disability equality
iPhone4 - sign and weep
08/June/2010 03:30 PM Filed in: Independent
living
Yesterday we saw the WWDC 2010 Keynote by Steve Jobs
deliver us the next iPhone - iPhone 4.
Now, disabled people are loving iPhones for all sorts of reasons - in factnever has a device delivered so much in terms of life enhancement for people in general.
Then it came to the one last thing - Video Chat. I watched on Engadget as up came all the photos of families staying connected and all sorts of rosy images of life with video chat.
However - then came the star photo - yes folks, disabled people made it into the key note. This came to us in the form of some Deaf users using BSL over their new video rich i-Phone with amazing clarity.
Now, to many of us, two people chatting in BSL is nothing remarkable - it's just two people chatting. Yes I know it's on a mobile phone but you still need wifi access so it's no more remarkable than watching two people sign via video phone type systems (or even SKYPE if you get good enough speeds and frame rates).
However, the guys at Engadget described this vision as 'Wow' and 'very cool' and then finally 'We're getting choked up!'. I was welling up myself - though for different reasons. I wonder if the new adverts for the phone in the UK will feature BSL users?
[Source: http://www.engadget.com, June 7th 2010]
Equal futures
I felt myself wishing that people didn't see these things as so extra ordinary. Whilst it may be a useful option for two people who sign - it's not going to help communicate with the none signing world. I can see more potential though for 'super portable' signing such as in a hospital venue where a Deaf patient may need quick access to an interpreter who might be miles away. Some places do have video units but they are large and costly.You also need to be able to prop up your phone whilst you sign. Therefore, to do that anywhere outside of the home would make me want a cut proof, wire, chord linking my phone to my person in case it was snatched! An App that converts text to BSL as you talk - now that would be good!
I also wonder about how well you would see facial expression, lips and signs which require you to see a person whole upper body for example - listening to Deaf users on their experiences of the new phone will be interesting.
Now, disabled people are loving iPhones for all sorts of reasons - in factnever has a device delivered so much in terms of life enhancement for people in general.
Then it came to the one last thing - Video Chat. I watched on Engadget as up came all the photos of families staying connected and all sorts of rosy images of life with video chat.
However - then came the star photo - yes folks, disabled people made it into the key note. This came to us in the form of some Deaf users using BSL over their new video rich i-Phone with amazing clarity.
Now, to many of us, two people chatting in BSL is nothing remarkable - it's just two people chatting. Yes I know it's on a mobile phone but you still need wifi access so it's no more remarkable than watching two people sign via video phone type systems (or even SKYPE if you get good enough speeds and frame rates).
However, the guys at Engadget described this vision as 'Wow' and 'very cool' and then finally 'We're getting choked up!'. I was welling up myself - though for different reasons. I wonder if the new adverts for the phone in the UK will feature BSL users?
[Source: http://www.engadget.com, June 7th 2010]
Equal futures
I felt myself wishing that people didn't see these things as so extra ordinary. Whilst it may be a useful option for two people who sign - it's not going to help communicate with the none signing world. I can see more potential though for 'super portable' signing such as in a hospital venue where a Deaf patient may need quick access to an interpreter who might be miles away. Some places do have video units but they are large and costly.You also need to be able to prop up your phone whilst you sign. Therefore, to do that anywhere outside of the home would make me want a cut proof, wire, chord linking my phone to my person in case it was snatched! An App that converts text to BSL as you talk - now that would be good!
I also wonder about how well you would see facial expression, lips and signs which require you to see a person whole upper body for example - listening to Deaf users on their experiences of the new phone will be interesting.
A vote or a sympathy vote?
07/April/2010 01:51 PM Filed in: Other
However, will they have the right attitude to get the attention of the disabled voter - or will we just get the sympathy vote from them?
Up close in person - patronising attitudes and accessibility of MPs.
One of the things I have had experience of is lobbying an MP - and that was not pleasant. It was some years ago in St Albans. Myself and some people from a Direct Payment Support Scheme went to a surgery appointment to discuss the Independent Living Funds' 'toilet tax'. As a wheelchair user, when we arrived the surgery wasn't exactly accessible. It involved going up a step, round the side of the building on a crumbling narrow path, through a back kitchen and into a cramped office for all of a ten minute chat.
Access to MPs and similar should be equally available to all but I wonder how many actually are?
Shocking attitudes of MPs and Councillors
About 4 or 5 years ago, I had the displeasure of meeting Ann Widdecombe as my local MP. I was working at the event where she was doing a speech to launch a disability product. There were a number of disabled people with a range of impairments. I had no idea what she would be like - but as she did her meet and greet I soon found out. She bent down, stared closely at me, then studied my chair, then turned again to look at me. In a fiery, shrill breath she bellowed 'so whats wrong with YOU then'. I was stunned.
Do politicians not get any equality training on how to respectfully go about their duties? It's something I will remember for the rest of my life because the conversation didn't get much better despite my efforts to say I was actually working at the event and politely trying to move the conversation away from which parts of me don't work. My work colleagues were horrified and word soon spread! I watched how she did the same with everyone else with an obvious impairment, patronising and shameful.
