always include streams teaching anatomy and physiology, professional practice, communication and swallowing disorders, and often some elementary psychology and audiology. Most include no or minimal elective subjects. All degrees include a heavy clinical component, and many also include a research component in final year. Once graduated, students become fully qualified Speech Pathologists and are eligible for any Level 1 position, without the need for an internship or general examination. Registration is only required in the state of Queensland, and membership of the professional organization is optional, although it is encouraged.


Methods of assessment
There are separate standardized assessment tools administered for infants, school-aged children, adolescents and adults. Assessments primarily examine the form, content, understanding and use of language, as well as articulation, and phonology. Oral motor and swallowing assessments often require specialized training which includes the use of bedside examination tools and endoscopic/modified barium radiology procedures.

Individuals may be referred to an SLP for the following: Traumatic brain injury; Stroke; Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; Cranial nerve damage; Progressive neurological conditions (Parkinson, ALS, etc); Developmental delay; Learning disability (speaking and listening); Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger Syndrome); Genetic disorders that adversely affect speech, language and/or cognitive development; Injuries due to complications at birth; Feeding and swallowing concerns; Craniofacial anamolies that adversely affect speech, language and/or cognitive development; and Augmentative Alternative Communication needs.

There are myriad Speech-Language Assessment tools used for chidren and adults, depending on the area of need.


Patients/clients
Speech and language therapists work with:

Babies with feeding and swallowing difficulties
Children with mild, moderate or severe:
learning difficulties
physical disabilities, language delay
specific language impairment
specific difficulties in producing sounds (including vocalic r and lisps)
hearing impairment
cleft palate
stammering
autism/social interaction difficulties
dyslexia
voice disorders
Adults with eating and swallowing and/or communication problems following
stroke
head injury (Traumatic brain injury)
Parkinson’s disease
motor neuron disease
multiple sclerosis
Huntington’s disease
dementia
cancer of the head, neck and throat (including laryngectomy)
voice problems
mental health issues
learning difficulties, physical disabilities
stammering (dysfluency)
hearing impairment
transsexual women seeking voice therapy
In the United States, the cost of speech therapy for a child younger than three years old is likely covered by the state early intervention (zero to three) program.

In Britain, the majority of Speech and Language therapy is funded by the National Health Service (and increasingly, by partners in Education) meaning that initial assessment is available cost-free to all clients at the point of service, regardless of age or presenting problem. The large numbers of referrals contribute to high caseloads and long waiting lists, although this differs from area to area. To meet the needs of many of these clients, it has become necessary for many services to focus heavily on training and consultative models of service provision. The number of hours of direct therapy available to clients varies widely from trust to trust and most areas operate strict guidelines for prioritisation to meet the high clinical demand.


Place of work
Speech and language therapists work in community health centres, hospital wards and outpatient departments, mainstream and special schools, further education colleges, day centers and in their clients’ homes. Some now work in courtrooms, prisons and young offenders’ institutions.

Some speech and language therapists who work independently will see children and adults in their own homes, and may offer appointments on a Saturday.


Colleagues
SLTs/SLPs work closely with others involved with the client, for example difficulties with eating and drinking may also involve an occupational therapist. Speech and language therapists also work closely with parents and caregivers and other professionals, such as audiologists, teachers, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, and doctors.

Event in February more information

LOGICALLY ILLOGICAL
Information and insight into autism
Ros Blackburn
4:15pm – 6:15pm

Ros Blackburn is an adult with autism. At three months old she appeared withdrawn, isolated and very much in a world of her own. At eighteen months she was diagnosed very severely autistic but with average intellectual ability. Now at 39 Ros lectures nationally and internationally giving insight into her own experiences and the care and education practices she has observed. In spite of the severe limitations imposed by her condition, Ros displays great courage (and a strong sense of humour) in facing her fears and tackling life’s challenges.

