equipment
When is a sex gadget not a sex gadget?
14/May/2010 06:43 PM Filed in: Independent
living
I have blogged before about the price of equipment
once it is given a disability label. Now I have found
another layer - the sex gadget. It seems to work as
so:
Product without a disability label = £X
Same product 'for disabled people' = £X + 50% at times.
Same product for sexual intimacy £X + less than the above!
Here is an interesting example:
A Shower Locking Foot Rest with suction cup. It is basically a foot print sized contoured foot rest that can be stuck on a shower wall. So if you need to rest your feet on a ledge to shave, wash or do whatever it becomes easier with this little gadget (assuming you don't lean too heavy, slip and kill yourself in the shower that is).
So onto the price:
Amazon appears to sell it as a 'Safe-er-Grip' with a slight disability angle on the marketing for £12.99.
bekinky.co.uk are selling it at £9.18 as an aid to having sex in the shower (and packed as such) Other sex shops sell it up to £13.45 according to Shopwiki.
So the moral of the tale is - try a sex shop or two for a bargain on useful disability gadgets and watch your PAs face as they open it for you!
Product without a disability label = £X
Same product 'for disabled people' = £X + 50% at times.
Same product for sexual intimacy £X + less than the above!
Here is an interesting example:
A Shower Locking Foot Rest with suction cup. It is basically a foot print sized contoured foot rest that can be stuck on a shower wall. So if you need to rest your feet on a ledge to shave, wash or do whatever it becomes easier with this little gadget (assuming you don't lean too heavy, slip and kill yourself in the shower that is).
So onto the price:
Amazon appears to sell it as a 'Safe-er-Grip' with a slight disability angle on the marketing for £12.99.
bekinky.co.uk are selling it at £9.18 as an aid to having sex in the shower (and packed as such) Other sex shops sell it up to £13.45 according to Shopwiki.
So the moral of the tale is - try a sex shop or two for a bargain on useful disability gadgets and watch your PAs face as they open it for you!
NHS wheechair service sucks
26/January/2010 04:08 PM Filed in: Health
Archived from October 2006
Here we go again... this saga started on 10th October.
Mission - to obtain a new pressure cushion for my wheelchair. 16x 16 and 3 inches deep called a Trans Flow 600 or equivalent.
Can not find one on the internet to buy privately - they are over £100. I would buy one myself but can't be sure it is the right kind and the most suitable type.
Previously: HERTFORDSHIRE 1) Told OT from social services 2) Showed her the type and gave size 3) She agreed one of the same would do the job and within a few days got the cushion for me.
Compare this to KENT!
I asked my OT (you may remember him from the door saga).
1) He give me local number of NHS wheelchair service.
2) I try them and they only answer phones before midday... I try several times and over the next weeks eventually got through a few days ago.
3) They said that my GP has to fill in a form to send to them with details about my impairment, wheelchair etc (not that they know this).
4) Phone GP - on holiday so I wait to hear from them.
5) District nurse calls I explain the story so far - they tell me to call my OT.... (I think we have been here before). She offer to phone him for me.
Today
6) District nurse calls again - she has called the NHS wheelchair service who need some details.
7) I phone the wheelchair service back up again. They can not give a cushion until they have records from the place who gave me my NHS chair. They need to know model and size of seat....
I explain this was some 15 years ago in Wales - they can not give a cushion without paper work saying the model and the dimensions.
I tell them the model and size of seat.
They want the paper work from previous NHS Trust.
NHS consults with senior manager.
They now want to know where my last cushion came from - that was HERTS - oh.
8) They phone up Herts and they have not heard of me...
It turns out they didn't know I have been married and were asking under the wrong name.
NHS tell me they may have to call my chair an NHS chair in the absence of any paperwork.
I don't care what they call it. I just want a [bleeeep] cushion. I tell them this politely.
9) District Nurse calls - she has to complete the referral form to the NHS clinic (remember this from step 3?)
Nurse does not know size of wheelchair or anything about me - I tell her on the phone. She is very nice and is trying to help. NHS staff sound patronising and un helpful.
10) She writes it on the form and sends it to the NHS staff who I have already told this to several times today.
Now I wait to hear from the NHS Wheelchair people again.....
In the meantime I get a numb bum, frustrated and sore... gee thanks NHS - great service.
Part 2 14 April 2007
Since last September you will remember I was trying to get s plain old cushion to save my numb bum.
I eventually got to test out a load down at the wheelchair clinic and they said they would order one. Because it is contoured it won't fit in my wheelchair without a new backrest - also on order I thought.
About a month ago I wrote to ask where my cushion was as it had been about 3 months since it was on order... they were just about to come and see me (yeahh right). Anyway, by the off chance I was at home and they said they would come up with it.
