9 October, 2009

Leading specialist employment service Remploy is urging the NHS to give more jobs to disabled people.


Chief executive Tim Matthews, former chief executive of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Trust, was speaking at a diversity conference in London organised by the trust.

Questioning whether the NHS is doing enough to promote diversity, he said health service organisations have an important leadership role in finding work for disabled people.

He said that although much has been done to develop disability equality schemes, they have been slow in ensuring more and better jobs for disabled people.

He stressed that the NHS and care sectors play a central role in helping people with learning disabilities and mental health problems achieve their employment potential.

He said that the NHS must ensure that their own workforces represent the communities in which they operate, including employing more disabled people.

Whether you are entering the workforce for the first time, returning to the job market, or seeking advancement, the challenges of a job search are similar. Your goal is to find the position that best meets your needs. You must be qualified and able to sell yourself as the best applicant for the jobs for which you apply. Here are some tips that can help you in meeting your job search goal.

Have a strong sense of who you are. Know your assets and how to market them to employers. Be as confident as possible that you are the best applicant for the job and reflect that in all communications by voice and in writing.

Follow the current job trends. Take the initiative to maintain cutting edge skills that match changing employer requirements. Take classes that are not only of interest to you, but also bolster your workforce qualifications. Learn another language. Take a computer course. Join job networking groups.
Be prepared to increase your technical computer skills with various software and office equipment. Computer skills and offerings change quickly. Be flexible and ready. This always increases your marketability in the job market.
Conduct online job searches in addition to searches in the classifieds and personal referrals. Visit employer Web pages and key job sites such as:

• CareerPath: http://www.careerpath.com/
• Monster Board: http://www.monster.com/
• CareerMosaic: http://www.careermosaic.com/
• CareerBuilder: http://www.careerbuilder.com/

Consider doing informational interviews with various companies. This not only gets your presence and qualifications before a potential employer, but helps you practice and prepare for varied interview processes and styles. Practice one-on-one as well as panel interviews. You never know which job will require which style of interview.

Keep your resume current and have different copies of it prepared to meet different job objectives. Be ready to customize your resume to reflect the assets you bring to each job. Use key words that can be electronically scanned by potential employers to positions you want. Reflect continuous employment in your skill area and fill in gaps with education and volunteer work whenever possible. Summer employment should support your field of interest. Volunteer in your community or at your house of worship, or obtain temporary jobs if you are currently unemployed. Get out there and stay active to the best of your ability be seen and heard. Select the resume format that minimizes any gaps in employment. Seek the help of a professional resume writer or use a resume writing program to help you highlight your strengths in the best way possible.
Locating a job can be as full time an endeavor as actual employment. Give full attention to all that you do and be mindful of any errors in your information. Errors will knock you out of the running quickly. Keep your employment dates up to date as best you can. Call your previous employers to double check those dates.

It is crucial to have a written personal plan for growth opportunities when you are working. Seeking other opportunities does not stop simply because you are already employed. You are looking to grow in each opportunity you take on. Know what you must do each day to move closer to your goal for a promotion or the next job. Stay focused and motivated.

Maintain and continuously strive to broaden your network. If you are working, network inside the company. Join professional groups. Choose opportunities that match your skills and goals. Request and study annual reports of select companies. Reflect each company’s image in all communications with each company’s representatives. Make good use of your local library. Read trade journals and business publications in your chosen field. Get to know your chosen career track and its emerging trends inside and out.

Develop your personal presence. A pleasant personality is a necessary asset. Your eagerness to adapt and to be a team player is essential. Show flexibility and eagerness to move forward with emerging change. A sense of humor and positive attitude are essential as well.

You should only disclose a disability if you require an accommodation for an interview (such as asking for forms in alternate formats, locating an accessible interview site or if you think you might need an interpreter during the interview). Also when it comes to performing the essential functions of a particular job, you will need to discuss with your employer your accommodation necessities. Your resume and cover letter should focus on the abilities you bring to the job, not on your disability.

Look your best from head to toe. A clean wheelchair, crutches or cane also goes along way to set off your interview outfit. Dress conservatively. Be brief and to the point when answering interview questions. Maintain a demeanor of success and reflect the company image when you respond to the interviewer’s questions. Have full confidence in what you bring to the employer and show how your skills meet the company's specific hiring needs.

Also, be prepared to ask thoughtful questions about the job and the company. Show you are interested in the company by doing research on the company beforehand and never say anything negative. Follow up immediately after your interview with a thank you letter or e-mail transmission. This keeps you in the employer’s mind well after the interview and sets the standard for courteous correspondence and behavior

Do you have a long arduous journey to work each day? Is your working day stressful, leaving you tired and exhausted? Why not work from home? Earn a lucrative income helping non-profits and spend more time with family!
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How many times in your life have you not been given credit for something you outstandingly accomplished? How many times were your efforts gone unnoticed? And, how many times did some body else take the credit for your hard work? This happens a lot to people with disabilities. Too often our work is seen as something to keep us busy and occupied, rather than something of meaning and purpose. Because people outside the disabled circle seem to believe that our lives don’t need the same kind of depth, acknowledgement, praise, or honor to express warm approval or admiration for the work we have done. We are given little recognition which is so deserved. Time and time again, our efforts, our ethics, and our labor get either brushed over or disregarded. Persons in high raking positions, who have no disabilities of there own, have a special way of usurping every opportunity that comes our way.

They seem to have a unique and inimitable way of allowing us to do the work for which they take full credit for. There are many deceitful examples. One time, in transition, while waiting for the verdict of my Civil Rights Case, I was working as an assistant recreation director. I went above and beyond, and took on responsibilities that normally would fall to my boss. But me being me, I took them on. Unfortunately, my efforts were not valued or taken seriously.

Once again, I was treated as though I was mentally retarded; and should go back to the workshops. It was thought and non-verbally expressed that I should do his work, while he received all the accolades. This idea was demonstrated in the general approach which was taken towards the management of our responsibilities within this care facility. I naturally grasped and took upon myself the many details in organizing care plans, putting on events, and teaching fitness classes; along with giving each client the respect, the dignity, the decorum, and care they unconditionally needed and deserved.

Most the time, my boss would show his face in the early part of the morning, disappear for eight hours, and reappear at the days end. Meanwhile, I had been progressing, and achieving and doing all his work. I put in long, grueling hours out of the goodness of my heart. I learned the ropes of the trade due to his negligence and unconcern. He was cold and hardened and looked out just for himself. He did not think of others around him and what his affects would be on them.

This man had the nerve to claim, “all I did was visit patience and make them happy…” His inaccurate, condescending and disdainful statements made me look as if I was incompetent of doing my job. He made me look as though I was incapable of holding my position or caring out the duties at hand. He also damaged my reputation and caused much strife.