I have met many councillors and have been utterly horrified at the patronising behaviours and language demonstrated on all but one occasion. Invalids and a pat on the head in some cases.
So - if you treat me in this way, with disrespect and inequality, you should not be surprised when this reflects badly on your party.
You will understand when I say that you probably don't care much for what the disabled members of your community need and the rights that should be theirs when you don't make any effort yourself to get it right.
Do you want my vote or not?
Cashing in on impairment
The company has a web site called Healthful Apps.
Basically, they are Apps that you pay for which list other 'useful Apps' and review them (with user reviews invited).
It's Medical Model in that their site appsforall.net tells carers about Apps so that they can improve the quality of life for those who they care about and for.
Now I appreciate that some people with Alzheimer's may not be able to choose Apps and most of the software is used as 'tools' by care works and therapeutic staff - so aiming the App at health and social care workers may be appropriate.
However, they also make Apps for other people and this is where I felt uneasy.
I am sure that most people on dialysis can choose for themselves which Apps they might find useful - but here you will find one 'for them' called 'Dialysis Apps. It promises to be a 'gift' for those in dialysis and expresses how dialysis is a gruelling experience. Clearly it plays on the tragedy and charity model where disabled people are portrayed as pityful, needy and dependent on the 'gifts' bestowed upon them by the caring none-disabled members of society.
I was not Appy to say the least
Not only is the language quite sickening and disempowering but I had to ask myself is this another sign of cashing in on impairment? Granted it's only a couple of dollars (some individual ones for the equivalent of 59p) but there are lot's of review sites where you can find reviews for free and chat about them on disability forums etc as many people indeed do. Let's not forget the actual Apple App Store review and search functions where quite a lot of disabled people post a review from their own perspective.
The Alzheimer's App talks about Apps to calm and lift the spirit and another on Apps that improve memory.
I have heard of many people using Apps in this way and reaping the benefits - what I dislike is that these just sound so commercial. They are devoid of social model thinking, user engagement/input, empowerment etc and are clearly aimed at giving carers control of Apps they think disabled people should be using.
It gets worse
The Autism App claims to be relevant for people with Down's Syndrome, MS and Traumatic Brain Injury - just to lump people together and maximise profits.
This is cashing in on impairment at it's worse.
Birmingham - short break.
26/January/2010 03:49 PM Filed in: Leisure
From the archive - Birmingham 2006
So why on earth Buuurrm-ing-am. Well we had tickets to see 'I'm Sorry I haven't a Clue' (BBC Radio 4) on the Sunday night so we made a weekend of it. Friday night we said 'Tom Tom' take us to our Holiday Inn. Well actually, we said take us to 'x' road - and it did (but not the right one - an hour and a half away from the hotel... eh hmmm [cough]).
We arrived very late, checked in and went to our room. It wasn't accessible - normal room.
Back we went and without a word the guy at reception handed over another key card. After a trek, once again, down the corridor, the room wasn't the twin we had booked...back again. Anyway, basically the booking got messed up somehow so we stayed in the twin. Not even an apology.
Good and Bad.
How did I rate this room. Bathroom was half of the room next door converted and was big enough for a bath and a shower - but only a bath and oodles of room. Not a bad room really. Just 0/10 for friendliness of reception - shame on you.
Saturday we went to the Black Country Museum. It rained for the majority of the day. Accessibility is as expected for a Victorian recreated museum (bump bump bump.... oh how I love cobbles). They did have portable ramps to go where no Victorian could have gone before and we even donned on a hard hart and went down the mine. It was so funny. The chap (guide) kept referring to me as 'the chair' in a really Brummy accents. Every time we stopped to hear the 'story' of that part of the mine complete with resin pit pony and figures, he signposted each member of our party to a particular viewing spot so 'the chair' could see. Each time we stopped we had this loud ushering of people into their places. You had to be there - it was very John Cleese. My hat kept falling down to cover my eyes and I couldn't see anything as we trundled through the narrow passages.
Sunday we basically stayed inside until it was time to go the city centre to 'see' our Radio Show. It was really funny and a good night.
Monday we checked out - and the tried to charge us £600 for three nights!! Finally having argued my case with another guest who had been charged too much, we paid up and headed back home.
So... that was Birmingham!
So why on earth Buuurrm-ing-am. Well we had tickets to see 'I'm Sorry I haven't a Clue' (BBC Radio 4) on the Sunday night so we made a weekend of it. Friday night we said 'Tom Tom' take us to our Holiday Inn. Well actually, we said take us to 'x' road - and it did (but not the right one - an hour and a half away from the hotel... eh hmmm [cough]).
We arrived very late, checked in and went to our room. It wasn't accessible - normal room.
Back we went and without a word the guy at reception handed over another key card. After a trek, once again, down the corridor, the room wasn't the twin we had booked...back again. Anyway, basically the booking got messed up somehow so we stayed in the twin. Not even an apology.
Good and Bad.
How did I rate this room. Bathroom was half of the room next door converted and was big enough for a bath and a shower - but only a bath and oodles of room. Not a bad room really. Just 0/10 for friendliness of reception - shame on you.
