Ecdp Extra Winter Edition 2013

ecdp extra spring edition 2014 Contents

Welcome from Mike Adams OBE, CEO of ecdp, page 2 ecdp news, page 3

If you employ a Personal Assistant then ecdp can support you every step of the way, page 4

Adele runs for Remap, page 5

Colchester Zoo. A magical and accessible day out, page 6 and 7

‘It’s transformed my life.’ How Lea Davis went from ecdp Works to employment, page 8 and 9

Making moments. How ecdp challenged local opinions of disability at the Discovery Festival, page 10 and 11

Future Focus. Shaping a better tomorrow for young disabled people in Essex, page 12 and 13

The wommpomm way. An article by ecdp member Catherine Turner, page 14

Tweet tweet. A selection of our best tweets, page 15

Additional information, page 16 Page 2 Welcome from Mike Adams

Welcome to the spring edition of ecdp extra.

With all the new life that it brings, spring has long been associated with hope for the future. I’m happy to say that this magazine is also full of hope for the future as ecdp has been busy focusing on changing attitudes in society and listening to young disabled people talking about their hopes for the future.

Last December we celebrated the International Day of People with Disabilities by hosting the Discovery Festival. During the festival we succeeded in changing the public’s perceptions of disability for the better. In 2014, we have already hosted the Future Focus groups in partnership with Healthwatch Essex. This was an initiative to discover the experiences and opinions of young disabled people to better create and adapt services in the future.

These are just two of the great things we’ve been doing to enhance the everyday lives of disabled people. I’m hopeful for the future and I’m sure our new edition of ecdp extra will fill you with hope too.

Mike Adams OBE, CEO of ecdp Page 3 ecdp news ecdp launch Right to Control films ecdp has produced eight short films, with Essex County Council, all about the profound effect the Right to Control programme had upon the lives of disabled people. This was a pilot programme and it ended on 13 December 2013.

The films feature public and third sector professionals, including Mike Adams, CEO of ecdp. Also featured are the people who have participated in Right to Control, allowing an in depth look at how the lives of disabled individuals have been enhanced through the programme.

60% of attendees felt their relationships to DPULOs were stronger by the end of the day. ecdp and the Office for Disability Issues welcomed all Disabled People’s User Led Organisations (DPULOs) to the Eastern Region DPULO Conference on 16 January 2014. Tom Blackburn, Insight Operations Manager at ecdp, said ‘this conference has proven to be a great way of sharing advice, discussing disability issues, strengthening our networks and creating new bonds. By pooling our efforts we’ve given ourselves more options to advance our cause which is to help create a better society for disabled people.’

A promising future for ecdp’s Ben Kong Xiang Bo Kong, or Ben as he likes to be known, joined ecdp as a volunteer after his move from China to the UK left him anxious and unsure of what to do and where to turn. After six months of excellent work Ben was offered a full time position. After a year working at ecdp Ben had regained his confidence and decided it was time to pursue his dream job. Ben produced an impressive fashion design portfolio and after years of feeling too anxious to leave Chelmsford, he plans to apply to college in London.

No matter how high Ben climbs he has said that ‘ecdp has a special place in my heart. It helped me build a life in the UK.’ Page 4 If you employ a Personal Assistant then ecdp can support you every step of the way

Did you know that when you contact an ecdp Account Manager you are one of over 3,000 important clients that we provide direct support to on a regular basis?

Our friendly Account Managers are here to help, whether you need to know your account balance or have a more complex query. Supported by our newly established team of payroll specialists they are client focused, individually handling more than 80 calls a day.

We are experts in payroll account management, working to tight deadlines and processing more than 1,600 different employer payrolls and 2,000 timesheets each month. We strive to provide a personal service and to ensure that when you talk to one of our Account Managers you know you are in safe hands.

‘Very professional and very helpful if I have any queries.’

Would you like further information about how ecdp can help with your payroll needs?

Call us on 01245 214016 Email us at [email protected] Visit www.ecdp.org.uk/payroll-services Page 5 Adele runs for Remap

‘After a recent presentation by Remap in our office, I felt so inspired by their cause that I wanted to help contribute. They are a wonderful team of people, and what they do changes lives.’

In October 2013, Adele (an ecdp Account Manager), took part in Survival of the Fittest, a 5k run to raise money for Remap Essex.

