dtVoice Issue 29, Summer 2014 Helping you stay informed about the work of The Disabilities Trust
Embracing independence Service users’ stories
A grand interview A shining Highlighting We speak to example at 25 concerns Temple Grandin Shinewater Court Policy and celebrates campaigns update
The Disabilities Trust is a Registered Charity No. 800797/SC038972 www.thedtgroup.org Welcome Welcome to our latest Contents edition of dtVoice. News Shinewater Court celebrates 25 years 1 Planting success at The Maples 2 Award winning consultant An introduction 3 Battle of The Bands Rocking on 4
Tŷ Aberdafen update DJ in the house! 5 Celebrations at Avenue Road Rosegarth opening Barrie Oldham, Chief Executive Year of the Brain in Europe 6 elcome to the Matters of legislation are summer edition still front of mind and we Our amazing supporters of dtVoice. The have been campaigning for Event schedule Up on the roof 7 themeW of this issue is ‘Embracing good and consistent care Independence’ and celebrates within the Care Act, due for Features the achievements of those we implementation in April 2015. Embracing independence - support in determining how they Rachel 8 want to live their lives. Stories No dtVoice would be Embracing independence - come from across the UK and complete without coverage Matt 9 cover all the Trust’s divisions. of fundraising where we have the opportunity to thank all Embracing independence - We have enjoyed celebrating of those who have taken part, Velma 10 some significant anniversaries; a as organisers, competitors Embracing independence - maple tree was planted at ‘The or volunteers; we report Charlotte 11 Maples’ a year after the rebuild on a Battle of the Bands in Insight into a day: which has significantly enhanced support of BIRT and lots and Foundation Linkworker 12 the service users’ independence. forthcoming events. A grand interview 13 At the other end of the scale, Baking off for Shinewater Court has just I hope you enjoy the autism awareness 14/15 celebrated its 25th anniversary. magazine and we would Also, a brand new service, love to hear your views Comment The BIRT Centre for Wales, Tŷ via csscommunications@ Policy and campaigns update 16/17 Aberdafen, has opened. thedtgroup.org How to help The Disabilities Trust, First Floor, Tel: 01444 239 123 Leaving a gift 18 32 Market Place, Burgess Hill, Fax: 01444 244 978 West Sussex, RH15 9NP Email: [email protected] The Disabilities Trust is a Registered Search ‘The Disabilities Trust’ @theDTgroup Charity No. 800797. Scotland Registered Charity No. SC038972.
www.thedtgroup.org News A shining example at 25 years
he opening of Shinewater 1987 when the roof was literally Court in Eastbourne about to be placed. marked a very important So great was the demand for the Tlandmark in The Disabilities Trust’s service that the staff had to sift history. It was the second purpose through over 300 applications for built service commissioned by residency at the service in order the Trust, developed to meet to select the 30 service users. increasing demand for provision for people with severe and Shinewater Court was formally complex disabilities. opened by The Princess of Wales, on 30th May 1989, a momentous day which users to live as independent a saw hundreds lifestyle as possible. All rooms of people in have an intercom system, digital attendance. televisions, profiling beds and Diana was given overhead electronic hoists. There a full tour of is also eye tracking computer Shinewater Court equipment as well as the latest and met with WiFi networking hardware. many service users This promotes independence, and members of Work commenced on maximises individual choice and staff, as well as visiting the flats aids communications. Shinewater Court in 1986. The and treatment rooms. A special development was built as a dinner was put on by Eastbourne Carol Wade reflects back how quadrangle and comprised Catering College and speeches she came to work for the Trust: bungalows, flats and bed-sitting were made. Carol Wade, Service rooms for up to 30 adults, and Manager said: “There has never I applied for a Head had been made possible by the been a day like it since; police of Care post and was generous support of the Ernest arrived at 5am to start the day, offered the job on the Kleinwort Charitable Trust. followed shortly after by the spot, which wouldn’t Progress was unexpectedly Princess’s Lady in Waiting.” happen now! I remember hampered by the great storm of being really impressed Twenty five years by the organisation, even later Shinewater though they only had two Court continues to services at the time. The support people with philosophy of support severe and complex and even the layout of disabilities. Some of the building was very the greatest changes unique. Every service user over the years have had their own bedsit with been the introduction an en-suite bathroom, of assistive technology something quite and communications, uncommon at that time. enabling service