Saturday we went to the Black Country Museum. It rained for the majority of the day. Accessibility is as expected for a Victorian recreated museum (bump bump bump.... oh how I love cobbles). They did have portable ramps to go where no Victorian could have gone before and we even donned on a hard hart and went down the mine. It was so funny. The chap (guide) kept referring to me as 'the chair' in a really Brummy accents. Every time we stopped to hear the 'story' of that part of the mine complete with resin pit pony and figures, he signposted each member of our party to a particular viewing spot so 'the chair' could see. Each time we stopped we had this loud ushering of people into their places. You had to be there - it was very John Cleese. My hat kept falling down to cover my eyes and I couldn't see anything as we trundled through the narrow passages.
Sunday we basically stayed inside until it was time to go the city centre to 'see' our Radio Show. It was really funny and a good night.
Monday we checked out - and the tried to charge us £600 for three nights!! Finally having argued my case with another guest who had been charged too much, we paid up and headed back home.
So... that was Birmingham!
Door Hell - unbelievable!
26/January/2010 03:47 PM Filed in: Social Care
Door Hell - from 31st July to 7th July 2008
31 July 2006
Today the door fitters from JLC installed our new front door and side panel. It looks really nice and tomorrow they will automate it. Kent contract with JLC to do these so they are arriving tomorrow. Kevin had to take the day of work because I had a meeting at work. JLC only told us last Friday afternoon they were coming so it was rather short notice.
1 August 2006
Well, this guy arrives today and basically didn't have a clue what he was doing. He spent from early morning until the end of the working day trying to make out all was well followed by running out to his van and saying it was f**k*d up. He spent all day on the phone and reading the instruction manual.
We were having a system with a pin code panel on the outside so that my PAs can let themselves in, remote buttons for me to press to open it, and the mechanism itself. The door was pre installed with part of the mechanisms - the wrong part so the door would not lock. We had to revert to a key for the night and he said a new one would have to be put in. The window company JLC used, last night, parked a door (large door and glass) in our hallway for the engineer to pick up - only he knew nothing about it. He said he doesn't normally fit the type I was having installed and the whole thing is a mess. He is coming back on Thursday to put in the new parts.
3 August 2006
The same guy came back today armed with the new parts. He installed these but then the door was opening and the lock was activating in the open position... He said it basically is caused by the air pressure - in layman’s terms the arm mechanism that opens the door is not strong enough. Someone else will be in tomorrow to install the new arm mechanism and finish the job.
Aghhhh.
3 August 2006 - 6.30 pm
The electrician contracted from KCC arrived at 5.30 for a 15 minutes job that took an hour. He has now put in a spur (for connecting door to the mains).
Up until now we have had a mains extension leeds trailing across the hall way into the porch.
4 August 2006
7 August 2006
Today Kevin is calling them and they have received an e-mail about our complaint.... we shall see what happens
24 August 2006
On Monday JLC visited to look at the problem areas and apologised profusely. Rest assured someone would be back on Tuesday to fix all the problems. So Tuesday came and yes most of it was done... until the engineer saw that the wrong key pad had been fitted to open the door from the outside... Finally on Wednesday morning (causing me to be 30 minutes late for work when the job was supposed to be done) the engineer was back and fitted the key pad. Hurrah... it is now working.
JLC also sent a bouquet of flowers to say sorry!
28 August 2006
Guess what... strange bleeping noises were heard coming from the door... on investigation this was the signal for a low battery and sure enough the back up had failed and also the door would now not lock without a manual key... JLC are coming again next week to have a look.
1 September 2006
There was an unknown error and 'Dan' the man got the door locking and disarmed the beeping noise so that next week a new unit could be fitted.....
5 September 2006
JLC were back again this morning, replaced the unit and I now have new remote switches which are my equivalent of a door key I can keep on me. Nice chap and door now works.
By 4.15 the beeping noise was back..... changing the unit hadn't worked so something else is the problem... JLC are apologising yet again.... is this going to be another bouquet of flowers.....
14 April 2007
Well - they never turned up for their 6 months check to see if the Door is working - and by hec it's got a mind of it's own.
Sometimes it doesn't let you in, then it won't let you out, then it shuts quickly so you have to run out.... you name it - every day it throws up something wrong. The battery back up isn't working and .... well we will be writing to them soon....
26 April 2007
Well - we have fixed the 'kicking you out persona' that the door took on. All it took was a bit of elbow grease (well just the grease actually) along the opener mechanism at the top... yeahhh.
One down.....
1 May 2007
Spoke to soon - the oil has not fixed the problem and it's as cranky as ever.....
14 January 2008
Well, since my last post, I think they have been here at least 4 times to try and fix the door which is as wonky as ever. It is driving my husband mad. First of all someone came, had a look and said he would order a new part. Came again, part didn't work. Said they would change the whole unit - returned some weeks later with only a replacement logic board. The problem was even worse now.
One day they said they said they would arrive at 8.30 but didn't turn up until 4!
He said 'Oh dear, I don't know what's wrong it it ' and again said they would replace the unit. That was a few weeks ago. Then an e-mail to say the part had to come from Spain and could take another 3 weeks..... and so it continues.
JLC are useless - never get a door from them.
10 February 2008
Well, the part that should have taken 3 weeks to come hasn't arrived - several weeks later - still no date as to when our wonky door will be fixed... hmmmmm.