Remap Essex specialise in modifying or adapting any equipment to make it easier to use or if needed they will design and make unique equipment.

Adele was able to see first hand the difference Remap Essex engineers make. She joined Peter Livingstone and Martin Lutton from the charity as they visited Sister Joan, a Remap customer.

Sister Joan was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1978, and since then the condition has affected her mobility.

Sister Joan says, ‘Remap have made a big difference to my life. I am, quite simply, still independent, which means a lot to me.’

Remap engineers have made life easier for Sister Joan by modifying various mobility aids for her. These adaptations range from adding an umbrella slot to her walker, so that when on holiday she can be comfortable in the shade, to making adjustments to home fittings and furniture, for safety reasons.

Find out more about Remap Essex Visit their website at www.remap.info Call Peter Livingstone on 01621 855354 Page 6 Colchester Zoo. A magical and accessible day out

A day at the zoo makes the perfect family outing. However, so much at the zoo depends on what you can see and hear. Getting from enclosure to enclosure can also be very physically demanding. This means that making the magic of the zoo accessible to disabled children can be a challenge. Colchester Zoo is one of only two zoos in the UK that have not shied away from this challenge.

Twice a year Colchester Zoo holds a Special Senses Day to allow disabled people to get as much from their zoo experience as any non-disabled person. ecdp’s Communications Assistant, Jonathan, visited Colchester Zoo to discover what a Special Senses Day was all about. Here is what he thought…

First impressions on arriving and receiving both the ordinary timetable for the day and the accessible black on white large font timetable, was that Colchester Zoo had really considered the little details. On reading the timetable I was surprised by the amount going on. I had to plan my day very carefully to fit everything in.

What was on?

 Sing, Sign and Songs with Rudolf, where an elf accompanied by a British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter entertained the children by getting them to sing and sign Christmas songs to encourage Rudolf to come out. Rudolf’s appearance was even complete with snow  The St. Andrew’s Signing Choir, who gave their rendition of several hit songs and Christmas carols  Father Christmas’ arrival, this was a big show translated by a BSL Interpreter culminating in Father Christmas’ arrival on horseback  The theatre shows, Cinderella and Elf Tales, each translated by a BSL Interpreter  Father Christmas’ Enchanted Grotto, made even more magical by Santa’s ability to sign Page 7

The Elves Christmas Workshop which featured signing and sensory crafts  The Touch and Sniff Sensory Table where those brave enough could handle a minibeast.

Throughout the zoo several BSL Interpreters were covering daily feeds and displays. This meant that the interesting commentary given to people whilst watching the hyenas being fed, or watching the falcon display or the sea lions could be enjoyed by those with a hearing impairment as well.

Disabled people were also given the privilege of their own special animal encounters. Individuals could meet the penguins, and enjoy the elephant and farmyard encounter without the usual stress of competing with a crowd of people.

I asked a zoo keeper why these ‘disability only’ encounters were important. They said, ‘when all the kids queue to feed the elephant it’s sometimes the case that kids with a disability, particularly a learning difficulty or difficulty with mobility, end up at the back of the crowd. The situation can be quite stressful to some who may need just a bit more patience and support to enjoy the animal encounter. That’s what we can provide here.’

Colchester Zoo told us that they are ‘delighted to be able to make our Magic of Christmas events as inclusive as possible with our Special Senses Santa Day. We were particularly pleased with our Santa whose ability to sign gave children with additional needs the chance to interact with Father Christmas, some for the first time in their lives!’

Colchester Zoo’s next Special Senses Day will be held on 21 June 2014.

Find out more about Colchester Zoo Visit www.colchester-zoo.com Page 8 ‘It’s transformed my life’. How Lea Davis went from ecdp Works to employment

‘My advice to anybody looking for work is to be positive and don’t give up.’

After 10 years of part time voluntary work Lea Davis joined ecdp Works. He is now in a full time role with ecdp working in our Support Planning Team. This article looks at the transition from the 10 years Lea spent unemployed to the present day where Lea is loving work and settling into his new role.

More than anything else, it is Lea himself who is responsible for this remarkable transition. He told us that ‘I was feeling negative because of the experiences I had but I am a naturally positive person…I love working and, having been in a managerial position before becoming unemployed, I like to work through my problems methodically.’ ecdp Works provided Lea with an opportunity to prove to others and himself that he still had what it takes to work full time.