Why is it that these people have to cause others such horrific and horrendous, pain? Why does our society promote one- manship of cruelty, instead of goodness? Why are there clicks where mean and cure things are said, and act performed? And why are people so jealous of those who give there all? Are they threatened Of us? Tell me, please! Why does mankind turn on there own? Is it ego, or greed? Is it power because they have something missing within themselves? Is it revenge because of something that happened in childhood? Are they just outright mean and cruel and have to hurt those who try their hardest and give there all!

What happened to being happy for someone else, and working together for the good of all? What happened to doing unto others as you would like done unto you? These irrefutable acts hurt the people who want to be included in society the most. While these people know how to sniff us out, and put us where they think we belong. They get off scott free for a while, but it always comes back.

It is the primary task of all of us who have a disability to demonstrate our own achievements in every aspect of our life. We need to show and teach the world by action and deed just how much we have to offer the world, and will accomplish. We need society to treat us seriously. We need society to get honest and stay honest. And, we need society to own up to the many narratives they have done to hold and keep us back. We need our country, and our members of government officially responsible to begin to recognize our untapped leaders in our own communities. It is far better for society if its leaders come from a people which have born “the heat of battle in the noon day sun.” Because you see, as a community, we have been tested and hardened by the struggle to survive. We have also understood the need to work interdependently for mutual benefits. These are the skills which our country requires of it leaders. So why not us, too! Why not then give us a voice and a say so in the leadership of the republic. Why keep us hidden in the shadows?

20,000 severely visually impaired people will be entitled to receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has announced.

From 2011, the real help will support 20,000 severely visually impaired people with additional mobility costs, allowing them greater freedom to get out and about, either socially or to find work.

At current rates this will mean an additional payment worth £29 a week to those who qualify (£1,508 per year).

James Purnell said: "This additional money could make a real difference helping people to go out to find a job, for instance having the extra cash to pay for a taxi to a job interview. Whether it is assistance getting out and about socially or to find work, ultimately it will transform the lives of severely visually impaired people and their families.

"The Government has always been supportive of this change so we are delighted that we have been able to include it in our Welfare Reform Bill.

"We are fully committed to making this change happen which will make a real difference to the lives of severely visually impaired people across Great Britain."

Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People, said: "I know many severely visually impaired people have been waiting to hear this good news and will be very happy with the outcome. The Government has been working closely with the RNIB to make this possible so I'd like to especially thank them for all their support."

The Welfare Reform Bill builds on the White Paper, Raising Expectations and Increasing Support, which was published in December.

The Bill will provide the additional powers to ensure that people make use of the help made available to them and maximise their employment prospects for the future.

(From Worcester News)

3:10am Wednesday 25th February 2009
A SPECIALIST recruitment branch in Worcester has been invited to provide candidates for a prestigious European mentoring project to help young people with disabilities get into work.
Remploy has been asked to help with the Validating Mentoring 2 (VM2) project, which is run by six international partners, including the University of Worcester.

Project officer Charlie Wise said: “The project’s focus is to enhance the employability skills of young people with disabilities through mentoring, so they are better placed to secure employment. It helps candidates develop realistic and relevant insights into the world of work and enhances their abilities to meet everyday life and work challenges.”

Remploy, the UK’s leading provider of employment services for people with disabilities and health conditions, delivers the Government’s Pathways to Work programme in Worcestershire.
Its branch at the Butts in Worcester provides a range of specialist services and advice to support people off incapacity benefit and into employment.

Pathways to Work district manager Sharon Withe said: “We see this as a valuable extension of the branch’s services. Compared with their peers, disabled people can often lack formal qualifications which has obvious effects on their employability.

“Through our collaboration with the university and this programme our mentees can benefit from the advice and real-life experiences of local business leaders.”
Volunteer mentors are recruited and trained by the university and seven mentoring relationships have already been established with Remploy clients.
Dr Val Chapman, project director at the University of Worcester, said: “VM2 is funded by the Leonardo da Vinci programme of the European Commission.
“The project ends in September this year.

“If proven successful, it could potentially be used as a blueprint for a new mentoring scheme to be run in conjunction with Remploy and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.”

A discussion concerning how worry can affect us so strongly that it can become a disability.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art43293.asp/zzz

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I was surprised myself to stumble across this information on the internet. I have never heard this before but certainly feel that it is newsworthy.

This day of recognition began in 1945 as an effort to educate Americans about disability issues. At that time Congress enacted a law officially declaring the first week of October each year to be "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." Seventeen years later in 1962 the name was changed to "National Employ the Handicapped Week" by this time the country had realized the need to accommodate persons with all types of disabilities. Finally, in 1988 the week was expanded to a month and the name was changed once again to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."

In a statement from President Bush regarding National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2008 we are told that America as a nation is reaffirming its commitment to make sure that our Nation's promise extends to all citizens of our great county. This is an extraordinary opportunity and all Americans should be made aware particularly those willing to gainfully employ those with disabilities. News of this kind should definitely acquire more airtime on our radio and television stations.

Census 2000 indicates that there are approximately 49.7 million people in our country with some type of disability or long term condition. According to the Census they represent 19.3 percent of the population and this does not include those who are institutionalized. When broken down this comes to nearly one person in five, shocking statistics when you think about it! How many of us have ever stopped long enough to realize the number of our fellow citizens that are disabled?

Unfortunately, these numbers are due to increase as our population increases. Having a family member with a disability I know that we often believe that our government and society do not offer enough assistance to our disabled citizens. Nevertheless, in comparison to other countries we actually do have a great deal of support in this country for the disabled. For those who have never dealt with disability it is often a shock when we discover all that must be done to obtain these services. I know from previous experience the road is long but nothing of value is ever free. It also goes without saying that there is much more that should and needs to be done but, we really are very blessed with resources in America.

In the past few years it seems that more people and resources are getting on the bandwagon so to speak to reach out to those with various needs. In the past few years I have learned of many organizations that participate in programs for the disabled. There is information available to anyone who desires to learn how to teach, support and be a valuable resource to our disabled citizens.

For a variety of information please visit the website National Council for Support of Disability Issues http://www.ncsd.org/Newsletter/ncsdnews.htm


I also hope you will take a few moments of your time and visit the Library of Congress web page on "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" at the link provided below.

http://www.loc.gov/topics/disabilityawareness/

Deborah Pipas, Disabilities Editor

by Gloria McShane,

FOLLOW your dreams - that’s the message from a visually-impaired entrepreneur to other disabled people.

Chartered physiotherapist Chris Ferguson, 49, has had the progressive eye disease retinitis pigmentosa since her teens, but that did not stop her taking the plunge and setting up her own clinic six months ago.

And because the clinic was purpose-built, she designed it around her needs.

An NHS physiotherapist at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton for more than 16 years, she had already begun a home-based business, but it was growing fast and she needed new premises.

After holding routine office jobs in her twenties, Mrs Ferguson trained as a physiotherapist and qualified in 1991.