dtVoice Summer 2014 - 1 News Growing success
The new building replaced a three-storey Victorian building which had become outdated. The centre has a team of specialist staff who provide speech, language, music and art therapy. There is also a holistic support service that allows residents to carry out tasks such L-R: Anna Headley, Cllr. Dorothy Brown and service user Alex Burton as shopping. Anna Headley, Director he Maples service and Asperger’s and the staff are of Autism Spectrum in Reading has just wonderful people. The centre Partners, spoke of the progress celebrated the first enables the residents to live since the development: “We Tanniversary of its new £1.5 independent lives and it must are delighted to have obtained million building. The Maples bring great happiness to be able such an excellent achievement is run by Autism Spectrum to live in such fantastic and with our latest CQC report and Partners. It provides both peaceful surroundings.” this is a really positive reflection supported and independent on the staff and service users at There are 16 residents living in accommodation for adults with The Maples. As we are growing, three bungalows with eight autism and Asperger syndrome. we are also now looking to studio apartments which have increase our support team, so A maple tree was planted in en-suite accommodation and we are now actively starting to the grounds of the service at cooking facilities as well as eight recruit more high quality and Tokers Green to mark both the bedrooms, also with en-suites, dedicated staff to support our occasion and a report by the for those needing more support. service users in the new purpose Care Quality Commission (CQC) There are shared facilities built development. Our staff which found the centre had met including a dining room, are a vital part of a long-term all required standards. laundrette, activities room, investment in the lives of our Around 50 guests attended sensory garden and green gym. service users at The Maples.” the ceremony, including family members, at which Chairman of South Oxfordshire District The last year has been hugely successful. The service Council, Dorothy Brown, users have had a great year with many new opportunities planted the tree. and their quality of life is quite different. As a Trust, the After a tour of the complex, service users are at the centre of everything we do and Councillor Brown said: “The their progress is hugely important to us. Maples is the most wonderful Barrie Oldham, Chief Executive facility for people with autism
2 - www.thedtgroup.org Award winning Consultant
ongratulations to routines as a prompting system. Dr Brian O’Neill, our The finalists had been carefully Consultant Clinical selected from many and varied CPsychologist at the Brain competitive nominations. Injury Rehabilitation Trust Amongst BIRT colleagues who service in Glasgow, Graham attended the awards dinner was Anderson House. Dr O’Neill the Director of BIRT, has won the LaingBuisson Susan Munroe: ‘Innovation’ category of the 2014 Independent Specialist “Dr O’Neill leads an Care Awards. The award was excellent neurobehavioural presented by Maria Davies multidisciplinary team at Dr Brian O’Neill from LaingBuisson and Michael Graham Anderson House in Portillo at a glittering awards Glasgow, serving people with dinner for the finalists. very challenging behaviour severe cognitive impairment and/or complex needs after to live independently. We Dr O’Neill was nominated by brain injury. We are delighted are very excited about the BIRT for the Guide project that he has won this award and range of applications that his that enables users with a brain celebrate recognition of the development, Guide, has and the injury to access technological ground breaking work he has potential impact it can have on support during their daily done to enable people with so many people.”
Clinical Director appointment the Institute of Neurological to the Trust. She offers us a Sciences in Glasgow. She has considerable wealth of knowledge over 25 years of clinical, teaching and experience which will help us and research experience in enhance the Trust’s reputation for Clinical Neuropsychology. high quality support for people Barrie Oldham said: ‘I am with brain injury, autism and delighted to welcome Dr Copstick physical disabilities.’