15 February 2008
Today JLC turned up to fit in a new controlled - you will remember this as the one from Spain due weeks ago. Well the new one didn't work, the whole day was a fiasco and at one point the door developed a seizure and opened and closed in short stutters for some time! Alarms were sounding and the locking mechanism didn't work. Eventually he said he got it going - tried it many times and it did lock - but he said he knew it didn't always and there was nothing he could due as it was due to 'the door seal' and that it wasn't meant to work on a PVC door. Why is it, I asked, that this door was part of a 'door and opening system' which was put in together? Of course he had no answer for that.
Anyway, by the time Kevin got home it didn't lock - so when the door closes someone has to push it the last inch so the automatic locks bolt in. Also, the door has lost the ability to stay open e.g. when bringing shopping in, which he said was working - yet it isn't a function of the new system!!!
So, Kevin has told them once again that this is just not good enough and we await for them to return with the purchase of a 'new programmer' to make the door push with a greater force and close on its own like it is supposed to. So.... that would be the programmer they brought with them on an earlier visit which they now say they have to order as they have never had one....
to be continued...
03 March 2008
Turned up again today and fitted a second box next to the first one. Why - to make up for what box one should do if it functioned correctly.
They were also supposed to use a programmed to tell the door to close with the correct amount of force to actually shut - He brought the wrong connecter... I guess they will be back and we will be onto part 17...
02 June 2008
Today we told JLC that the door doesn’t reliably close every time. When going out we still have to wait until the door closes to be sure that our house is secure. Kevin and I are very unhappy with the level of service we have received from JLC Automation Ltd.
We feel that we have given them every opportunity to rectify the problem. However, after eighteen visits from their engineers and nearly two years of worry and hassle we have decided that enough is enough. We feel that this shows their company is obviously incapable of providing us with a reliable door opening/closing system.
Because of this, we have been forced to look elsewhere for a system that will work reliably and close, and lock, the front door consistently and securely. We are shortly going to have their door opener and controls removed and replaced at considerable expense to ourselves.
Obviously we are very unhappy that we are being forced to do this, but we just want this saga of incompetence and poor workmanship to come to an end once and for all. We will certainly not be recommending this company to other customers looking for such a system and are saddened that other disabled people and their families will have no other option if reliant on NHS/Social Care provision that contract with JLC.
07July 2008
Yahoo
This week marked a momentous occassions - the JLC parts for the automatic door were ripped out or modified by the new company.
What a difference. Polite and competent engineers, a door that works and several features my hubby is dancing around about in terms of functionality.
The end of an 18 part saga that started back in July 2006 we feel is finally over.
31 July 2006
Today the door fitters from JLC installed our new front door and side panel. It looks really nice and tomorrow they will automate it. Kent contract with JLC to do these so they are arriving tomorrow. Kevin had to take the day of work because I had a meeting at work. JLC only told us last Friday afternoon they were coming so it was rather short notice.
1 August 2006
Well, this guy arrives today and basically didn't have a clue what he was doing. He spent from early morning until the end of the working day trying to make out all was well followed by running out to his van and saying it was f**k*d up. He spent all day on the phone and reading the instruction manual.
We were having a system with a pin code panel on the outside so that my PAs can let themselves in, remote buttons for me to press to open it, and the mechanism itself. The door was pre installed with part of the mechanisms - the wrong part so the door would not lock. We had to revert to a key for the night and he said a new one would have to be put in. The window company JLC used, last night, parked a door (large door and glass) in our hallway for the engineer to pick up - only he knew nothing about it. He said he doesn't normally fit the type I was having installed and the whole thing is a mess. He is coming back on Thursday to put in the new parts.
3 August 2006
The same guy came back today armed with the new parts. He installed these but then the door was opening and the lock was activating in the open position... He said it basically is caused by the air pressure - in layman’s terms the arm mechanism that opens the door is not strong enough. Someone else will be in tomorrow to install the new arm mechanism and finish the job.
Aghhhh.
3 August 2006 - 6.30 pm
The electrician contracted from KCC arrived at 5.30 for a 15 minutes job that took an hour. He has now put in a spur (for connecting door to the mains).
Up until now we have had a mains extension leeds trailing across the hall way into the porch.
4 August 2006
Today the stronger arm was fitted by a second engineer. He showed me timing on the door like how long it could stay open etc for me to choose. At the end of the day he told me it was all fitted and working. Alas I believed him, signed his book and sent him on his merry way. Kevin later discovered:
- The unit is still plugged into an extension lead (trailing through the hall and acting as a trip hazard) even though the fused spur was fitted by the electrician on Thursday.
- The batteries inside the psu box are not connected hence we think we may not have emergency back up.
- There are two holes in our new door where the wrong opener was fitted.
- Part of the trim above the door
has been cracked and where it has been cut to fit
the second opener it has been
mutilated rather than being cut neatly as it was with the first opener. - The sealant around the door frame has been removed and not replaced.
- There are holes through the wall that have not been sealed.
- The switch to hold the door open
is on the wrong side of the opener so you can't
reach it when the door is open. It is also
a key switch rather that a 'normal' type (the engineer could not get the other switch to work). - We have been left a master remote for the locca unit but no instructions.