“I’ve never experienced any discrimination,” she says. “Physiotherapy is known as a hands-on profession and I trained with two blind girls.”

A major hurdle was the use of computers in the workplace, for everything from medical records to appointments.

So Mrs Ferguson has two assistants who help her with computer work and reception duties, as well as another who reads professional journals to her.

The support workers are mainly funded by Access to Work, a Government scheme that helps with the costs of specialist equipment and assistance for disabled employees or those in self-employment.

At the clinic, Mrs Ferguson treats conditions, including osteoarthritis, lower back pain and tennis elbow, and business has been so brisk she often works until 8pm, because she offers evening appointments.

“It was a huge step to leave the comfort of a job in the NHS, and have to deal with overheads,” she admits.

Yet she urges other people with disabilities to take the self-employment route.

“If you’ve got a dream I firmly believe that you can achieve it.”

by Gloria McShane,

A NEW agency is aiming to make the North-east the best place in the UK for employing disabled people.
Newcastle-based Xceed is a community interest company offering advice and recruitment services to both employers and people with disabilities.
Director Colin Murphy Waters said: “While eight out of 10 people of working age in our region have jobs, only four out of 10 disabled people work.”
In a telephone survey of small to medium-sized Tees Valley companies, there were differing views on how to increase the number of disabled people in work.
Geoff Siggens, director of NEMS market research in Billingham, which employs around 100 people, said his premises were accessible and he had job vacancies, but he did not know how to encourage people with disabilities to apply.
He said: “It would easy for someone with a mobility problem to work here.” But he said the Government could do more to link up employers and disabled people.
Dean Benson, joint director of Stockton-based Visualsoft UK, a web development firm with 18 staff, said he had already employed people with disabilities, and believes the Government is doing enough to advise and encourage companies.
He added: “With the internet, the opportunity for homeworking is much greater.”
Jo Hand, of Jo Hand Recruitment in Middlesbrough, thought the Government should engage more with employers.
“There are all the disability advisers in the Jobcentres, but they should be more visible,” she said, suggesting a regional forum for employers.
Jonathan Gouder, self-employment adviser at the Middlesbrough office of national charity Action for Blind People, said people with disabilities could also consider setting up their own ventures, as there was government funding to help with specialist technology.
He said on Teesside there were already a number of blind and visually-impaired entrepreneurs including martial artists, shop owners and masseurs.
“Blind and visually-impaired people can do anything other business people do - they just do it differently,” he said.

Well it has been a while since I have updated readers, therefore as its Sunday my day of rest, what better time than now to tell you what’s been happening of late. I am please to say I have now moved back into a ground floor building, sharing the reception area, although I am not in the main office with the rest of my team I am happy to be back at ground zero and safe in the knowledge that I don’t have to worry about the lift breaking down, which in turn allows me to concentrate fully once again on my work and not whether I am going to have to be lifted out, so it is best all round and I am happy again.

How are other things, well Mum is doing really well and is walking longer distances, not only that but she is able to stand unaided for a couple of seconds, which is fantastic, to her it probably feels a life time but I am so proud of how far she has come in a short space of time. Last week Mum and I went to see my Granddad in the wheelchair accessible taxi, I use the same taxi to go to work and believe me it turns a few heads while its on the road, not only because people seem fascinated when they see a wheelchair coming down the ramps, but more so because it is bright blue with big flowers on it. I know what you might be thinking “why has it got big flowers on it ?” and to answer this its that its to advertise the Smoke Free campaign, the company have nicknamed it the love bus as it just looks like one of those buses from the 60’s. Granddad thought it was great, I think it impressed him that we could travel in our chairs.

This week as been great in terms of my Physiotherapy I have been doing a lot of work in the gym, both on the machines and doing different exercises with some of the smaller equipment, this weeks challenge was to test my sitting balance a step further, to do this I needed to sit on the wobble cushion, this is a task in itself, but anyway this week I was given a dumbbell to try. The ideas being that I had to remain on the cushion and slowly lift the dumbbell straight up till my arm was straight and then bring it down slowly, I managed two sets of 10 and only wobbled once, but it didn’t throw my balance complete which was good. My Physio was really pleased as to how much my balance has improved, even from two weeks ago.

Following this I went into the bars and did some work on side bending, which I find a little hard work, mainly because I have always thought that when you have a metal rod in spine you can’t bend in this way, but I now realise that since my Bowen therapy it is possible to do this. Although I can’t fully bend granted I can bend a certain amount, and that certain amount is enough to be able to carry out the exercise and feel the benefit, and that’s what it’s about.
I then had a walk in the gym on my crutches, and it was like walking on air, I was hardly putting any weight through my crutches and yet it felt like I was running and again my Physio was impressed.

I asked the question that if I am able to walk like this without weight baring with crutches what is stopping me from dropping them and just walking away so to speak, and initially we both aren’t sure but we going to do some research and investigation and see if we can come up with the answer. We then went back into the bars to do some balance work taking one hand off and putting it back, and then the surprise came in that we tested the balance a step further and was asked “if I was to stand and balance holding with one hand which hand would I use,?” I replied that it would be my left hand, “ok then lets try something” “take hold of the bar with your left hand organise your body so you are standing straight and then see if you can walk along just holding with that hand and try and put other hand down beside you”

I did this and walked up the bars and turned and walked back and we were both impressed, so much so that she went into the therapy area to see if my Bowen therapist was available to come and see what a massive improvement was going on, so when he came into the Gym I set off in the bars again and turned and came back to him, he was beaming, I haven’t seen him for a while now but he agreed that something special was starting to occur. I then walked to him on my crutches and the first thing he had noticed was that I wasn’t leaning as far forward compared to when he last saw me walking, which is great. I can’t wait to go back in 2 weeks to see how far I have progressed again.