I am very excited to have the opportunity to support and develop both BIRT’s excellent clinical services and Dr Sue Copstick the work of the Trust more widely. The ethos of the Trust is particularly appealing to me because of its r Sue Copstick has commitment to provide quality support for people commenced her post as the charity’s with complex disabilities, to undertake ground-breaking DClinical Director. She joins research and to pilot new ways of supporting people. the Trust from working as Dr Sue Copstick Head of Neuropsychology at
dtVoice Summer 2014 - 3 News Battling it out for Eyes Alight
and members from all The judging was done X Factor three Harpenden senior style, with presenter Georgia schools were winners at inviting each band to the front of theB Battle of the Bands 2014 the stage after their performance fundraising event in Harpenden to receive their feedback. Public Halls in April. The The judges complimented all youngest band, The Whales, of the bands on outstanding from St George’s School, whose performances and said that it members are aged 12 and 13, had been very difficult to choose Andrew Biddle won the prize for Best Cover the winners. In his concluding Performance. ‘Godfrey’, with remarks Harry Judd said that the band members from both judges had enjoyed the event so Rocking on Roundwood Park School and much that they would love to We have had some excellent Sir John Lawes School, won return for another Battle of the news about Andrew Biddle, the award for Best Original Bands in 2015! from our Osman House Composition and Performance The event was organised by service in Leeds, who, prior making them our ‘Band of Harpenden Lions with Izzy to his brain injury in 2011, Bands 2014’. and Harry Judd to raise money was a keen music enthusiast In addition to celebrity presenter for the Eyes Alight appeal for and guitarist, inspired by Georgia Horsley and judges Harry the Brain Injury Rehabilitation British pop and rock bands, Judd, Chantal Abel, Edd Gibson Trust. The money raised will go such as The Shadows. Whilst and Ed MacFarlane, the audience towards new facilities at Kent Andy’s injury posed him with of over 320 were treated to a House in Aylesbury, a specialist a number of challenges, he surprise guest appearance by residential centre providing has been determined to another of Harry Judd’s McFly/ continuing rehabilitation and overcome these and set McBusted band mates, Danny specialist care and support for himself the goal of relearning Jones, who joined the judging people with acquired brain the guitar. As part of his panel; Danny and Georgia are injury. A sum of nearly £3,500 ongoing rehabilitation, Andy engaged to be married. was raised for the cause. is supported to attend the Leeds Music Hub on a weekly Judges L-R, Ed MacFarlane, Edd Gibson, Chantal Abel, Harry Judd, Danny Jones basis. Kate from the Hub says: “It’s always an absolute pleasure to have Andy here. I’ve really enjoyed hearing his progress over the months and his enthusiasm is so brilliant to see”. Service users and staff at Osman House thoroughly enjoy listening to Andy and are planning to host an evening where he can showcase his talent.
4 - www.thedtgroup.org Ty^ Aberdafen – The BIRT Centre for Wales
ŷ Aberdafen, The BIRT Centre for Wales, is only weeks away from opening itsT doors at the time of writing. Induction fortnight is over now and there is now a group of newly trained staff ready to welcome its first service users. A modern, spacious and welcoming environment has been purpose built to accommodate service users. Tŷ Aberdafen is the Staff at Ty^ Aberdafen Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust’s first service in Wales and the first service of its kind in the country. here and ensure that the clinical and for developing skilled staff, We asked Tracey Ryan-Morgan, service delivered is of the collaborating in high quality our new Consultant Clinical highest standard. I am keen to research and developing and Neuropsychologist, to tell us a bit put this service on the national applying assistive technologies map in terms of providing in rehabilitation. My own about her role at Tŷ Aberdafen. high quality, evidence-based research interests in recent “As Consultant Clinical assessment and rehabilitation years have been in the areas Neuropsychologist my services. I would like the service of Symptom Validity and the role is primarily to lead the to be a centre for excellence Mental Capacity Act which will interdisciplinary clinical team both for neurorehabilitation be invaluable in my new role.’’