- The lid to the psu box is held closed with a wood screw rather than the proper one.
7 August 2006
Today Kevin is calling them and they have received an e-mail about our complaint.... we shall see what happens
24 August 2006
On Monday JLC visited to look at the problem areas and apologised profusely. Rest assured someone would be back on Tuesday to fix all the problems. So Tuesday came and yes most of it was done... until the engineer saw that the wrong key pad had been fitted to open the door from the outside... Finally on Wednesday morning (causing me to be 30 minutes late for work when the job was supposed to be done) the engineer was back and fitted the key pad. Hurrah... it is now working.
JLC also sent a bouquet of flowers to say sorry!
28 August 2006
Guess what... strange bleeping noises were heard coming from the door... on investigation this was the signal for a low battery and sure enough the back up had failed and also the door would now not lock without a manual key... JLC are coming again next week to have a look.
1 September 2006
There was an unknown error and 'Dan' the man got the door locking and disarmed the beeping noise so that next week a new unit could be fitted.....
5 September 2006
JLC were back again this morning, replaced the unit and I now have new remote switches which are my equivalent of a door key I can keep on me. Nice chap and door now works.
By 4.15 the beeping noise was back..... changing the unit hadn't worked so something else is the problem... JLC are apologising yet again.... is this going to be another bouquet of flowers.....
14 April 2007
Well - they never turned up for their 6 months check to see if the Door is working - and by hec it's got a mind of it's own.
Sometimes it doesn't let you in, then it won't let you out, then it shuts quickly so you have to run out.... you name it - every day it throws up something wrong. The battery back up isn't working and .... well we will be writing to them soon....
26 April 2007
Well - we have fixed the 'kicking you out persona' that the door took on. All it took was a bit of elbow grease (well just the grease actually) along the opener mechanism at the top... yeahhh.
One down.....
1 May 2007
Spoke to soon - the oil has not fixed the problem and it's as cranky as ever.....
14 January 2008
Well, since my last post, I think they have been here at least 4 times to try and fix the door which is as wonky as ever. It is driving my husband mad. First of all someone came, had a look and said he would order a new part. Came again, part didn't work. Said they would change the whole unit - returned some weeks later with only a replacement logic board. The problem was even worse now.
One day they said they said they would arrive at 8.30 but didn't turn up until 4!
He said 'Oh dear, I don't know what's wrong it it ' and again said they would replace the unit. That was a few weeks ago. Then an e-mail to say the part had to come from Spain and could take another 3 weeks..... and so it continues.
JLC are useless - never get a door from them.
10 February 2008
Well, the part that should have taken 3 weeks to come hasn't arrived - several weeks later - still no date as to when our wonky door will be fixed... hmmmmm.
15 February 2008
Today JLC turned up to fit in a new controlled - you will remember this as the one from Spain due weeks ago. Well the new one didn't work, the whole day was a fiasco and at one point the door developed a seizure and opened and closed in short stutters for some time! Alarms were sounding and the locking mechanism didn't work. Eventually he said he got it going - tried it many times and it did lock - but he said he knew it didn't always and there was nothing he could due as it was due to 'the door seal' and that it wasn't meant to work on a PVC door. Why is it, I asked, that this door was part of a 'door and opening system' which was put in together? Of course he had no answer for that.
Anyway, by the time Kevin got home it didn't lock - so when the door closes someone has to push it the last inch so the automatic locks bolt in. Also, the door has lost the ability to stay open e.g. when bringing shopping in, which he said was working - yet it isn't a function of the new system!!!
So, Kevin has told them once again that this is just not good enough and we await for them to return with the purchase of a 'new programmer' to make the door push with a greater force and close on its own like it is supposed to. So.... that would be the programmer they brought with them on an earlier visit which they now say they have to order as they have never had one....
to be continued...
03 March 2008
Turned up again today and fitted a second box next to the first one. Why - to make up for what box one should do if it functioned correctly.
They were also supposed to use a programmed to tell the door to close with the correct amount of force to actually shut - He brought the wrong connecter... I guess they will be back and we will be onto part 17...
02 June 2008
Today we told JLC that the door doesn’t reliably close every time. When going out we still have to wait until the door closes to be sure that our house is secure. Kevin and I are very unhappy with the level of service we have received from JLC Automation Ltd.
We feel that we have given them every opportunity to rectify the problem. However, after eighteen visits from their engineers and nearly two years of worry and hassle we have decided that enough is enough. We feel that this shows their company is obviously incapable of providing us with a reliable door opening/closing system.
Because of this, we have been forced to look elsewhere for a system that will work reliably and close, and lock, the front door consistently and securely. We are shortly going to have their door opener and controls removed and replaced at considerable expense to ourselves.
Obviously we are very unhappy that we are being forced to do this, but we just want this saga of incompetence and poor workmanship to come to an end once and for all. We will certainly not be recommending this company to other customers looking for such a system and are saddened that other disabled people and their families will have no other option if reliant on NHS/Social Care provision that contract with JLC.
07July 2008
Yahoo
This week marked a momentous occassions - the JLC parts for the automatic door were ripped out or modified by the new company.