When I sit quietly, and think over my life, as a rebel, advocate, and activist with a cause, I remember certain residue of the most frustrating aspect of dealing with my own disability. These remains have been the left over hurt and pain that were caused by the “attention of self styled experts” and people who wanted and had to have control at all cost.
Having been brought up to believe in the truth and goodness in man kind, I was won over, persuaded, and convinced by these so called experts, in the disabled community. These experts exercised restrained management to try and run other peoples lives, and have complete control and say so over our destination, despite what I truly believed was right for me, in my heart.
These experts tried on numerous occasions to impose their authority, their supremacy, and their power in many areas of my life. I personally had to struggle and fight back with everything I had, to ward off their arrogance in obtaining my education as well as in employment. Sometimes, I simply was not taken seriously or sincerely by both experts and those I worked with. My word was not regarded or deemed worthy.
For example, I was falsely labeled mentally retarded on three separate occasions. This was designed to force me to except what one particular expert wanted me to limit my life to. He believed himself to know “all” about what he felt I shouldn’t be allowed to do with “my” life. His opinions were designed around a very old fashioned, out-moded, and passé, concept of what we, with hidden learning disabilities, were supposed to theoretically do. We were sentenced to live life in a workshop setting. We were beaten and battered down to believe that, that was all we were able to handle and receive out of life.
What was even more frustrating was that this gentleman could not work himself without having an interpreter by his side. Who was he to tell me what my dreams and goals aught to be, or how I should direct my live. And, how dear he tell me where my interest lie!
So, the very person who should have been the most supportive, helpful, and kind to me, turned out to be the greatest obstacle of all. One situation at a time he impeded, held me back, and obstructed my future academic progress. It was not
only very irritating, infuriating, and exasperating to have to waste time being evaluated and judged severely, but it limited my future work.
This arrogant, haughty, disturbing attitude was shared by others too! Some of then where people I worked with. You would think it would be different. But this was not the case- as I found out this attitude was everywhere! They assumed that simply because they did not have a visible disability they had every right to make fun of me, belittle me, and minimize my contribution to myself, my life, others, and the world.
Some people refused to allow me to work as I chose and saw fit. They did not wish me to be an equal and productive person in society. These professionals found every way possible to discredit my abilities, my talents, and my aptitude of skills. I had to personally find clever and survival oriented techniques to persuade not only the experts, but those clients I worked with to make an effort to follow instructions.
These struggles resulted from the same attitude which doesn’t grasp our full potential and abilities. I think the greatest thing we can do as a community is to be committed to one another, help in any way we can, and have an active directed life-style. We must retain the right to express our own vision to the world in our own creative, original, genuine way. It is also very vital that we as disabled people are supportive of our own community, and all their dreams, wants, and desires.
Because of my situation, I have been thoroughly committed to giving back all of what I never received from these “helpful” counselors. In every jagged, angle of my journey, I have sought to be a voice when there was no voice for the unheard among us. All of us, in our own special way, ought to find it within the depths of our beings, to give unconditionally, unreservedly, and completely to our total cause. It will harm and hamper many if given with half-measures or haphazardly.
It is truly annoying to think of how much time we all must spend getting around a system that does not work. It wouldn’t bother me so much if I didn’t see stubbornness so many show. The issue is no longer what is best for our own goals, but rather, how to impose the expert’s viewpoint and will upon us. We have the right as children of God, and citizens of a free country, to run our own lives. That must include the right to make mistakes, and learn from them. Our “friendly” experts think they are giving us a better life, but it is too often a comfortable slavery. They do not see with our eyes, and feel with our hearts, nor do they talk the same language as we. Like Sara in “children of a lesser God,” we must retain our will. That may be disconcerting to the normal community, but it is preferable to a life-time spent waiting to be told what to do, or fighting a system that just does not work.

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.

Bowen Therapist Dr. Heidi Rootes from Vitality Clinic in Vancouver talks about how Bowen therapy can help relieve a variety of different pains, from muscle cramps to severe sciatica.

My Physio sessions seems to be taking me to new heights, following my Bowen therapy I am feeling really good and I cant believe how much more flexible I am, I know that might sound daft when I have a metal rod in my spine but to be honest its as if I don’t have my spine fused because I can move better than I ever have. This week I went back to see my regular physio so that we could have a catch up and a one on one session to see where we were at. At the beginning we had a long discussion about how I was feeling in general and I also talked about how felt concerned still that I was rotating from my pelvis still and that I wasn’t too happy, because I hadn’t rotated since well before my spine op and as a result I was concerned I was doing something wrong.

It actually turned out that the rotation I am experiencing is something quite normal and natural, although my spine is fused from mid to lower the top half is fine and it is that part of my spine that is allowing the movement to happen. I have not experienced this before now because my body has been locked up so therefore no messages were getting through to allow normal movement, and since having Bowen, my body has completely unlocked and my muscles are now functioning as they should of done all the time, so consequently I am now experiencing new body movements and sensations that everyone has when they move there body. I therefore don’t need to worry anymore just accept that its perfectly ok to do what I am doing, and above all enjoy the new experiences it gives me, I have to say it is nice not to be restricted anymore and movement is great!!!

We then went into the gym and I did some strength work on some of the machines and I have to say I haven’t been able to use the machines before because of the high risk of the movements causing a spasm but this time I was working out with the other people in there with the help of my Physio and it felt really good, although she warned me that I might ache and bit a bit sore, but again this is exactly what other people feel when they first go to the gym. I have to say that I do ache a little bit but I am not concerned I just enjoying the freedom.

James Purnell, who initiated a review of the conditions attached to benefits given to lone parents, unemployed people and disabled claimants.

There is a scene in Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine where the film-maker investigates the home life of a six-year-old boy who has shot his Michigan classmate. He discovers that the boy lives with his mother and young siblings, but rarely sees his one parent. To qualify for food stamps and healthcare, mum is on a Welfare to Work programme which forces her out of the house early in the morning to make the 60-mile bus journey to the first of her two jobs. Despite travelling three hours a day to hold down two menial jobs she is unable to make ends meet and is evicted by the landlord. Days before the shooting, she takes her family to live at her brother's house, which is where her young son, unbeknown to her, lays his hands on a gun. How does a government welfare policy that results in a child being brought up by effectively two absent parents benefit the community, asks the local sheriff.

I was reminded of this emotive episode after the work and pensions secretary, James Purnell, ordered a review of the conditions attached to benefits given to lone parents, unemployed people and disabled claimants. The review, which started last week, is being undertaken by Paul Gregg, a Bristol University academic who has specialised in the interaction between benefits and income. The review is in addition to punitive proposals contained in a welfare green paper published last month to make lone parents with children as young as five prepare themselves for work, disabled claimants find a job or face tougher sanctions, and those on jobseeker's allowance for more than two years work for their dole.

A paper accompanying the review cites evidence from abroad that demonstrates how requiring participation in full-time work experience as a condition of receiving benefit, such as the Workfare schemes in the US, Canada and Australia, can get more people into work. The paper, More Support, Higher Expectations, does contain a note of caution about the US model, which despite its success at reducing the numbers on welfare was accompanied by a rise in absolute child poverty. This suggests, says the paper, that "elements of this policy approach - such as time-limiting benefits - would not further our [the UK government's] long-term goals", which are to help people find work and escape poverty.

Critics of the US Workfare scheme say people were prevented from getting, or staying in a job not because they were workshy but because of a variety of problems ranging from demands of childcare, to violent boyfriends and drugs and alcohol. These barriers to employment must be tackled before laying the blame on the individual and forfeiting their right to benefits, they argued.

In the UK, the voluntary sector has been strangely silent over the potentially disastrous consequences of coercing vulnerable people into work. Is this because many charities will be bidding for the contracts to run the new welfare system or because they fear a Tory government would impose even tougher rules? Earlier this year, David Cameron proposed a mandatory, year-long work programme of street cleaning for any jobless welfare claimant who had been signing on for two years. But attempts by politicians to win the crown as the most hardline welfare reformer leads to dangerous posturing at the expense of the most vulnerable in society.