DJ in the I love DJ’ing and would hope (Victoria) House! to go places and make a imon Pooley, a service user at Victoria career out of it one day. House in Hull, is currently fulfilling an Simon Pooley ambition of training to be a DJ. Simon’s Stutor, Hugo, is a volunteer and comes in every Thursday afternoon to spend time training Simon. It is something that Simon has wanted to achieve for a long time, and now technology enables him to have that opportunity. Simon has enjoyed it so much that he has been in touch with Viking FM and they are currently looking into the possibility of him undertaking some work Simon Pooley experience, so keep listening out!
dtVoice Summer 2014 - 5 News New Community Services house
e are delighted to have opened a new Community Service house Win York called Rosegarth. Rosegarth will be home to seven service users with an acquired brain injury, four of whom will have their own apartments. This includes a couple who have waited a long time to be able to live together. It is a beautiful period building with an annexe in the grounds. The service is already full and the service users living there have had a real input into the decoration and furniture that went into the house along with alterations being made to accommodate their individual needs. Rosegarth House
Celebrating 20 years Year of the Brain in Europe ontinuing from our last edition, Community Services’ 20th IRT has pledged its support Anniversary celebrations have for Year of the Brain in Europe Calso been held for staff and service this year. We are launching the BIRTB Brain Campaign to highlight the users in Avenue Road, Birmingham. A donation was kindly given by the Trust’s importance of more research, a joined up Eyes Alight appeal, enabling them to buy approach to rehabilitation from the NHS decorations and to purchase food, drinks and local authorities and the importance and a special cake for the celebrations. of a healthy brain. Caroline Neary, Area Manager, also BIRT services also got involved to show bought drinks, crackers and Somerset their support for Year of the Brain in cheese for the party. Everyone danced Europe during Brain Injury Awareness Week and had a good time. They also took the (11-18th May 2014). Each service chose to be opportunity to acknowledge another an European country throughout the year anniversary by awarding a certificate to and is recognising that country through one of their service users, Stuart Wicks, themed events as well as using the week who has been at Avenue Road for 10 to visit different places or put on various years. Congratulations Stuart! events at the service.
6 - www.thedtgroup.org Our supporters Events diary
• Comtec Polo Day, 13th July, Sussex Polo Club, Tickets £10 per Adult (children under 14 are free), all proceeds will go towards equine therapy within our Autism Spectrum Partners division • Huw Thatcher Trust, 19forHuw, 19-27th July, Three members of Huw’s family will take to the roads over nine days covering 1,000 miles and visiting all the 19 football stadiums that Huw visited in his life. More details, route maps and how you can support can be found on huwthatchertrust.org Sally Rogers • York Marathon places now available on the second ever Yorkshire Marathon, £350 minimum sponsorship. Volunteering • Bookings are now being taken for Brighton and e are looking to build our London Marathons 2015 volunteering teams across the country; this could be helping at eventsW such as marathons, fundraising balls or For more information on these and any other events please see seminars or just spending some one on with www.thedtgroup.org/support-us service users. If you’re interested in volunteering please check out our volunteering page or email [email protected]
when we reached the viewing Up on the roof area, 52 metres up, we were the only people up there. It was imon Gray from our Ernest quite warm in the sun where we Kleinwort Court service in stayed for an hour, but on the Burgess Hill has taken part descent it was freezing cold and Sin the first wheelchair climb of everyone was shivering except 2014 over the O2 stadium. one of the guides who had gone up in shorts! It was an amazing, Simon spoke of his experience: exhilarating experience for all It was an “Firstly, we had a safety video of us. We’d all do it again if amazing, shown to us and then we geared given a chance - possibly in the up. Sally, my support worker exhilarating summer though. Thanks again to and Andy, the photographer, everyone who sponsored us.” experience were given jumpsuits with for all of us harnesses and I transferred into If you’d like to sponsor Simon Simon Gray and Sally Johnson a custom wheelchair. Going up his page can be seen at www. took about an hour in total and justgiving.com/Simon-Gray72
dtVoice Summer 2014 - 7 Features Embracing independence