In this talk Ros will draw on her experience of living with severe autism and her considerable experience both as a recipient of services and increasingly as an observer of education and care approaches. Ros brings a perspective that is unique and yet speaks to all her audience: people with an autism spectrum disorder, carers, families, educators and the planners and providers of these services. Ros tells it ‘as it is’. She does not disguise the fear and limitations which are part of her daily experience. Yet she is also able to convey her wonderful capacity for fun and zest for life and her refusal to accept ‘second best’ for herself or for others. She describes the approach taken by her parents to give her what she now describes as the ‘veneer of social competence’ that enables her to engage in a still largely autism-unfriendly world. She explores with humour and passion the ‘mistakes’ from which she has had to learn and some of her coping strategies. From these she is able to offer helpful advice on practical strategies (and even more helpful advice on what not to do!) Her talk also illustrates the problems of having an uneven profile of strengths and weaknesses, where often the strengths mask her very real difficulties and needs. She does not advocate any one approach except that we should remember that people with ASD are people too and that ‘common sense’ should apply. Her position can best be summarised as an insistence on the need for high expectations for people with ASD linked with equally high levels of support. In a quote from her mother, Ros pleads that one should ‘never make autism the excuse, but help the person overcome the problems caused by it’.

Finally, it is Ros’ wish that all those who attend her talks find them helpful and informative but above all that the experience is entertaining and full of fun.

Beyond Boundaries Live, the UK's leading event for people with disabilities, has undergone a major transformation following this year's event. The 2009 show is set to be the biggest and best yet as it moves to Farnborough's FIVE venue and extends both its exhibitor and feature content. The next event, which is based on the highly acclaimed Beyond Boundaries TV series, takes place on 4th & 5th July 2009. Offering an inspirational and fun day out for people with disabilities, their families, carers and those working in the disability market, the 2009 event has been re-designed and expanded to provide an even greater visitor experience.

The new look show will see a host of activities and features - ranging from sporting challenges, a rock climbing wall and a ski slope through to a Paralympic experience, cooking demonstrations and an off road test track. There will also be a larger number of exhibitors than ever before offering a comprehensive range of products and services for the disabled market. Zinc Events, organisers of the event, has appointed AEO Award winning Event Director, Mark Brewster to lead a new team to bring Beyond Boundaries Live to life within its new home. The team has been appointed with the specific remit of creating a truly experiential event, providing fresh and exciting content for an audience eager to live life the full.

Commenting on plans for 2009, Mark Brewster says: "Beyond Boundaries is already firmly established as the most dynamic event for people with disabilities. We are now working with a host of new partners and sponsors, all of whom share a vision of the exciting possibilities for its further growth. We are looking forward to engaging with an even wider audience via a national marketing campaign and delivering an event that provides huge value for exhibitors and sponsors on a commercial level, whilst also offering an inspirational and exhilarating experience for visitors."Mark adds: "The new venue allows for the natural expansion of the show year-on-year, whilst Farnborough also offers ideal access to a wider audience in a more central location, at the heart of the Southern counties." Beyond Boundaries will also have a fresh new logo and interactive website to be launched mid-January 2009. For further details about Beyond

Boundaries Live visit http://www.beyondboundarieslive.co.uk/Beyond Boundaries Live

I was browsing the newspapers online line and I came across the following article in my Local Gazette and it really touched me and brought back memories of the Unit from when I used to attend, (at Middlesbrough General Hospital) I wanted to share it with you all

Great work!
Children’s centre ‘excellent’ says Ofsted inspector
CHILDREN with disabilities are getting off to the best start possible thanks to an “outstanding” education and therapy centre.




The Cleveland Unit, based at the James Cook University Hospital, achieved outstanding grades across the board in a recent Ofsted report.

This is the second time the unit has been inspected by Ofsted and the second time it has received the highest possible rating.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for all of the staff,” said Liz Pickard, headteacher of the unit which cares for children with complex needs up to the age of five.

Funded by Middlesbrough Council and local health trusts, the unit currently has 61 children on its roll with a wide range of conditions including Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, severe learning difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism and life-limiting illnesses.

The unit has its own sensory garden and four colourful classrooms containing everything from story books to toy dinosaurs.

Liz said: “It’s absolutely wonderful to work here. We have fantastic staff and a dedicated team.

“At the end of the day it’s all about the children - improving outcomes for them and ensuring they get the best possible start to early years education.

“Standards are rising all the time and Ofsted has raised the bar significantly this year.

“My thanks go to all of the staff, support staff and therapists and all of the parents and carers who support us and fundraise tirelessly.”
In her report, Ofsted inspector Vivienne Dempsey said: “Staff provide an exceptional environment where all children are nurtured and staff recognise the uniqueness of each child.

“Children's learning and development is exceptional in relation to their starting points and capabilities.”

Liz said: “All children deserve the very best in early years services and nursery education.

“We have all worked very hard over the last two years to further develop our assessment nursery.”

Dianne Cocker of Linthorpe, whose son Blake, three, recently started at the centre, said: “Even though we know they are coming here because they have disabilities we feel they are at an advantage because it’s a wonderful nursery. The children practically get one on one care and they have got good facilities.”