Recent research by Ruth Patrick, a social policy graduate in Leeds suggests that while many disabled people want to work, compulsion and the threat of benefit withdrawal are clumsy tools to achieve this. Focus groups found it was discrimination by employers and poor access to the workplace that prevented disabled people from getting a job. Like the lone parents in the US, this demonstrates how deducting benefits to reduce worklessness is based on a false analysis of the problems preventing people finding work. The government should listen to welfare claimants, instead of using them to score political points.

Changing the Landscape of our Bodies

by Karin Twohig

As a veteran body worker of over 25 years, I have discovered that it is completely possible to change the patterns of our bodies. Bowenwork, a revolutionary healing modality (named in July 2004 as one of “the most innovative body therapies” by O The Oprah Magazine) transforms the landscape of the entire body by reminding us of its original blueprint of perfect health. Bowenwork adjusts tension levels by working through the nervous system and releasing tissue memory that holds the structure restricted or frozen. This allows the structure itself to change its holding patterns that determine what the body landscape looks like.




After 13 years as a deep tissue massage therapist, I discovered that Bowenwork not only could change the body using no force, but could also integrate the information on a deeper level. This has changed my life. Now, 14 years later, I use Bowenwork exclusively and have been teaching it for the past eight years to chiropractors, physical therapists, nurses, massage therapists, MDs and lay people alike.
Tom Bowen developed the unique healing system of Bowenwork in Australia about forty years ago. He developed his technique without having previous formal training in any modality or discipline. He saw his work as “a gift from God.” Bowen continued to develop and refine the technique throughout his lifetime by performing about 13,000 treatments a year.

Bowenwork involves gentle, yet powerful movements on muscle and connective tissue, and may be done through clothing. These movements prompt soft tissue release, sending neurological impulses to the brain. Because the impulses travel through the internal nervous system pathways, they stimulate whole brain responses which address every system in the body—internal organ systems, as well as musculo-skeletal structure.

By selecting appropriate combinations and sequences of moves, the Bowen practitioner is able to address the body as a whole while targeting more specific problems. Healing occurs by affecting the body’s autonomic nervous system, which creates homeostasis at the cellular level.

Pauses are inserted between sets of these moves, which allow the brain to process and send messages to realign the body. It is thought that because the entire brain is stimulated, the original genetic pattern is re-awakened, releasing more recent injuries and compensation patterns even years after the original injury.

Respecting these pauses is an essential component of Bowenwork because they give the body sufficient time to remember and restore its own healthy, natural balance. They also allow the practitioner to work on multiple clients simultaneously. The gentleness of the Bowen Technique protects the therapist from overuse injury, while providing positive results and lasting effects for the client.

Treatments are individualized, generally lasting 60 minutes. Traumas, old injuries and chronic pain begin to unwind. Typically there is rapid change after addressing acute conditions and a steady improvement of chronic conditions. Bowenwork frequently triggers surprising and unexpected recoveries, even when nothing else has been successful.

Often only a few sessions are needed to alleviate long-standing complaints, whether they are structural or functional. Many people choose to have monthly or quarterly maintenance sessions once their initial complaint is addressed. It is ideal to have a session as soon after an injury as possible, before the body begins to compensate.
Dr. Robert Rowen’s Second Opinion Newsletter headlined Bowenwork therapy in July 2003 as “the gentlest, most effective pain therapy ever.” People throughout the world have found lasting relief from lower back pain, sciatica, sports injuries, sprains, knee pain, shoulder restrictions, carpal tunnel, whiplash, migraines, headaches, TMJ, chronic sinus infections, fibromyalgia, chronic stress, neurological and digestive problems and countless other conditions.

Bowenwork is completely safe and appropriate for everyone—from highly trained athletes to newborns, pregnant women, the elderly and the chronically ill. The most common reaction to Bowenwork is a deep sense of overall relaxation, relief from muscular tension and pain, and a heightened sense of well being.

Karin Twohig is a Bowen Practitioner and Instructor. Contact her to learn this unique Australian healing system at 831.238.2228 or visit www.bowenworkschool.com. Or visit the international website of the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia www.bowtech.com.

As discussed in a number of past articles, people with disabilities who want to work have often been limited by the realities of company location or infrastructure. However, thanks to the explosion in affordable home PCs and the Internet, these same people now have more options than ever before to engage in meaningful, successful and gainful employment by working from their homes.


For example, in "NewsNet," the magazine of the state of Ohio's Rehabilitation Services Commission, two people with disabilities were highlighted who were successfully and gainfully employed from their homes with the use of their own PCs. One individual was visually impaired, while the second was dealing with a significant orthopedic disorder. The first individual was in her mid-20s, while the second person was in her mid-30s.

The visually impaired person became a successful employee for an Ohio medical trans- cription firm through a combination of her own hard work and the assistance of her ORSC rehabilitation team. After graduating from her local community college where she developed an interest in pursuing a career in medical transcription, the first young woman determined that there was also a career center in the area that offered (among other specialties) courses in both medical terminology and medical transcription, both job specialties which are still in demand today.

She was also able to secure her required textbooks on audio discs, while further using a program called Victor Pro to access the large amount of material which needed to be memorized. Moreover, this same young woman was able to take the majority of her needed courses at home. She even received her materials in a usable format via e-mail and took weekly tests with the assistance of a friend who read the questions to her.

After a three-month trial period, she was hired full time by a medical transcription firm. Her employer still characterizes her as "having the many qualities that I look for in an employee, such as confidence in her abilities. She has also overcome many obstacles by initiating solutions on her own. I was also impressed by her perseverance."

The orthopedically disabled young woman had been working for more than 15 years for the same company, which made the decision to close its operations in Ohio. Consequently, after finding herself out of work while disabled, she began work with the ORSC, who worked individually and creatively with her to find ways to accommodate her disability, while assisting her in securing gainful employment.

In order to ease her orthopedic difficulties, the ORSC, after securing her computer, was also able to load onto it a voice-activated software program called Dragon Dictate. This allowed the woman to direct her computer functions with her voice, rather than through the keyboard. Moreover, the ORSC also purchased access to ACT for the young woman. ACT was a sales software system used then, and was known for its assistance in helping its users to develop and build their sales in a wide variety of applications.

Armed with these tools, the woman was hired by a home-based sales firm which provided various sales support services to other numerous associations and businesses. Her employer has commented, "While she has never had structured sales training, her work in her previous job provided her with the significant attributes of attention to detail and self discipline -- critical keys to success in sales."

Like most employers, both of the ones just mentioned were seeking employees who are attentive to detail, are self-disciplined and have a strong work ethic, just like the attributes held by most people with disabilities who want to work, have employable skills and are ready to contribute their talents to a willing employer.