Rachelachel is one of our new A flat at EKC soon became Activities she has recently been service users at Ernest available and Rachel was involved with include sailing, Kleinwort Court (EKC), delighted to be offered a home computing, going to town for aR Disability Lifestyles service in there, particularly as her mum is shopping, using the Cardio Wall Burgess Hill, West Sussex. She in the same town. and playing boccia. The wireless was born with cerebral palsy and network at EKC has also enabled Rachel was involved at every has increasingly learnt to live her to keep in touch with many level of her care plan and her life to the full, despite the of her friends through social individual support package, and restrictions of the condition. media sites. has made decisions in these Until the age of 24 Rachel lived areas from day one, including As well as all the activities at home with her mum, Helen, choosing her own key worker. Rachel is invoved in, she also goes out to work for two days who was responsible for most of The positive changes in Rachel a week at Chailey Heritage, her day-to-day care. A personal over the past few months assisting with work in print and assistant would also visit three since moving to EKC are clearly design producing items from times a week to help her. Prior evident. Her confidence has flyers to t-shirts. to that Rachel attended Treloar greatly increased and she is College in Hampshire where very popular with other service Her mum visits regularly and she studied photography and users. She now feels more Rachel still goes to stay with her business studies, and returned independent than ever. The every other week so that they home for the holidays. She increase in her skills has been can have time together. made many friends at college, key in giving her choice and Helen is delighted with her but rarely gets to see them due enablement with participation progress and said: “It has been to the distance. in many areas that she could not really pleasing for me and also have considered before. After moving back home, a great relief that Rachel has Rachel increasingly wanted to settled so happily into her new have more independence, as I really like having my life at EKC. This has been largely most young adults would want. independence and due to the staff who have made Rachel and her mum looked at her transition as smooth as different options and decided my own flat, I feel possible by always being friendly that they liked EKC best, Rachel like I can do so much and professional. It is lovely to said: “The staff and people who more now. I can also see Rachel taking charge of her lived there were all so friendly, own daily routine, enjoying so and there was a nice feeling to have friends and many new activities and having the service.” family visit whenever fun socialising with her friends.” they want.
8 - www.thedtgroup.org Embracing independence Matt fter being discharged from Mardon Rehabilitation Unit inA Exeter, Matt Onions was admitted to The Woodmill’s community house in Spindlebury. Having sustained a brain injury following a heart attack, Matt was left with weakness in his left side, loss of dexterity, slow thought process and lack of motivation. He also had memory deficits as well as communication problems. Matt was however, very clear about setting his long term goals: to return home to his girlfriend Matt was very and resume his career as a chef. clear about Our physiotherapists, setting his long into a two afternoons a week psychologists and the work placement at The Woodmill. term goals; to occupational therapists (OT) worked together extremely As discharge approached, the return home to closely to build up Matt’s stamina Service Manager felt that it his girlfriend and and postural strength. They would be a great opportunity resume his career also focused on other aspects for Matt to continue his as a chef. that would help Matt with his rehabilitation in the kitchen life such as improving memory once he left the service. retention, concentration and Clinical Neuropsychologist Gail He had previously applied for a improving dexterity. Leeder and OT Rose Wisdom position at the restaurant four approached two star Michelin days before suffering the brain Matt ultimately wanted to return chef, Michael Caines to assist injury, making the placement to the kitchen and cook, which with Matt’s therapy. even more fulfilling. became the driving force behind his occupational therapy. He Following an interview, Matt was Matt currently continues his began occasionally cooking for offered a placement at ‘Abode’ placement at Abode restaurant four people in the community restaurant in Exeter having once a week and continues house kitchen which progressed demonstrated the required skills. working at The Woodmill kitchen.