Chief executive of South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, Simon Pleydell, said he was not surprised the unit had done so well as its staff do an exceptional job.

He said: “The unit was again awarded ‘outstanding’ status which is virtually unprecedented on a national basis and is a major achievement for all the agencies involved.”

Councillor Mike Carr, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for children, families and learning, said: “This terrific report is a credit to the headteacher and the staff who can all be justly proud of their achievements.

“All our young people deserve the best possible start in life, and it is abundantly clear that at the Cleveland Unit they are getting just that.”


The unit’s next ambition is to develop its outdoor play area. To make a donation contact Liz on 01642 854288.

We enable YOU to have the holiday YOU want by supporting YOU with what YOU need.

Hi,

Supported Holidays was formed in 2002 by Sue Osman. The company provides holidays for people with disabilities on the Costa Del Sol, Spain.
The Mission Statement of the company is;
“To provide the very highest level of care and support to enable guests to experience the best holiday that they can have”.
Sue has worked in the field of care since leaving school 17 years ago, initially as a care assistant and for many years and as both a Registered Care Home Manager and Supported Living Housing Manager within the following registered categories:

o Learning Disabilities
o Physical Disabilities
o Mental Health
o Hearing & Visually Impaired
o Older People
o Challenging Behaviour


The desire to offer something new for holidays was born out of the frustration to book quality holidays for her Service Users. The usual week of a cottage in the Cotswolds or a caravan at Great Yarmouth came with the problems of quality and staffing costs. She has always sought to encourage her service users to achieve and experience the very best they can and the opportunity for foreign travel should be amongst those experiences.

Guests are now flying to Spain from all over the UK. Each holiday booked in the culmination of many hours of discussion. Every guest is different, the emotional and physical requirements of the guest is the primary concern. Activities and trips are discussed and can be as simple as lying by the pool to boat trips to see the dolphins.

The holiday that is provided is one that guests have chosen; there are no restrictions, no must haves, no dos or don’ts, other than health and safety issues.
Care is provided as required, from 1 – 2 hours personal care to 24 hour full support. Individual guests, couples and small groups usually stay in the purpose built accommodation within the family villa. Larger groups can be accommodation in another 5 bed roomed villa less than 100 meters away. Our holidays are usually based upon 3 guests to 1 staff ratio.

We also have a new project under the ‘Supported Holidays.co.uk’ umbrella based in Antequera run by a couple that worked for us in 2007.
Supported Holidays is a unique service, individually tailoring two different types of holiday packages to meet the needs of our guests. The '24-Hour Fully Inclusive Supported Holiday (FISH) and the (FLEXI) Holiday Package'.

The Fully Inclusive Supported Holiday (FISH);

Our accessible user-friendly database allows guests to make decisions about their day, from going on a day trip to where and what they want to eat.

Prices include:

• Return flights from UK airports
• Support at the Airports ~ This is arranged with the airline & the Passenger Handling Dept at time the of booking flights to ensure all your support needs will be met
• Return private air-conditioned transfers ~ A member of our team will greet you at Malaga Airport and to drive you to your accommodation, and again for your return journey.
• Accommodation ~ The private fully wheelchair accessible apartment is in the grounds of our family villa which means you have support at hand when needed. The apartment consists of two twin bedrooms, large wet room, specialised equipment, internal alarm systems, TV video & DVD player , stereo, play-station and drinks making facilities. Outside there are terraces, gardens, fruit trees, laundry room, bar area, swimming pool & BBQ.
We also have many luxury villas and apartments nearby for larger groups.
• Towels, Linen & Bathrobes ~ Bath & Beach towels provided and changed daily.
• On Site Toiletries – A selection of toiletries are available, this includes: shampoo, shower gel, soap, toothpaste, sun lotions, aftersun, etc
• Medication Administration ~ All staff are trained to administer M.A.R.R / Dosset Box medication. We require information regarding medication contraindications and side effects.
• Money Management ~ We support guests with all aspects of money management i.e. budgeting spending money, safe keeping and advice on value for money.
• Welcome Packs ~ Includes typical Spanish & English snacks & a bottle of bubbly!
• Professional Support ~ At hand 24 hours a day
• All Meals ~ including, served breakfast, packed lunches & meals out. We can also provide a packed snack for guests return journey.
• Full Day trips ~ Everyday. Visiting attractions of your choice from our ‘Activities Folder’ i.e. boat trips, horse riding, animal & adventure parks etc. All attractions are audited for suitability. All entrance fee’s are included.
• Evenings Out ~ Every night. Restaurants, bars & shows
• Personalised Photo Album ~ Photos are taken throughout the holiday and an album is presented to you at the end of your holiday so you can take your memories home with you. We may need to post the last day’s photo’s to you.
• Laundry Service ~ Most clothes will be washed ready for you to take home clean with you.
• Cleaning Service ~ The bedrooms and en suite wet room will be freshly prepared daily.
• Shopping Service ~ We go to the shops most days so if you need anything just let us know, or if you want and you’ve got time you can always come with us.
• 24 hour on-call service ~ A pre-programmed mobile phone is provided.
• Communication ~ All guests can be contacted on either the villa’s landline or on the On-Call Managers mobile.
• Daily Reports ~ For those guests that require a written daily report
• Snacks & Drinks ~ Freely available at the villa
• FREE Bar ~ at the villa
• Phone Calls ~ Guests are welcome to use the villa telephone to call their families and carers (within reason of course!)
• Supported Holidays Souvenir
• Destination Souvenir
• Public Liability Insurance
• Returned Forgotten Items (within reason)
• Christmas Card & Gift
• Birthday Card