The ever-burgeoning availability of PCs, armed with the great equalizing force of the Internet, has opened up a host of new employment opportunities and options for many people with disabilities. It just takes an employer with vision to take advantage of this new tool for their growth and the opening of new hiring possibilities for people with disabilities. Of course, the person with a disability who has those attributes and the desire to work at finding and securing that job is still the key ingredient.


Paul Rendine is chairman of the Disability Advocates of Delmarva Inc. group. Call him at 410-860-1137 or send e-mail to paulrendine@comcast.net.

Art meets medicine in a unique form of vocational therapy that employees of Avenues adult vocational rehabilitation program in Pottville are learning.

Through the Creative Hands pottery program, which began last month, employees are learning a new skill that also has therapeutic benefits, said Denise Keitsock, the program supervisor at Lessie’s Greenhouse and Gift Shop, a supervised vocational rehabilitation workshop for individuals who are physically and/or mentally challenged.

Working with the pliable clay increases and improves strength, flexibility and dexterity, which is particularly beneficial for those who may have limited or impaired mobility or stiffness in their fingers, hands and upper body, Keitsock said.

“It’s also a real good way to build confidence and self-esteem, and a sense of achievement,” she said. “The pottery workshop is one of the many things Avenues employees are learning which will help them seek employment in the competitive work force.”

Approximately 30 adults work in the supervised workshop, which is located in the Avenues building at 2 Park St., Agricultural Park, Pottsville.

Mary Byrne, owner of the Mad Potter, Pottsville, helped the group get started by donating the use of her kiln to fire the molded pieces.

“When I first heard about it, I thought it was an excellent idea,” she said. “Working with clay is very calming, very relaxing; I have customers all the time who tell me that it’s their form of therapy. And it does give a real sense of accomplishment. You’re taking a piece of mud, and turning it into something useful, like a coffee mug or a plate, a bowl. It’s a creative outlet.”

Using their hands to press and shape the clay, the employees design the brown stoneware into ashtrays, bowls, birdfeeders, plates and other functional items.

“Every piece is as unique as each individual,” Keitsock said.

They’re called pinch pots because they’re created by pinching the clay, she said.

Employees in the pottery workshop work on their projects in the activity room, and when the pieces are finished, they’re delivered to Byrne’s shop at 6 S. Centre St., where she fires them in her kiln. The finished work is then sold in the Avenues gift shop.

Many of the employees in the pottery workshop also work in the carpentry and greenhouse occupational therapy program at Avenues.

The greenhouse is named after Lessie Weaver, the late daughter of Mal Weaver Bartram, a founding member of United Cerebral Palsy of Schuylkill, Carbon and Northumberland counties.

The agency was founded as UCP in 1952 by a group of parents, and now serves the diverse needs of people with cerebral palsy as well as many different disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism and pervasive developmental disorder.

When the name was changed to Avenues in 2004, the UCP Greenhouse was renamed as a tribute to Bartram’s daughter, who suffered from cerebral palsy.

In the greenhouse program, Avenues employees learn all types of planting skills, working with greenhouse supervisors and program specialists.

They grow seasonal flowers that they sell to the public during seasonal community sales, as well as balloon bouquets, gift baskets, seasonal items, dried arrangements and other creative items.

In the Trash to Treasures carpentry program employees take apart, refinish and paint old donated items, and transform them into decorative and functional household objects like coat-racks, plant stands, shelves, furniture, bookcases, tables and picture frames.

THE Remploy factory in Poole, which has disabled staff, has been the focus of attention in recent months over a battle to secure its future.

The reports reminded Margaret Stark, née Linch, of the 1950s when her father Alfred was employed at the factory which was set up under the 1944 Disabled Persons (Employment) Act by Ernest Bevin, then Minister of Labour.

The company was formally founded in April 1945, and the first Remploy factory opened in 1946 making furniture and violins at Bridgend in South Wales where many of the workers were disabled ex-miners.

The name was derived from the word "re-employ" and adopted in 1946 as Remploy, until then called the Disabled Persons Employment Corporation.

The company went on to develop factories throughout the UK where school furniture, motor components and chemical, biological and nuclear protection suits for police and military in Britain and overseas were manufactured.

With the decline in manufacturing in the UK in the 1980s Remploy looked at other ways of employing disabled people and expanded into the service sector, creating businesses such as E-Cycle and helping people find work with other companies.

They offer advice, pre-employment training, employment opportunities and support for disabled people and those with a health condition, and also employers on relevant issues in the workplace.

Margaret, who lives in Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, worked at Remploy for two years in the early 50s as one of the able-bodied staff before she married Michael.

Her father Alfred lived in Trafalgar Road as a boy and when he became a postman in the Winton area lived in Moordown until he had to give up his job because of ill health.

He then became a verger at St Marks' Church, Talbot Village, and when his health worsened he got a job at Remploy.

This morning I received the nicest complement a person could get! It was from a new friend I just met on line. A very sweet soul who came into my life with angel wings! She not only is giving me her support, but has put one of my writings up on her blog. How sweet is that- and oh how I appreciate her love, devotion, and kindness!

The truth is, that ever since I can remember, I have been passionate about getting my life, together, whatever that is lol, and giving more that 150 percent to it, in everything I do. I don't know any other way. Whether its dealing with a physical therapy issue, a learning issue, an inclusion issue, an employment issue, what ever the issue was, I have always, always walked the line! No matter what I have had to deal with, I have always spoken the truth, and given everyone my all. Whether they would expect it or not. I paid the consequences too!

More times than not, the people I confronted, could not handle the truth. Yet I was canned in the way they decided. Most people could not, and did not know how to cope with the issue or situation at hand or with me personally! They liked to tastefully turn the tables, put me on the defensive, and make me out to be the bad guy! And I, I only want to see good for the world, I only want peace and harmony for others, and I only want to share with the world if I could do it, so could you! I don't want favours, and charity! I don't want to be treated any differently just because I have a physical disability or a learning disability. I may need some help. And I will ask, if I do! As there is absolutely nothing wrong in asking for those accommodations and in turn, receiving them, fulfilled. And giving it your all! There is nothing wrong in having the same desires as others! We are all human! Aren't we? Why then should we be looked at any differently?

I do not think society ever dealt with a human being just like me before! A free spirit, a rebel with a cause, a person who has hope, dreams and desires, and what’s to help others not have to go through what I had to go through! And to see those dreams accomplished. I am a person who is willing to go the extra mile, who is willing to take on the system, to not only see equality for herself, but equity for others! I want to see and bare witness to fairness. I want to bare witness to justice being made for my kind. It doesn't matter to me what your disability is lets learn to help each other and work in unison. One for all,... and... all for one This way all of us can have an opportunity and chance to have our wants, needs, and dreams met.