What a difference. Polite and competent engineers, a door that works and several features my hubby is dancing around about in terms of functionality.
The end of an 18 part saga that started back in July 2006 we feel is finally over.
Brighton break - 2006
26/January/2010 02:44 PM Filed in: Leisure
For this trip we pootled off to Brighton and checked
into the Holiday Inn on the sea front. Disabled
parking is right on the front and is charged at the
same amount as the underground hotel carpark.
Although we didn't pay the extra for a sea view, the accessible room did have a good front view through a window the entire length of the room. We also a had a balcony but access is through a narrow door without a low or level threshold.
I gave the room 1/10. The 1 point was for being able to get into the room and for one of the largest rooms we have stayed in - big enough for two Kingsized beds.
Where did the other 9 points go.... well.
Dreadful bathroom:
For starters, 8 of them went on the naff design of the bathroom. For example the door opened inwards so if you need help to transfer - once you have done so the other person can't get out (or back in). If someone fell off the loo nobody could get in to help because chances are you would be in front of the door and splatted on the floor. Talking about the floor - lovely white shiny tiles which are great for slipping and sliding. Oh and did I mention a grab rail stuck in the most stupidest of places - if you need a wide base to raise from seated to standing - forget it as the rail comes up from the floor and pins you to the loo... need I go on.
I will say one other thing - special people who book special rooms can not be trusted with hot water - so the tap water is regulated to 'luke warm' making a wash at the sink a cold and unpleasant experience - we used boiled water from the kettle to make it usable. I ended up using the bathroom in the lobby which was very accessible.
The good thing (and reason for booking it) was that we were a very short walk from the theatre where we had tickets to see Chris Rea. We had been before to this venue and you get to sit with all the other special people on the 'balcony' opposite the stage (it’s actually a good spot despite
the ’seat all disabled people together’ ethos).
The other 1 point was lost for the tables in the room - none of them accessible to me because they were too low to eat off when we had room service for dinner and breakfast. Even Kevin, sitting on chairs provided in the room could not get under the main 'desk' - poor design all round.
Although we didn't pay the extra for a sea view, the accessible room did have a good front view through a window the entire length of the room. We also a had a balcony but access is through a narrow door without a low or level threshold.
I gave the room 1/10. The 1 point was for being able to get into the room and for one of the largest rooms we have stayed in - big enough for two Kingsized beds.
Where did the other 9 points go.... well.
Dreadful bathroom:
For starters, 8 of them went on the naff design of the bathroom. For example the door opened inwards so if you need help to transfer - once you have done so the other person can't get out (or back in). If someone fell off the loo nobody could get in to help because chances are you would be in front of the door and splatted on the floor. Talking about the floor - lovely white shiny tiles which are great for slipping and sliding. Oh and did I mention a grab rail stuck in the most stupidest of places - if you need a wide base to raise from seated to standing - forget it as the rail comes up from the floor and pins you to the loo... need I go on.
I will say one other thing - special people who book special rooms can not be trusted with hot water - so the tap water is regulated to 'luke warm' making a wash at the sink a cold and unpleasant experience - we used boiled water from the kettle to make it usable. I ended up using the bathroom in the lobby which was very accessible.
The good thing (and reason for booking it) was that we were a very short walk from the theatre where we had tickets to see Chris Rea. We had been before to this venue and you get to sit with all the other special people on the 'balcony' opposite the stage (it’s actually a good spot despite
the ’seat all disabled people together’ ethos).
The other 1 point was lost for the tables in the room - none of them accessible to me because they were too low to eat off when we had room service for dinner and breakfast. Even Kevin, sitting on chairs provided in the room could not get under the main 'desk' - poor design all round.
Greenwich break - 2006
26/January/2010 02:39 PM Filed in: Leisure
My review of our two day trip to Greenwich, London.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and used the
Dockland Light Railway (DLR) to
get to Greenwich (or a ten minute drive by car).
Day 1 - Cutty Sark by car then to the hotel.
Day 2 - Greenwich Observatory & National Maritime Museum
Cutty Sark: It was raining and cold but we parked right next door in a pay and display car park. Kevin had just put in near a fiver for the afternoon - only to read it was free to blue badge holders.
The Cutty Sark has one accessible floor (the one beneath being the cargo hold and the one above the top deck and cabins). Most of the displays were on the accessible deck with the gift shop. Apparently they are putting the whole ship under cover with an external lift to all three decks in the next few year - and had reduced exhibits as a result of badly needed repairs and restoration. The 'model / plans' were displayed showing this great new access - yet were not on an accessible floor!! Oh yes, and at precisely the same time we were there on every third Sunday you will be subject to loud singing of sea shantees from local volunteer 'sailors' (prepare to be blasted or take ear muffs if you want to concentrate on reading the history of the ship!!). You can't really visit Greenwich without going on board to discover the joys of tea and its import- hurrah for tea I say!
We took shelter and had a meal in a local pub - expect London prices for a basic pub meal.