What’s NOT Included:

• Travel & Medical Insurance
• Extra drinks when out
• Transport to and from UK departure airport
• Any invasive treatment that is needed, however we do provide escort, advice and translations of medical services
• Any spending money for gifts, postcards & other personal items

2009 Prices;

Our 2009 prices are based upon guests confirming their holidays dates during 2008.The total cost for the above package is £999 per person per week; any additional weeks are at a discounted rate of £899.

Holidays booked in 2009 are £999 plus flight costs to Malaga. If booked in advance flights can cost as little as £50 return, short notice flights may cost up to £200 return plus.

During 2009 we are also offering the following packages (please contact us for further details):

• Winter Sun Packages: Jan, Feb & March 2009 (Includes skiing)
• Portugal: 7 – 14 April 2009
• 4 day mini-cruise to Amsterdam: 15 – 18 May 2009
• 5 day Mediterranean cruise: Dates to be confirmed
• Christmas 2009 in Tenerife

Our other project are specialising in holiday for families with children with disabilities. Further information available upon request.
If you, a family member, a friend or service user would like to experience Spain and all that it offers review the website, read the testimonials but most importantly call or email to let Sue know.
Please advise us on your preferred holiday dates ASAP to avoid disappointment as we are getting booked up already for 2009 with repeat bookings from our regular guests.
FREE no obligation booking forms are available upon request.
We look forward to hearing from you,



Sue Osman
Supported Holidays ©

Naidex is the national homecare, disability and rehabilitation exhibition. The event attracts healthcare professionals (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nursing professionals) and members of the public with a disability, the elderly, their family and carers. All will be looking for the latest developments, advice and information to improve independent living.

This year the event had a 5% increase in visitor numbers to 10,799 (ABC audited) and 85% of space has already been taken! The next show takes place on the 28th - 30th April 2009 at the NEC, Birmingham. The event is getting bigger and bigger and is seen as the place to come to get all your information needs under one roof.
Over 350 exhibitors will be at Naidex 2009 including The Stroke Association, British Polio Fellowship, Whizz-Kidz, Wheelchair Children, Vitalise, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, the National Trust, the Blue Badge Network, Independent Living Funds, Ricability, ASBAH, Canine Partners and the Disabled Living Foundation - who run the show information point.

Naidex is the ideal platform to raise your profile, get your message across and meet thousands of healthcare professionals and members of the public with a disability face to face.

Please contact Stephen Illingworth for more details - 0207 728 3724 / stephen.illingworth@emap.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Naidex 2009!