We are not animals to be lock in cages. We are not extra ammunition or surplus to be shot rounds at. And, we are not criminals! We are human beings desiring the same things in life that NORMAL; people have a chance at daily. So why can't we! We do not deserve this kind of treatment. We are people who want to succeed in our lives We want to see our hard deserved action recognized We want our words to be taken seriously, and we to want to be praised and validated- we want other to recognize our achievement without being locked out of the mainstream of life! We want our lives to have meaning too!

We don't want to just sit at home day in or day out, and stare at the four walls because we were blocked, conveniently, from earning a living, or getting a degree that we could have gotten if those professionals who call themselves professionals did not stand in our way, or label us, or made a unsound ruling and judgment just because we are shrouded with an imperfect body, or mind... this does not give anybody the right to look down upon us, or judge us.
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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.

Well what an interesting week I have had and a busy one at that, Town Centre Management is always busy no matter what time of year it is, although this year it seems particularly busy not only because of The Stockton International Riverside Festival starting next week, but the mad preparations for our Christmas festival. Now I know some of you might be thinking organising Christmas in July but you would be surprised how soon we have to start this. In fact no sooner does it finish at Christmas we start planning the next one, and we always aim to be bigger and better than the last. We also have our Farmers market again this month and I am hoping the weather we are having at the moment stays for next week, as I know it has been very popular.
I know I was talking to my manager and we were discussing how busy we were and she was saying that recently she was getting hope and thinking wow how do we manage to cope with being so busy, and I said, I am not sure, but some how we do manage it, then she said that she was thinking of me one particular night and thinking why am I moaning just look at Susie she does it, she copes so if she can cope then the rest of us should, “you are an example to us all” I was quite touched by this and at first I didn’t really think about it, but then during one of my reflective moments, I thought ah I have actually achieved one of my life goals in that one moment, what I mean is if I have moved and inspired someone to take a step back from life and see that no matter how hard it becomes there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, it proves that I have inspired someone to see that in life above all adversity, that you can take stock and carry on and find the solution to what’s facing you, you just have to step back everyone and then and re group.

That is a major thing that I have learnt in my life, that ok when you have the confidence you motor like a train and run with it, but in actual fact when you run with it, do you start to loose what you are aiming for. Here is an example of what I mean, this week I have had a break from my Bowen therapy and I have had an intense session with my own Physio, to see how I was progressing. I am glad I had this session because I seem to of had a lot of changes happen to my whole body alignment and gait pattern, and therefore we had to assess the changes and make some changes to things. Anyway I have got some work to do with my gait and positioning as I have some rotation, it seems that I am rotating when walking from my trunk, which needs correcting.

During the session going back to my confidence when I really think about what I am doing I have a really strong control and can virtually stop the rotation but once I get confidence and start running off with it I go back to my old ways and loose the control a little, when we did some work in the bars I had 2 Physio’s with me and that was because my Physio wanted to get me to understand the difference in position because with me I have to actually be moved into that position and then passively moved through it for me to understand it. Now when I talk about understanding I don’t mean when someone asks me to do something or asks a question and then says have I understood it, I mean for my brain to understand what is being asked to do eg is the brain allowing the movement signal to connect. Once this has happened you can physically see that my brain has connected it is quite an amazing thing to see, because I have gone from moving like I always have done, to moving in completely in a different way. This is why I have to regroup all the time so to speak so that I get the correct messages to allow me to move in a normal way, and allow me to achieve my fully potential.

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.

Well I have had another session of my Bowen therapy and I have to say with some promising results yet again. For Many years I have always walked with my feet facing inwards slightly, sort of walking on the inside, and have had many AFO's, and they had held them for a while but I was never comfortable with them, so stopped using them. Then since I started weight baring and walking things improved a little and since I have been having Bowen, I have noticed that my feet are becoming more aligned and are flatter on the floor. When I explained this to the therapist he was pleased, and did some work on my ankles this week to help the alignment further.

Yesterday I had another session of Bowen Therapy after a 2 week break, and I have to say I am feeling really good, my body feels more aligned and I feel so much straighter which is great for me, because I didn't think I would get any straighter with having the rods in my spine, but I am and its proved me wrong, long may it continue I say. What is more my therapist is also pleased because my muscles seem to be more balanced and the tissues seem to be more level and maintaining the improvement. I cant wait for the next session to see what improvements there are still to be made, the more and more I have this therapy the easier my walking seems to be getting.

As I was approaching 16 years of age, there was discussion of what I would do when I left school. It was advised that I should attend a residential college, for youngsters with disabilities, in Nottingham. From the start I was dead set against the idea, as I wasn't happy at the thought of being away home and my friends. In the end I agreed to visit the college in Nottingham for an initial 5 day assessment. I travelled up to Nottingham by train. The journey took a few hours, and I was very anxious. We arrived late afternoon, and once formalities were over, it was time for an evening meal. I hated the place from the start and couldn't wait to get home. Each day I attended lessons, but didn't enjoy one minute of my stay. Of course I was offered a place to become a student, but I flatly refused to accept. The whole experience made me feel a great deal of resentment towards my disability. Why did I only have the option of going away from home to further my education. Was it because I was disabled!! I developed a hatred towards any kind of residential institution to do with disability. My view was, we should integrate not segregate.

It was my wish to go to a local college of Further Education. My wish was granted, and I enrolled at a college not to far away from home. I was to travel there each day by Mini Cab. Once I started my year long course, it wasn't all plain sailing. My fellow students were all able bodied. Most were very nice towards me, but a minor few made unkind remarks. After a few weeks I was transferred to a different course. I gained experience in office duties, such as typing, filing and letter writing layouts. I began thinking how I would love to apply for office jobs and work for a big company. Unfortunately, because I was a wheelchair user, at a mainstream college, there were no adapted facilities. I missed out on a lot of the course subjects, because half of my lessons were upstairs, and there was no lift available. I did try using the stairs, but this proved not be practical from a health and safety point of view. During the periods of not being able to participate in lessons, I had to sit in the college library. As I had covered only certain parts of course, I was unable to take the end of year of exam, so left without any formal qualification.

In my quest to go to work, and be a part of society, I set out typing a letter to employers. I gathered names and addresses out of telephone directories. It transpired that over the period of a couple of years, I sent nearly a thousand letters to prospective employers. I can still remember some of the big names I approached. IBM, British Telecoms, British Gas, Christian Aid, Ministry of Defence, Local hospitals, Metropolitan Police and so many more............... I got interviews, but reasons for not employing me ranged from, slow typing speed, inability to write by hand, inadequate speech for telephonist work and Fire risk, as well as unsuitable offices up a few stairs. By this time I was eighteen, and enjoying a good social life going out to pubs every weekend with friends. I was also enjoying holidays in Spain. But my failure to find employment resulted in me becoming very depressed. I became bitter that my disability placed restrictions on me, not allowing me to have a job.