Accommodation
Holiday Inn express. Our first room had wheelchair access with 'wet room' with shower seat. Alas the sink was somewhat high and inset into the unit meaning I couldn't wash my hair in the sink. Also noticed that plugs were really low down even for a wheelchair user. As we discovered the shower then didn't work so we moved to another room fairly easily the next day. This was bigger and a different layout, again with a wet room. Electric sockets were at a more reasonable level along with other furniture - a much better room. It is worth looking at different accessible rooms if possible as they were both different. Parking was right next to the front door.
Day 2 - Greenwich Observatory & National Maritime Museum
Transport:
DLR from Silvertown station. A short walk from our hotel with one change on the outward journey. The DLR carriages themselves are very accessible in terms of wheelchair access. However we were let down by the platform lifts. We were supposed to get off at the Cutty Sark Station which is a few minutes walk to the Museum etc. However you must reach street level via a lift - which wasn't working. We had to get another train to the next stop at Greenwich - but that lift was broke also. Now we had to go to the next one which would not be within walking distance of our destination. We got off at the next stop where you could cross by ramps to the opposite platform. We returned to Greenwich stop only to find the lift again did not work on this side of the platform. However, we could reach street level and left the station and walked to the park.
What would have been ten minutes by car used up half of our day getting on and off trains. Apparently the 'lifts never work' which is not a lot of use for wheelchair users who want to do something other than visit a platform before going home again.
On the return journey we had to change twice - once at Canary Wharf during rush hour.... say no more. It was almost impossible to get off the train without just mowing people over - so I wouldn't advise travelling at that time.
So, trains are easy to access - if you find a working lift to the platforms.
Greenwich Observatory
We walked through the park and up the hill - use the road to reach the observatory rather than the steep path at the front which is impossible to get up. Alas this too was undergoing work for a new building and part of the museum - leaving not a lot left open. The new buildings will be more accessible and had lifts ready for when they open.
It is a good view from the top and at night is illuminated a a laser beams out showing the Meridian Line. The park shuts at dusk though. We will come back again in a few years to take a peak.
Greenwich Maritime Museum
Access was very good and we spent until closing time here. Many galleries to wander around and exhibits. Photographs aren't allowed which is a shame and entry was free. I can't remember how many lifts we had to get in and out of - lots as the galleries are on different levels and 'half levels' which is confusing! I could actually see the exhibits which was good - lots of galleries have cases you can't see into whilst seated so it was good in this respect.
Day 1 - Cutty Sark by car then to the hotel.
Day 2 - Greenwich Observatory & National Maritime Museum
Cutty Sark: It was raining and cold but we parked right next door in a pay and display car park. Kevin had just put in near a fiver for the afternoon - only to read it was free to blue badge holders.
The Cutty Sark has one accessible floor (the one beneath being the cargo hold and the one above the top deck and cabins). Most of the displays were on the accessible deck with the gift shop. Apparently they are putting the whole ship under cover with an external lift to all three decks in the next few year - and had reduced exhibits as a result of badly needed repairs and restoration. The 'model / plans' were displayed showing this great new access - yet were not on an accessible floor!! Oh yes, and at precisely the same time we were there on every third Sunday you will be subject to loud singing of sea shantees from local volunteer 'sailors' (prepare to be blasted or take ear muffs if you want to concentrate on reading the history of the ship!!). You can't really visit Greenwich without going on board to discover the joys of tea and its import- hurrah for tea I say!
We took shelter and had a meal in a local pub - expect London prices for a basic pub meal.
Accommodation
Holiday Inn express. Our first room had wheelchair access with 'wet room' with shower seat. Alas the sink was somewhat high and inset into the unit meaning I couldn't wash my hair in the sink. Also noticed that plugs were really low down even for a wheelchair user. As we discovered the shower then didn't work so we moved to another room fairly easily the next day. This was bigger and a different layout, again with a wet room. Electric sockets were at a more reasonable level along with other furniture - a much better room. It is worth looking at different accessible rooms if possible as they were both different. Parking was right next to the front door.
Day 2 - Greenwich Observatory & National Maritime Museum
Transport:
DLR from Silvertown station. A short walk from our hotel with one change on the outward journey. The DLR carriages themselves are very accessible in terms of wheelchair access. However we were let down by the platform lifts. We were supposed to get off at the Cutty Sark Station which is a few minutes walk to the Museum etc. However you must reach street level via a lift - which wasn't working. We had to get another train to the next stop at Greenwich - but that lift was broke also. Now we had to go to the next one which would not be within walking distance of our destination. We got off at the next stop where you could cross by ramps to the opposite platform. We returned to Greenwich stop only to find the lift again did not work on this side of the platform. However, we could reach street level and left the station and walked to the park.
What would have been ten minutes by car used up half of our day getting on and off trains. Apparently the 'lifts never work' which is not a lot of use for wheelchair users who want to do something other than visit a platform before going home again.
On the return journey we had to change twice - once at Canary Wharf during rush hour.... say no more. It was almost impossible to get off the train without just mowing people over - so I wouldn't advise travelling at that time.
So, trains are easy to access - if you find a working lift to the platforms.
Greenwich Observatory
We walked through the park and up the hill - use the road to reach the observatory rather than the steep path at the front which is impossible to get up. Alas this too was undergoing work for a new building and part of the museum - leaving not a lot left open. The new buildings will be more accessible and had lifts ready for when they open.