Young people with learning disabilities need better options when they leave school, writes Janet Murray
Janet Murray
The Guardian

When Sam, her daughter, left school, Carol Robbie hoped she would continue her education. But when her college application was turned down, her mother didn't know where to turn. Sam, who has severe learning disabilities, dyspraxia, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism, had very limited options.
"I could understand why the college said no," says Robbie. "Given her needs, they felt they couldn't guarantee Sam's safety. Still, I was absolutely gutted."
Robbie needed to continue working full time, so day care was the only option. But Robbie was unhappy with her local respite centre: "The carers were nice, but the activities on offer were totally inappropriate. There was no progression. It seemed more about keeping Sam occupied than helping her move on."
There are an estimated 210,000 people with severe and profound learning disabilities in England. Many young people, like Sam, end up in inappropriate adult day centres once they have left school or find themselves isolated, without any services. Fewer than one in 20 go into paid work.
A government white paper called Valuing People, published in 2001, promised greater rights, inclusion, independence and choice for young people with learning difficulties. It recognised the need to start planning their transition to college or work from the age of 14.
Research carried out by the Norah Fry research centre a year later suggested a fifth of young people had left school without a transition plan. Almost half had little or no involvement in planning for their future. There were few options available to them, particularly when it came to employment.
In Valuing People, the government recognised that some college courses and some day-care provision were unsuitable for young adults with learning disabilities. Inappropriate courses and day care were cut, but in many cases they have not been replaced with something better.
A recent Learning and Skills Council (LSC) report shows college places have been cut by almost 15%.
Provision is patchy and access to opportunities can be a postcode lottery. But there are examples of good practice.
The Leighton project in Camden, north London, helps 16- to 25-year-olds move into paid work, training or further education.
The two-year programme, currently funded by the LSC, offers life skills, vocational training and a three-month work experience placement, one day a week.
Work placements
Yagmir Onglu, 22, has just finished a placement at Highgate library, helping with shelving, tidying and issuing books. She says: "Since I started the course I feel like a grown-up person. I'm an adult now, not a baby."
Kevin Riley, 21, did his work experience at John Lewis on Oxford Street. He shadowed another employee, helping to put stock on the shelves. With the support of project staff, he was able to travel independently to work from his home in Tottenham.
Before this, both Onglu and Riley had completed various college courses, typical of those available to young adults with learning disabilities. These may suit some, says project manager Jenny Pounde, but for many, there is a lack of progression.
"The frustrating thing is that after two years with us, some of our young people do get to the point where they are ready to work," says Pounde. "They need some support to get started, perhaps for someone to work alongside them for a few weeks or months, but there is no funding for that. Fast-forward a few months, and they can be back to square one."
Employers can be reluctant to provide opportunities for young people with learning disabilities, particularly as some can only manage part-time work and often need to work close to home.
Rabbi Yitzchak Freeman, chief executive of the special-needs charity Kisharon, which provides care and education for members of the Jewish community with learning disabilities, agrees there is very little funding for supported employment.
He cites an example of a pilot scheme in north London that had £150,000 worth of funding to employ 15 "job coaches" to support young adults with learning disabilities. "The funding dried up after a year, and that was the end of that," he says.
Low expectations
Freeman believes employers are missing out. "Unfortunately, as a society, we've developed low expectations of people with learning disabilities. It's not uncommon to see people with learning disabilities working in your local supermarket, but that's not the only job they can do.
"They can be such a great asset. They are highly motivated, reliable, have a positive attitude, a good work ethic and can offer a good length of service."
At Kisharon's Asher Loftus business centre, a social enterprise for young adults with learning disabilities, positions are on offer in a variety of businesses, including a bike shop, repair workshop, print shop and wood turning.
"In our print shop, they are creasing, folding, stapling, packaging and stuffing envelopes. In the cycle shop, we've been able to train young adults with learning difficulties to do routine bike servicing - dismantling, lubricating, reassembling the bikes," says Freeman.
He believes the government has a responsibility to support the commercial sector to provide suitable employment opportunities, perhaps providing tax breaks or other incentives.
Employers, too, must face up to their responsibilities. According to the Disability Discrimination Act, employers are legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to help disabled people to work. "For those with learning disabilities, a reasonable adjustment might be to offer a verbal application process and a trial period," says Freeman.
Government promises
Valuing People Now, a white paper published last December, has acknowledged the shortcomings of Valuing People. The government is promising £19m in funding for transition support and a transition plan for every young person, with the aim of getting them into college or employment when they leave school.
After a year in an unsuitable day-care centre, Sam Robbie's mother heard about a residential centre for young adults with similar levels of disability.
"Some people think that I'm heartless putting my daughter into residential care, but actually I'm giving her some independence, moving her on.
"She's in a more stimulating environment, she has friends. She's been to see Mamma Mia!, had a caravan holiday, gone bowling, and learned circus skills. She's learned to make her bed, she's done ironing. I'd never have been able to do that with her at home.
"What is important at this stage is that she is progressing, becoming more independent and leading a full life, which she has every right to do. I realise we are lucky. If we lived in a different part of the country, it could have been a completely different story."
· The charity Enable Scotland has produced a free CD-rom to guide young people through the transition to adulthood.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new project in France that is offering accessible and supported holidays for disabled people.