‘I was scared to take the extra step because of my barriers, but during ecdp Works I learnt that if I couldn’t remove my barriers then I should accept them. The work placement meant I learnt to accept being in a wheelchair and now I feel as though a great weight’s been lifted. It’s transformed my life and the lives of my family, I’m smiling all the time now. Also I’m losing weight which will help me walk better. I’m on cloud nine, it’s just brilliant.’

‘My new role is challenging. I’ve had to learn a lot about the industry in a very short space of time and there’s still more I need to know, but working within ecdp’s Support Planning Team, I feel very well supported. Working at ecdp is also great, here I’m not singled out, who cares if you’ve got a disability? You’re not treated differently and there’s nobody fussing over you… I get enough of that at home.’

Lea’s job as a member of ecdp’s Support Planning Team involves him guiding people to create their support plans for their social care funding.

He works with a range of people offering them advice and guidance. Lea, and the rest of the Support Planning Team at ecdp, are here to help you create your support plan.

‘I am truly amazed that given the short - though not at all rushed - time I spent chatting with my support planner, that they actually listened, understood and had such empathy with my situation. I have spent hours and hours with others, none of whom have come marginally close to the realisation they had of the difficulties I face.’

Our experienced support planners provide:  Understanding knowledge and advice gained through experience, both personal and professional  Respect you know best about how your support needs will be met and we don’t pretend otherwise  Confidentiality nothing goes into the support plan without your agreement  Regular communication keeping you up-to-date on the progress of the plan

‘My support planner was always available for advice - this instant contact proved vital in a constantly evolving situation.’

If you’re having a social care review and need to create or amend your support plan, ask your key worker to refer you to ecdp. We’ll ensure your support plan works for you…

Call us on 01245 392300 Email us at [email protected]

Looking to improve your chances of employment by joining ecdp Works?

Call Rachel 01245 214012 Email [email protected] k Visit www.ecdp.org.uk/essexunite Page 10

Making moments. How ecdp challenged local opinions of disability at the Discovery Festival

In November, ecdp and Chelmsford City Council hosted the Discovery Festival. The six day event saw Chelmsford turn into a colourful centre of performance, art and activity. It marked the International Day of Persons with a Disability and ambitiously sought to change the public’s perception of disabled people. It did this by demonstrating and celebrating what disabled people can do.

Local organisations from across the City came together to celebrate the achievements of disabled people and to provide information on the services available locally. We also had some wonderful performances. The festival even drew in Chelmsford’s Mayor Trevor Miller and boccia Paralympic gold medalist Dan Bentley.

The Discovery Festival provided a lot of practical help. People were able to discover the range of services available locally and receive advice and support from professionals. One woman who was hard of hearing noticed Hearing Help Essex at their Discovery Festival stall in High Chelmer. She was overjoyed to learn about all the services and support that were available to her. She had previously been unaware of what was on offer.

‘Events like this encourage people to accept all’, said one participant, and another noted ‘it is so inspiring.’

55% of people stated that their perception of disabled people had changed during the Discovery Festival.One person who saw the Phillip Morant signing choir stated that ‘before, disabled people were invisible to me.’ Another commented that ‘activities show they can do more than I thought.’ Such powerful statements and staggering figures really demonstrate the importance of events like the Discovery Festival. Page 11

Throughout the Discovery Festival moments occurred where people of all abilities played boccia or cricket together, moments where people danced, talked and celebrated with each other, moments where the distinctions between disabled and non-disabled people were made redundant and forgotten. Although these moments are fleeting, it’s from these moments that a legacy of understanding is born that will help change perceptions and attitudes towards disability.

What was on?  Singing  Dance groups  Wheelchair dancing  Paralympic boccia  Signing choir  An art exhibition  Sensory wall  Sport for disabilities  Mencap  Guide Dogs  Essex Fire and Rescue  Rethink Mental Illness  Hearing Help Essex  ADHD Support.

Find out more about the Discovery Festival Visit www.ecdp.org.uk/discovery Page 12 Future Focus. Shaping a better tomorrow for young disabled people in Essex

One of our greatest values at ecdp is making the voices of disabled people heard and ensuring that decisions concerning disability are not made without the input of disabled people. ecdp ran a series of focus groups in January and February 2014 to discover the experiences and opinions of young disabled people. We wanted to forge a network of people that could offer support to each other from their shared lived experience. These were the Future Focus groups.