dtVoice Summer 2014 - 9 Features Embracing independence Velma journey she has been through. me as I felt I was making an Initially Velma came to TEM honest living. During these years following a brain injury which was at The Body Shop there have the result of an allergic reaction been many managers and staff to a general anaesthetic. In 1995 members, I was able to adjust she moved back to her home to these changes through my town of Enfield to live with determination and because they her mother and sister. Velma were all very supportive but I now shares a flat with her sister never thought, when I started, and has had the same support that I would have achieved this worker, Christine Antoine number of years”. Lazarus, for 10 years. In a letter which accompanied a handsome cheque, the Her work placement was International HR Director thanked organised by Community Velma saying: “The growth and Services and now, 15 years on, development of The Body Shop Velma has paid employment depends on the ‘knowledge, at her local branch of The commitment and loyalty of Body Shop for two mornings employees such as yourself”. elma has a very a week. Velma takes up the important place in the story: “When I had my brain Many congratulations on this history of the Trust injury I thought I would never tremendous achievement Velma, Vas she was one of the very be able to work again. Having from everyone in Community first service users at Thomas a job was always important to Services and the Trust. Edward Mitton House (TEM), the inaugural BIRT service and was then one of the initial people to be supported by the Trust’s Community Services. She is now Having a job was always celebrating 15 years working for The Body Shop and has been recognised as a knowledgeable, important to me as I committed and loyal employee. felt I was making an Caroline Neary, Area Manager for Community Services, describes honest living. the support that has been provided for Velma, and the
10 - www.thedtgroup.org Embracing independence Charlotte harlotte’s life changed so bad that I eventually working with a local charity suddenly and needed to use a wheelchair in which campaigns to make unexpectedly a year order to get around. Gregory changes in the city to benefit afterC moving to Nottingham Court helped me pick up those with disabilities and University to study. She was the pieces of my life and put other issues. urgently admitted to hospital them back together. With with a suspected chest infection the continued support of the Through the enablement but was diagnosed with a service, I gradually gained my support I have received I am progressive muscle disease. independence again and was now able to live in my own increasingly able to walk with home with the support of a The staff team at our Disability crutches. I am now enjoying personal assistant.” Lifestyles service at Gregory Court in Nottingham supported Charlotte with gaining her independence through an 18 month re-enablement package. As a result she has recently progressed through the service and now lives in her own bungalow in the community. Charlotte speaks of her own experience: “After moving to Nottingham for my first year at university I fell in love with the city very quickly. I made some great friends and was very much enjoying my new found Through the enablement independence and life. One support I have received I am year later my whole world came crashing down. now able to live in my own I was suddenly admitted to home with the support of a hospital with a suspected chest personal assistant. infection but was diagnosed with a progressive muscle disease. My condition became
dtVoice Summer 2014 - 11 FeaturesXxxx A day in the life of a Linkworker continued – James Liddement Specialist Brain Injury Linkworker; HMP Leeds
James Liddement n the last edition of dtVoice we appointment at the Foundation’s featured James who works with brain injury support clinic. He suffers from post traumatic adult and young offenders with One of my cases - Liam,* epilepsy, migraines and brainI injury on a groundbreaking requested help around his poor forgetfulness. He also has post project run by The Disabilities memory problems; an area he has traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Trust Foundation. In this edition struggled with, as a result of his due to the trauma of how we focus on another day for brain injury. I spend time creating he sustained the brain injury. James in his role as a Linkworker a ‘memory strategy’ pack for Liam. Alex comes to the brain injury for the Foundation: I gather useful resources such as; support clinic and we go to an “Most mornings I wake up weekly calendars, pocket sized interview room. around 7am. I make an extra large to-do lists, post-it notes and a Alex doesn’t seem his usual self breakfast and protein smoothie to self help information sheet on today, he appears withdrawn kick start my day. I’m on my feet improving your memory. I set off and quiet. I ask if he is feeling quite a bit so this helps my energy through the prison and deliver ok and he tells me of the recent levels. I arrive at HMP Leeds and these resources to Liam. death of a close family relative. then make my way through the I have a session this afternoon Alex feels unable to grieve as many security gates and doors with Alex*. Alex’s brain injury he feels he can’t let his guard before entering the Harbour unit, had a massive impact on his life. down on the wing by showing the office where I am based. his emotions. I offer Alex some HMP Leeds do a health screening time to talk about his feelings. of each offender upon their first I usually have afternoon I make Alex aware of the night in the prison. We worked appointments booked at support systems in place such as together last year to implement the brain injury support bereavement counselling through a seven question screening tool clinic in the Harbour the Chaplaincy. Alex makes a goal to be included as a part of the unit. This gives me an to contact Chaplaincy over the screening. The tool identifies opportunity to see my next week to request supportive individuals who show a history of cases in a quiet, therapeutic counselling. Alex also reported brain injury. We call the tool the environment, away from having a seizure recently. I book Brain Injury Screening Index (BISI). the noise and bustle of him an appointment with the GP Today I check the HMP Leeds the wings. At the clinic I and agree to chase up his follow database of records from the am able to offer focussed up appointment with Neurology health screening to see if there are and confidential sessions; as he would like to review his any new referrals sent to me. assessments, education on anti-epileptic medication. I write Positive cases on the BISI are brain injury, advice on brain up contact notes onto the system tasked to me electronically. injury coping strategies and update Alex’s support plan. I receive two new referrals. and support plans to assist Going through my emails and I gather the information I service users in achieving messages at the end of the day, I need and put them both on their goals. receive an email from an agency my waiting list for an initial that provides voluntary work
*names changed to protect identity contd.