We are English, but have been living in France for 5 years and have spent that time renovating/converting an old cotton mill on the banks of the River Jaudy in La Roche Derrien.
The specific aim was to be able to offer a fully accessible environment where disabled people could come and stay, as individuals, groups or as a family and everybody could enjoy themselves and relax.

We not only offer the accommodation, but also equipment hire, adapted transport, support workers and much more. We are on hand at all times to ensure that peoples needs are met as far as possible.

The Cotton Mill has been transformed into six light and airy apartments, all with level access showers, raised toilets, grab rails, wheel under sinks, etc the garden itself is also accessible with large seating areas, bbq's, children's play area, etc too. With off road parking it is an ideal setting for anyone who wishes to visit the area.

There is a lot of information on our website - www.ineedaholidaytoo.com which has great photos of each apartment, the area, the equipment, has measurements of apartments, doors, heights of beds, etc. All the important things that invariably any disabled traveller would want to know in advance!

Best Wishes and thank you for your time.

Jacqui Alban

www.ineedaholidaytoo.com

Caring responsibilities can place a huge strain on employees, both physically and mentally, and can potentially have negative effects on their productivity and wellbeing. Chris Phillips looks at the legal obligations and business benefits of supporting carers in the workplace.
With an estimated one in seven UK employees having caring responsibilities outside work, the impact of a recent judgment by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is set to be hugely significant. It will force employers to re-examine and broaden the reach of their equal opportunities and flexible working policies.
According to recent government figures, only 7% of people realise carers have the right to request flexible working. However, those caring for disabled children have had the right to request flexible working arrangements for a number of years and this was extended to carers of adults from April 2007. As a result, a new government-led awareness campaign about the rights of carers will be launched this year in a bid to avoid similar situations, such as those scrutinised at the recent ECJ trial.
"Only 7% of people realise carers have the right to request flexible working."
The case in question was brought by Sharon Coleman, primary care-giver for her disabled son, who requires specialised care. She accepted voluntary redundancy from her employer and subsequently lodged a disability discrimination claim alleging she was treated less favourably because she had to care for her son.
She was reportedly told she was not allowed to return to work following maternity leave, denied the flexibility of hours, and suffered abusive and insulting comments about both her and her son. Ms Coleman faced difficulties due to the wording of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), which says a person can only make a claim if they have been treated in a discriminatory manner because of their own disability.
However, the DDA, as with all UK discrimination legislation, is based on a European directive. It states discrimination should be prohibited if it is on the grounds of disability, rather than the employee's own disability. Ms Coleman's case, therefore, highlighted how UK government has not properly implemented the European directive. Her argument has been successful, with the court ruling protection from disability discrimination should not be restricted to those who are themselves disabled, but will extend to individuals like Ms Coleman, who are caring for a disabled person.
Current legislation criticised
It comes as the current flexible working legislation has been criticised for lacking teeth as compensation can, in many cases, be limited to eight weeks pay capped at the statutory limit, currently £330 per week. The possibility of bringing a tribunal claim, which results in a substantial pay-out, has opened up to more potential claimants if they can show the person they are caring for is disabled and they have been treated less favourably than colleagues, because of their responsibilities.
The Coleman judgment and the prospect of the awareness campaign means employers have work to do. Caring can place a huge strain on employees, both physically and mentally, so it's unsurprising that one in every five carers give up work to care full-time. It falls on management to review policies and practices to create a culture where the specific needs of carers can be met in the workplace without fear of reprisal. Case studies illustrating how flexible working has, or could potentially benefit an organisation is one way of doing this.
One in two members of the Institute of Directors recently surveyed indicated there was a noticeable impact on their bottom-line from implementing flexible working arrangements. All the measured effects of flexible working were found to be positive, including the impact on, among others, productivity, profitability, customer service and absenteeism.
"One in every five carers give up work to care full-time."
Policy is only one aspect, but this must be underpinned by training for line managers who are putting policies into practice. Training should not just focus on the mechanics of a flexible working request, but should consider the employee's responsibilities as a carer so the manager understands the employee's needs and can properly balance this with the needs of the organisation.
If individuals feel able to approach management about their responsibilities, it means the need for time out of the workplace can be planned, rather than coming in the form of unexpected absences. Support from larger employers can also come from in-house carer networking groups, whereas employers of all sizes can benefit from links with organisations such as Carers UK, which has recently set up a new membership forum called Employers for Carers.
Many carers want and, indeed, need to work. However, they are required to juggle two jobs, their paid employment and their caring responsibilities, both of which are rewarding and demanding in their own ways. The employer who provides a supportive environment in which both roles can co-exist is the employer most likely to reap its own rewards and avoid costly legal action.
Chris Phillips is a partner in the employment team at Maclay Murray & Spens LLP.