Paralympic tennis player and DPULO Ambassador Louise Hunt attended many of the groups. Louise shared her experience and expertise with the focus groups and helped collect valuable insight from attendees. The Future Focus groups allowed opinions to be collected from several key disability groups including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, mental health, and learning disabilities.

William Snagge, Director of Policy and Development at ecdp, oversaw the Future Focus groups. He said, ‘there was an excellent turn out at all the events delivered and we’ve had lots of positive conversations. The experiences and opinions that attendees shared have given us real insight into the everyday experiences of young disabled people in Essex. This has enabled us to identify some key issues.’ ecdp will now ensure that the Future Focus research will help to shape the services available to young people locally for the future. Future Focus is a great example of how single individuals can provide real input into regional and national services and policies. Page 13 What did ecdp learn from the Future Focus research?

Top three themes that emerged:  Employment  Access  Social activities

What do we need?  Role models  Understanding  To be visible  More education

What are the problem areas for young disabled people?  Attitudes and perceptions there is negative media coverage and negative language is used  Hidden disabilities for example, gym staff could be trained to support people more, especially hidden impairments  Continuity of care we don’t want to keep telling our story  Social clubs they are out there, but the publicity is not good enough, and there is sometimes age limits and costs associated with these groups.

What is working well?  Access has improved although we still need dropped kerbs and hatched parking spaces  GPs are listening more GPs recognise how physical health can affect mental health  Social groups are improving. Page 14 The wommpomm way: A dynamic and fresh approach wommpomm.com is bringing real employment and business opportunities to local people. With firm footings in both commercial success and social entrepreneurship, we’re showing off the best of Colchester and creating real jobs right here in Essex whilst commissioning systems programming and crowd funding from around the world. wommpomm founder James Reymond is a ‘Top Rated Seller’ on ebay and from a strong career in sales and advertising. Project Manager Catherine Turner comes from an educational and charities background. Together we are supporting local businesses by offering them marketing, website hosting, video production and business development opportunities.

And by the way both James and Catherine have substantial impairments. This is crucial because we’ve found ways of working which we can easily manage; but subtle because we don’t need to focus on this with clients.

We’re using wommpomm.com and social media to promote local organisations and bring them more customers and funding.

Our Colchester Showcase is:  Showing off the best arts, businesses, people  Partnering online business with physical places  Creating content with Essex University Interns.

As a graduate of both Essex University and ecdp Works (formally known as Essex Unite) I am delighted that wommpomm is carving such a solid path. Our communities and businesses are in real need of innovation and partnership building. We need your help. Please get in touch.

Colchester is just the start – follow @wommpomm on Twitter for the latest news.

Catherine Turner, Project Manager, wommpomm.com Page 15 Tweet tweet

The lived experience of disabled people is something ecdp values very deeply and social media has proven to be an excellent way of engaging with disabled people directly.

Here’s a collection of our recent favourite posts @HEYSpecialStars November 13 ecdp thanks so much!! Your services for disabled people in Essex are fantastic! @getinclusion November 19 ecdp, this is what I call a celebration. Hope it goes well. #DiscoveryFestival

@BIGSing1 November 30 So proud of our BIG Sing UNITE Choir for singing in High Chelmer for ecdp at the Discovery Festival - they were fab! @LouiseHunt1 November 27 As a young DPULO Ambassador I am working with ecdp - a great Disabled People’s User Led Organisation. Please follow & support them @ablegirl December 13 ecdp on BBC Radio 4 You lot are media stars!! You watch you'll be more famous than Jeremy Paxman!! LoL! @rich_w January 16 Brill video from ecdp on how Right to Control made a difference for someone with a mental health problem to get work

Thank you to all our followers and everyone who engages with us. To join the conversation

Follow ecdp on Twitter @ecdp Page 16 Additional information

Your audio version is available online now! You can listen to all of the articles in this magazine online at www.ecdp.org.uk/magazine Want this publication in an alternative format? Let us know by emailing [email protected] ecdp is a Company Limited by Guarantee Registration Number 4217686 (England & Wales) as Essex Coalition of Disabled People and a Registered Charity Number 1091293

Contact us... ecdp Ivan Peck House, 1 Russell Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3AA Telephone: 01245 392 300 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ecdp.org.uk Textphone: 01245 392 302

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