Oops that's Jim Bowen, can't beat a bit of bully!!!, I suppose his famous catchphrase does have meaning, because my Bowen therapy is smashing, on talking to my therapist he has said that the results that I have had are profound and out of the group of people that he is treating I seem to be the one who has had quite profound results, and I have to agree with him.

This week he carried out work with my arms and hands to see if my range of movement and general strength could be improved, with me putting a lot of strain through my arms to be able to walk. It came apparent that the movement of my fingers on my left hand were a bit awkward to say the least, so he said to see what results I get over the next couple of days. That was on Thursday and it's now Saturday and I have to say I can move them a little easier, they are not moving as well as my right hand, but that is my dominate hand, but I am hopeful that they will continue to improve.

One thing I did notice yesterday, we went to a restaurant for lunch to celebrate my Manager's birthday, and I ordered Spaghetti Bolognese, and I was supprised that I had coped with eating it, and I didn't spill any, which for me is very good, because I can normally gaurentee that I will spill it down my front.

Well as form the title you have probably guessed that my therapy is going well. I had my second session yesterday and it really was a gentle put intensive session, covering a lot of work. Firstly I transferred onto the bed, and this is where my Physio could see a difference, in the ease of which I had transferred, I have to say I had not really noticed. I then got into front lying position, which I have always found uncomfortable but bearable this week mind It did seem a little better. Anyway the Physio then started the treatment with the same movements on my spine hips legs and shoulders that I had in the first session, with breaks in between each movement, then I changed to laying on my back and he started to work a lot with my neck as he found last week and this week I was quite tight. There where quite a number of different movements some on my face and jaw.

After the session was over I then walked with him back to my chair and he was really please at how well I was walking with him, considering he had not seen me walked before. I then asked him if he seen an improvement in me and he agreed and said yes, you are becoming more level and there had been some changes in my spine (improvements).

I came home from that session and I felt really quite tired so went to bed early and I think it was one of the best night's sleep I have had in the last few weeks, result!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well yesterday was my first ever session of Bowen, I have to say I was a little nervous about it, as I don't know a lot about it, but It was an amazing experience. I had to lay on my front, which I find a little hard to do but I was helped to do this. then once I was comfortable I had a number of towels laid over me, covering my back and legs, then the therapist carried out gentle but subtle movements, starting on my back, and then covered me back up and left me for 2 minutes, came back made sure I was ok, then removed the towels and carried out another movement. This went on for quite awhile, with break in between each movements.

I had quite an instant effect in terms that I was quite warm in a matter of minutes this was quite normal and as a result felt really quite relaxed, I think if it had gone on any longer than the hour I would of probably fell asleep.

I have to say I slept really well last night and this morning I feel really good to the point where I had managed to slice a banana onto my cereal, which normally is something that I haven't been able to do.

The Bowen Technique

The Bowen Technique is one version of a group of technical interpretations of the work of Australian self-proclaimed osteopath Tom Bowen (1916–1982) known as Bowen Therapy, which is a holistic system of healing. The Bowen Technique was limited to Australia until 1986, when it was named, and introduced to other countries by Oswald Rentsch, who observed Bowen at work one morning a week for two years.

It has since been developed and furthered by many others and is now one of the nine therapies involved in the move towards voluntary self regulation in the United Kingdom. The three other surviving students of Tom Bowen — Keith Davis, Kevin Ryan and Romney Smeeton — have methodologies that vary significantly from the way Oswald Rentsch teaches the technique. Dr Kevin Ryan teaches his interpretation of the Bowen Technique to osteopathic students at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

Methodology
The Bowen Technique involves a gentle, rolling motion, with very light touches. The rolls claim to either tighten or loosen off muscles depending on the way the move is done.

The practitioner will stimulate sets of points, often with two minute pauses, supposedly to allow the body to use the move and integrate it into the body's system. The Bowen Technique is not a form of massage, though it does claim to release areas of built-up stress in the muscles, and clients describe experiences of profound relaxation after a session, often falling asleep after the first few moves.
A view held by some Bowen Therapists is that the specific way that Bowen Technique addresses the muscles stimulates the stretch and golgi tendon reflexes as well as joint proprioceptors in a way that heightens the sensory awareness of the body in the area worked on. This can lead to strange sensations such as heat release, tingling and a general increased awareness of the areas being worked.

These sensations are sometimes mistakenly associated with some form of "energy healing". Through increasing sensory awareness the move taps into the body’s ability to self regulate which, in turn, practitioners claim stimulate the body to heal itself.

It is widely accepted by those defining Bowen for the regulation process, that Bowen is a stand alone therapy, not mixed with other treatments. Bowen himself was very specific about his clients not receiving other treatments for at least seven days after a Bowen session and did not perform any other therapies himself.
Since 1998 the technique has become increasingly used in primary care settings in the UK, with many chartered physiotherapists using the technique in hospitals, hospices and other funded health settings.

Research
To date only three experimental studies have been performed that have collected data following treatment of the Bowen Technique. Firstly a study by Kinnear and Baker (1999) was performed, entitled Frozen Shoulder Research Programme. This study considered the effects of Bowen on shoulder flexibility and pain. The study showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in shoulder flexibility compared with the control group. Changes in complaints of pain were not tested statistically. Lack of ethical, methodological and analytical detail in this study draws caution to the strength of inference from the findings.

A further study by Whitaker et al (1999) investigated the effect of heart rate variability and ANS changes in subjects treated with Bowen. Two groups were treated - those with medically diagnosed fibromyalgia (n=7), and a group without pathology or symptoms (n=11). The results showed a significant change in HRV in the fibromyalgia group but not in the asymptomatic group, mainly demonstrating a decrease in heart rate. All subjects in the former group reported some relief in symptoms. However, three of the fibromyalgia group were used for more than one reading, resulting in 11 sets of data per group, thereby raising issues of methodological bias. Furthermore with no control or placebo group, HRV comparisons are not possible, giving rise to questions of validity.

The first properly conducted study, with approval from ethics and applying strict methodology using The Bowen Technique has now been completed and was accepted for presentation at the First International Fascia Research Congress in Boston in October 2007 This examined the effect of The Bowen Technique on Hamstring flexibility in asymptomatic individuals and was conducted by Michelle Marr BSc (Hons) PT MCSP, senior lecturer at Coventry University and Julian Baker Principal Instructor of The European College of Bowen Studies.

Application
A typical session takes place over 30 to 45 minutes, with occasional 2-5 minute breaks during the session to allow the body to respond to the treatment. Sessions are usually part of a series of three to five sessions, beginning with general stress loading points such as the lower and upper back, before moving on to problem areas specific to the person being treated. However, for the sensitive individual, a session can last only 10-15 minutes. The Bowen Technique has allegedly been successfully used on animals as well, and practitioners of Bowen Technique for animals can be found all over the world. The Bowen