Welfare reforms due to be unveiled - including abolition of the incapacity benefit system - will "transform lives", says minister James Purnell.

The work and pensions secretary said they would offer more help to return to work, but responsibility was "vital".

There are also plans to force long-term unemployed people to work for benefits, according to a draft leaked on Friday.

Tory leader David Cameron said it was "great" the government had taken up ideas recently proposed by his party.

He promised the government the support of Conservative MPs to get the measures in the Welfare Green Paper through Parliament if they faced a rebellion by Labour backbenchers.

Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr show Mr Purnell said the proposals for England and Wales were "revolutionary" and would put responsibility "right at the heart of the welfare state". The worst thing about the old system was, people were given no help at all... to improve their health, to get back to work, to improve their confidence

James Purnell

The draft paper - to be published on Monday - said there could be "no right to a life on benefits" for anyone capable of working.

Mr Purnell said he welcomed Tory support because it meant doing "the right thing for the country", but said the Conservatives were placing the emphasis on responsibility without providing any support.

On incapacity benefit he said the old payments would be scrapped, claimants reassessed and a "completely different benefit" introduced.

"The worst thing about the old system was, people were given no help at all. They weren't given help to improve their health, to get back to work, to improve their confidence.

"We will make sure for the first time that everybody gets that help. And one of the revolutionary things that happen is that we will be using the benefits that we would have spent if people had stayed on the benefit... to get them back into health and back into work."

He said the government wanted to get one million people off incapacity benefit by 2015.

In February government welfare adviser David Freud suggested less than a third of the 2.7m people claiming the benefit were doing so legitimately.

'Tough choices'

Friday's leaked report said ministers were also proposing a "work for dole" scheme, requiring people to do "full-time activities" to benefit themselves and their community.

It said everyone other than severely disabled people, carers and parents of young children should be expected to look and train for work.

People who do not take up the offer of support would lose benefits, said Mr Purnell.

Giving his response to the Green Paper, Mr Cameron said: "Great - the government has taken up our ideas. I am absolutely thrilled at that.

"What (Mr Purnell) has done is very much taken the ideas we came up with in January, that are very clearly thought through and involve tough choices."

Mr Purnell said he "completely disagreed" that the proposals would be unpopular with some Labour colleagues.

"I think that people who see the way incapacity benefit or drug addiction or deep unemployment can scar communities are desperate to turn that round and when I speak to my colleagues they want a system that provides support for people, but also responsibility."

The government had already announced plans to make young people who have been out of school, training or a job for six months to do at least four weeks' "work-related activity".

The document suggests extending that to the long-term unemployed and says while it has yet to consult on how the schemes would work, they would involve "individuals engaging in a variety of full-time activities of value to themselves, their community and prospective employers."

A British woman has won a landmark legal case which gives carers the same rights against employment discrimination as disabled people.

The European Court of Justice ruled Sharon Coleman suffered discrimination by association over her resignation from her legal secretary role in 2005.

She left London firm Attridge Law as she was not allowed flexibility to care for her son, who has hearing problems.

The court ruled primary care givers were entitled to equal treatment.

Employment and discrimination barrister Ed Williams, of London law firm Cloisters, said: "The significance of this ruling cannot be overstated.

"There are literally millions of carers in the UK and the rest of the EU who now have greater protection against discrimination."

'Unwanted conduct'

Previously the Advocate-General had agreed that Ms Coleman suffered "discrimination by association".

In its ruling the European court said the prohibition of direct discrimination "is not limited only to people who are disabled".

It found the treatment of Ms Coleman amounted to harassment and discrimination.

The legal secretary claimed her former employers described her as "lazy" for wanting time off to care for her son Oliver, who was born in 2002.

She said she was not allowed to work from home or work flexible hours.

Oliver suffers from hearing problems, and serious respiratory problems, including apnoeic attacks - an involuntary halt to breathing.

She also said she was forced to take voluntary redundancy because she was not allowed as much flexibility in her work as parents of other children.