It is a good view from the top and at night is illuminated a a laser beams out showing the Meridian Line. The park shuts at dusk though. We will come back again in a few years to take a peak.
Greenwich Maritime Museum
Access was very good and we spent until closing time here. Many galleries to wander around and exhibits. Photographs aren't allowed which is a shame and entry was free. I can't remember how many lifts we had to get in and out of - lots as the galleries are on different levels and 'half levels' which is confusing! I could actually see the exhibits which was good - lots of galleries have cases you can't see into whilst seated so it was good in this respect.
Some archived blogs
26/January/2010 02:24 PM Filed in: Health
Today I am moving some blog posts from a past blog,
over onto IforI. Starting with this one from the
Archives:
January 2006: Maidstone Hospital - no access
Today I received a phone call saying they wanted me to go for a Barium swallow on Thursday. Despite having changed my name twice at the clinics they still had me under my maiden name which confused the issue. I then said a 'by the way, I'm a wheelchair user', to which they replied 'ah, that could be a problem.' Does anyone actually read medical notes - its pretty obvious! Apparently the room where they are doing them is not accessible due to moving around of departments or something. The lady was very polite and said she would find out what they could do....
A later phone call that day.....
Now they had booked for me to have it in an accessible room..... I then enquired 'how do you plan on doing this'.... she said 'eh... why' to which I reminded her that I could not sit unaided out of my wheelchair (although she said they had a hoist to get me out of my chair) and also could not hold a cup to drink the barium 'meal' for scan of how I swallow! She said that could be a problem and would have to consult with someone higher up as to what to do and so as to not waste my time or theirs coming in until they had worked something out.
So there you go. It's easy for these medical types to say ' do a scan' but they never put any thought into the needs of patients with impairments.... 0/10 my friends.
Part two... January 26th, 8 weeks from seeing my GP.
So my appointment came through giving no indication of access so I had to phone them to check.
It took two laps of the car park to find parking and then an icy walk into the main building... brrrrrr.
FROM A to B
Anyway I walked from shall we say part 'A' of the building all the way to part 'B' at the opposite end of the hospital.
FROM B to A
On arrive at radiology in part 'B' I was told 'sorry' you need to go to CT as they are doing them up there today'...... so off I went with my PA. There were no signs and asking local wards where this quite critical part of the hospital imaging department is - they hadn't a clue.
Eventually I worked out is was in the cancer unit - back up at part 'A'. So off we went.....
On arrival at reception I was told 'sorry, yours is being done at radiology'.... grrr......
FROM A to B
Back we plodded along miles of corridors to the opposite end of the hospital again.... 2 miles later....
Eventually I had to transfer (for transfer read ' be dragged/slided') to three different places because of different height beds / tables etc.
Eventually I made it and got the thing done - with no great conclusion as to why or what to do about my problem... Still at least it wasn't anything cancerous or that would have topped the day of nicely!
FROM B to A
All that remained was to trek back to 'part A' to get in the car.... now where was CT again?
January 2006: Maidstone Hospital - no access
Today I received a phone call saying they wanted me to go for a Barium swallow on Thursday. Despite having changed my name twice at the clinics they still had me under my maiden name which confused the issue. I then said a 'by the way, I'm a wheelchair user', to which they replied 'ah, that could be a problem.' Does anyone actually read medical notes - its pretty obvious! Apparently the room where they are doing them is not accessible due to moving around of departments or something. The lady was very polite and said she would find out what they could do....
A later phone call that day.....
Now they had booked for me to have it in an accessible room..... I then enquired 'how do you plan on doing this'.... she said 'eh... why' to which I reminded her that I could not sit unaided out of my wheelchair (although she said they had a hoist to get me out of my chair) and also could not hold a cup to drink the barium 'meal' for scan of how I swallow! She said that could be a problem and would have to consult with someone higher up as to what to do and so as to not waste my time or theirs coming in until they had worked something out.
So there you go. It's easy for these medical types to say ' do a scan' but they never put any thought into the needs of patients with impairments.... 0/10 my friends.
Part two... January 26th, 8 weeks from seeing my GP.
So my appointment came through giving no indication of access so I had to phone them to check.
It took two laps of the car park to find parking and then an icy walk into the main building... brrrrrr.
FROM A to B
Anyway I walked from shall we say part 'A' of the building all the way to part 'B' at the opposite end of the hospital.
FROM B to A
On arrive at radiology in part 'B' I was told 'sorry' you need to go to CT as they are doing them up there today'...... so off I went with my PA. There were no signs and asking local wards where this quite critical part of the hospital imaging department is - they hadn't a clue.
Eventually I worked out is was in the cancer unit - back up at part 'A'. So off we went.....
On arrival at reception I was told 'sorry, yours is being done at radiology'.... grrr......
FROM A to B
Back we plodded along miles of corridors to the opposite end of the hospital again.... 2 miles later....
Eventually I had to transfer (for transfer read ' be dragged/slided') to three different places because of different height beds / tables etc.
Eventually I made it and got the thing done - with no great conclusion as to why or what to do about my problem... Still at least it wasn't anything cancerous or that would have topped the day of nicely!
FROM B to A
All that remained was to trek back to 'part A' to get in the car.... now where was CT again?