12 - www.thedtgroup.org A grand discussion
nna Headley, Director so she can think like them - and of Autism, Learning this has enabled her to excel Disability and with her work in this life. EducationA for our Autism I outlined the equine therapy Spectrum Partners division, work that Autism Spectrum was fortunate enough to have Partners have been investigating Dr Temple Grandin been invited to interview with horses, Temple said that the highly regarded author, this was absolutely the right speaker and activist, Temple thing to do as they offered a lot Grandin. Temple has been of insight into the autistic brain. I experience for ex-offenders. listed in the “Time 100 List” mentioned that from what I had A service user I am working of the one hundred most seen of her work she thought with in the community has influential people in the world that it was of great importance been successful in obtaining a in the “Heroes” category and to get the right environment voluntary position and they are is renowned for her work and for people with autism to fully asking if I can provide a reference insight into autism. optimise their world. Temple for him. I am delighted with his Here is Anna’s insightful agreed with this. success as he has worked hard to overview of the discussion achieve this. Asking Temple what advice she that took place: could offer for our school in It’s close of day and now I have “It was a pleasure to speak to helping to get the right balance to battle the traffic on my way to Temple, someone we have with the environment, she said the gym then eventually home, by heard so much about. that those who were non-verbal this time I’m ready to unwind for should all have access to typing, the evening. I’m pushing myself We talked about Temple’s she agreed that all too often for a half marathon. I have two new book “The Autistic Brain” we assume that those who do dogs and sometimes they come which was published in April not communicate verbally have running with me. They like to 2014. Temple is herself autistic nothing to say, and actually they and has a unique perspective show off and run ahead! After do. She said that the tablet form on this condition. She told training, I’m ready for a good meal of device was key, because the me that the book covered the keyboard was on the screen so and to unwind for the evening. following key areas; diagnosis, as you type an ‘A’ for example Since the time of this interview the idea that the autistic it could be seen on the screen we are delighted that James has brain is a ‘specialist’ brain, the without having to move your moved into a new role within sensory brain, and what kind eyes - this is important to the Foundation and we welcome of job would be good for success in her opinion. She also our new Linkworker; Sean Walsh each type of specialist brain. advocated the use of non-flicker to HMP Leeds.” Temple’s favourite part of the lighting and plain floors, no book is ‘The sensory brain’. checkered flooring. We went over this and talked It was a fascinating conversation about her presentations that and Temple very much talked I have seen on why sensory about autistic brains being brains can carry thought ‘specialist’ brains and focusing like animals. She explained on this. I am looking forward to that her own brain thinks in our next conversation which she pictures and so do animals’, has very kindly agreed to.”