She began a claim for constructive dismissal and disability discrimination five months after her resigning.

To people with impaired movement, the mobility scooter represents freedom to enjoy life and take part in the activities many others take for granted.

Shopping, socialising or just getting some fresh air can be a lot easier with the right scooter.To help people get the most out of a mobility scooter, Stockton Shopmobility joined forces with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council for the Scoot Safe Campaign.On Wednesday 20, Thursday 21 and Friday 22 June 2007 the Shopmobility team was in Stockton High Street and invited anyone who had a scooter, or was thinking of getting one, to come along and learn how to drive them safely.There were demonstrations and a test track to try out the latest models.

Carers and family members were also welcome to attend and learn more about mobility scooters.For more information about the Scoot Safe Campaign, call Stockton Shopmobility Ltd on (01642) 605676.

I also got my five minutes of fame, coming across the crossing in my powerchair

Well it’s Saturday and it’s my chill out day, the carers have just left and tomorrow is there last day, as Mum is so much more independent that she feels she can mange now so decided to cancel the service. People might be thinking why cancel it early on but I see it as a good thing because much is doing 99% of it herself now which shows how much she has improved in such a short space of time. Well Done Mum!!! And thank you to the team of people who have helped her achieve this, without your help Mum might have had to stay in hospital longer.
The carer that came this morning is really funny and it feels like we have known each other for years, but this is mainly due to the fact that I used the same scheme a few years back and as soon as she came to the house, we remembered each other straight away. Anyway she was sorting out the washing up and drying the dishes for us, and then she said shall I show you how to make a chicken out of a tea towel, I thought oh my god you are having a laugh, but no she folded the tea towel a few times and there it was a chicken made from a tea towel, it was so funny. Ah well it’s been good while it lasted! Well Mum is in the kitchen right now and guess what she is facing the right way!!!! Which means I might get a cup of tea?

Sunday was slightly out of the ordinary for us, we woke to a beautiful sunny day and I thought this isn’t bad for the time of year. We waited for the carers to come for the final time and then the day was ours to do what we liked, or so it seemed to start with. I was sat on my computer chatting to a couple of people and writing away and Mum had the TV on then all of a sudden Mum said it looks might black out there, so I wheeled into the kitchen to see what was going on, and low and behold there was the blackest clouds of smoke you have ever seen from the house opposite and within a matter of minutes 3 fire engines were on seen. Luckily everyone was safe and the fire was sorted out.

Last night I went to bed and carried on reading an amazing called Keep on keeping on written by a friend of mine in America, I will talk about this soon. Anyway I got to the point where I could put it down and off I went to sleep

Mum is doing really good from a mobility point, but we are having a few down days at the moment, which is understandable and we are dealing with the phantom pains they seem to be getting less, although it depends from day to day.

It's like wacky races in the house now when we both in our chairs can be funny at times, its like 1 wheel forward and 2 back, we have now had our first week at home and I think we are doing well. On Sunday we did a curry together which was nice although we were both tired after it. Although Mum gets tired quickly I think she has managed the wheelchair really well, turns better than me at times.

Healing well
Well Mum has been home now for 2 weeks and everything seems to be healing well or it seems to be. The pain still seems quite a lot still so I am hoping as things settle down, the pain will start to go. Mum is doing well and even the carers can see a difference in her, I see a difference but not as much as they do because I see it every day, but because we have a number of different carers coming in and out they can see it.

Considering the ulcer was very severe it is amazing how well things are healing up now, it gives hope for when the therapy programme starts. Who knows we might go together, me at one end of the bars and Mum at the other. Tomorrow we go back to see the Consultant so we are hoping that he will be pleased as to how things are healing also, Mum is hoping that she will be signed off from seeing him, although we will have to wait and see.

Mum doing ok

Well by the second day Mum was out of bed and sat in the chair to my great surprise, and it was great to see as I wasn't expecting it this quick. We went from strength to strength from that day, everyday I visited and I could see a big change.

After the weekend I had an access visit to our house from Occupational Therapy, so that they could assess things for Mum coming home. We are quite luck because the house has been adapted for me, so the assessment didn't take long and I knew that everything was going to be fine for her to home.

Sure enough 1 week to the day of the operation Mum finally came home and we were back together again. The home care service was put in place straight away, which was a great help to both of us, because I wasn't sure how much Mum could do. We have this care package for 6 weeks everyday up to 4 times a day to help Mum gain her independence with support from the fully team of carers and therapists.