dtVoice Summer 2014 - 13 Features Baking-off for autism
he United Nation’s flapjacks. They were so good seventh international there were none left over! Philip World Autism Awareness was awarded with a winners’ TDay was celebrated on certificate, and all the others had Wednesday 2nd April. The aim of runner up certificates. the day was to focus on greater At Heathermount School international attention on autism; standards were very high. The something that affects millions of proud winner of their bake-off people worldwide. was Michael Manley, a level 2 winning cake. Porthcawl Green A range of service users across Hospitality & Catering student. took into consideration the need our Autism Spectrum Partners’ Other services involved for reduced sugar so included fresh services held a bake-off to get included service users at fruit and cream cheese as part of involved and to celebrate over community houses: Porthcawl their decoration, with seasonal the week. Service users at Ashley Green, Westfield Road and flowers from the garden. Cotswold Road in New Milton, Hampshire, Cotswold, in Bedfordshire and received a runners up certificate. had a great time with cake, cake Buckinghamshire. The joint and more cake! They held a very The bake-off at Hollyrood in winners were Westfield Road popular taster session for all Sussex was also a big success. and Porthcawl Green. Westfield service users and everyone chose All four houses on site took House’s cake was a traditional their favourite. The person with part, baking cakes to enter Victoria sponge with pink icing the most votes was Philip Kolank, during the week and the cake and cherries, the photo shown on who had looked up his recipe, decorating on the day was won the bottom right of page 15 is of then went out to purchase all by one of their satellite houses. Edward Dighton with his delicious the ingredients to make chewy The overall winner for effort
14 - www.thedtgroup.org and taste was Simon Peck from club was awarded to Michael Anna had the huge task tasting Pinewood for his Bakewell Fulda from Beech Hill. all of the cakes and making a tart. The best decorated large decision. The winner was Soji Hamilton Lodge had a special cake was awarded to Shaun Kayode from Bristowe Close, the mystery judge… Anna Headley Garlington and Harry Mawer autism service at Hamilton Lodge, our Director of Autism, Learning from Oakwood for their who had made an outstanding Disability and Education. Anna chocolate and buttercream carrot cake with all the trimmings. was very impressed by the sponge cakes. The awards for Soji was very pleased with his number of service users who the moistest cake went to Neil special certificate and a £20 took part. There were quite a few Colquhoun from Ashwood for voucher to spend. more entries than last year and his chocolate cake. The runner all entries were a great standard. up, for his cupcakes, was Robert A huge well done to everyone Service Manager Sally-Anne and Wisson from Ashwood. The best involved and thank you for decorated cake during the social taking part!
dtVoice Summer 2014 - 15 Comment Policy and campaigns update
pril 2015 will see many legislation to focus on social care care and support needs may changes to the way in seventy years - the question not be fully communicated. social care is delivered of funding and a fair eligibility acrossA England. criteria for those that require It was agreed that BIRT should care and support remains. create a brain injury needs The Care Act will be the vehicle indicator (BINI) tool that can for these changes and has been Importantly, the Brain Injury be used in conjunction with cautiously welcomed by the Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT) a formal needs assessment. voluntary sector. has worked closely with the The tool will assist assessors Department of Health to Along with the Care and Support in evidencing brain injury, and discuss condition specific Alliance, of which The Trust will reflect the information issues within the regulations is a member, we have been that local authorities require. and guidance of the Care campaigning over the last two Councils will not be under a Act. This is significant, as years to make sure that the Care legal obligation to use the BINI. often people with brain injury Act, its guidance and regulations lack insight into their needs The BINI will be undergoing trials contain the legislation that will and abilities, have memory with local authorities and other translate into individuals receiving and concentration problems brain injury organisations within good, consistent care with an and difficulty in formulating our stakeholder group in order emphasis on their wellbeing. answers quickly. We were for the Trust to make sure others We still continue to campaign as concerned therefore that can use it simply, and it produces whilst the Care Act has promise during a needs assessment as a accurate information for the as the first piece of individual result of brain injury, a person’s purpose of the needs assessment.
16 - www.thedtgroup.org Comment
What can you do? support package. The BINI is not Funding: A new social care a statutory requirement but it system is a really positive As part of the BIRT Brain is specifically designed to make step and on the whole the campaign we have produced a sure that if individuals don’t have new principles for delivering template letter for service users full insight into their abilities social care seems encouraging. and their friends and families their true needs are still captured However, we’re concerned that to ask their MP to respond within the assessment process. the chronic underfunding of to the Department of Health Eligibility: Whilst the Act the system will continue and consultation on the guidance makes provisions for the will mean that these changes and regulations of the Act – this new eligibility criteria we won’t be implemented properly. the practical guidance for local are concerned that it is too We understand that the Better authorities to follow, but crucially restrictive and it might reduce Care Funding programme is also provides a link to the BINI. the care that individuals will helping somewhat but it is not We are asking MPs to consider receive in the future. the whole solution. three important topics within the consultation; BINI: The BINI is really important for assessors to use if they want to make sure they provide people with brain injury with the correct care and
To read more about the BINI visit: www.thedtgroup.org/brain-injury/bini You can also download a template letter there.
dtVoice Summer 2014 - 17 How to help Demand for the Trust’s services is growing and we are continually working on new developments to make a difference to the lives of even more people. To support the work of the Trust please make a donation by filling in the form below.
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