Whoopeeee I thought.... alas my heart sank when they came in with a new electric wheelchair. - So, they buy a new electric wheelchair at goodness knows what cost compared to trying something with my existing wheelchair (i.e. a new back rest and cushion). The logic was that my wheelchair was old and I needed a new one anyway - yet I had told them I was in the process of doing up a private chair I had bought! Besides this the wheelchair had no head rest, was too high for my PA to lift me up and down from, would not fit under the desk and other places I work from - and so the list goes on! It was the most unsuitable set up for someone with MD and I wouldn't have been able to get in my car to go to work!
Yet - why is it I felt bad about sending it away and suggesting they went to try and find a backrest... because disabled people fight tooth and nail to get an electric wheelchair for years. The system is CRAP.
I even offered to buy the cushion privately - but that was frowned upon because I was officially their responsibility for health, safety and posture (as they kept pointing out) as long as I sat in an NHS chair . What about me - don't I know my body and lifestyle better than anyone - and can't I be my own responsibility?
So it is now April - month 8 of having a numb bum.... Hubby is fast working on my new chair because as soon as that is ready I can 'go private' and they will just hand over the cushion for free!
Here we go again... this saga started on 10th October.
Mission - to obtain a new pressure cushion for my wheelchair. 16x 16 and 3 inches deep called a Trans Flow 600 or equivalent.
Can not find one on the internet to buy privately - they are over £100. I would buy one myself but can't be sure it is the right kind and the most suitable type.
Previously: HERTFORDSHIRE 1) Told OT from social services 2) Showed her the type and gave size 3) She agreed one of the same would do the job and within a few days got the cushion for me.
Compare this to KENT!
I asked my OT (you may remember him from the door saga).
1) He give me local number of NHS wheelchair service.
2) I try them and they only answer phones before midday... I try several times and over the next weeks eventually got through a few days ago.
3) They said that my GP has to fill in a form to send to them with details about my impairment, wheelchair etc (not that they know this).
4) Phone GP - on holiday so I wait to hear from them.
5) District nurse calls I explain the story so far - they tell me to call my OT.... (I think we have been here before). She offer to phone him for me.
Today
6) District nurse calls again - she has called the NHS wheelchair service who need some details.
7) I phone the wheelchair service back up again. They can not give a cushion until they have records from the place who gave me my NHS chair. They need to know model and size of seat....
I explain this was some 15 years ago in Wales - they can not give a cushion without paper work saying the model and the dimensions.
I tell them the model and size of seat.
They want the paper work from previous NHS Trust.
NHS consults with senior manager.
They now want to know where my last cushion came from - that was HERTS - oh.
8) They phone up Herts and they have not heard of me...
It turns out they didn't know I have been married and were asking under the wrong name.
NHS tell me they may have to call my chair an NHS chair in the absence of any paperwork.
I don't care what they call it. I just want a [bleeeep] cushion. I tell them this politely.
9) District Nurse calls - she has to complete the referral form to the NHS clinic (remember this from step 3?)
Nurse does not know size of wheelchair or anything about me - I tell her on the phone. She is very nice and is trying to help. NHS staff sound patronising and un helpful.
10) She writes it on the form and sends it to the NHS staff who I have already told this to several times today.
Now I wait to hear from the NHS Wheelchair people again.....
In the meantime I get a numb bum, frustrated and sore... gee thanks NHS - great service.
Part 2 14 April 2007
Since last September you will remember I was trying to get s plain old cushion to save my numb bum.
I eventually got to test out a load down at the wheelchair clinic and they said they would order one. Because it is contoured it won't fit in my wheelchair without a new backrest - also on order I thought.
About a month ago I wrote to ask where my cushion was as it had been about 3 months since it was on order... they were just about to come and see me (yeahh right). Anyway, by the off chance I was at home and they said they would come up with it.
Whoopeeee I thought.... alas my heart sank when they came in with a new electric wheelchair. - So, they buy a new electric wheelchair at goodness knows what cost compared to trying something with my existing wheelchair (i.e. a new back rest and cushion). The logic was that my wheelchair was old and I needed a new one anyway - yet I had told them I was in the process of doing up a private chair I had bought! Besides this the wheelchair had no head rest, was too high for my PA to lift me up and down from, would not fit under the desk and other places I work from - and so the list goes on! It was the most unsuitable set up for someone with MD and I wouldn't have been able to get in my car to go to work!
Yet - why is it I felt bad about sending it away and suggesting they went to try and find a backrest... because disabled people fight tooth and nail to get an electric wheelchair for years. The system is CRAP.
I even offered to buy the cushion privately - but that was frowned upon because I was officially their responsibility for health, safety and posture (as they kept pointing out) as long as I sat in an NHS chair . What about me - don't I know my body and lifestyle better than anyone - and can't I be my own responsibility?
So it is now April - month 8 of having a numb bum.... Hubby is fast working on my new chair because as soon as that is ready I can 'go private' and they will just hand over the cushion for free!
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.
Too pee or not to pee... that indeed is the question
During my training I often talk about the most
important things in my life that give me personal
choice and freedom. It fits nicely into the how
Direct Payments could be used more flexibly and
demonstrates rights and freedoms disabled people
aspire to.
My number one thing in life is the toilet - and to hear the full story you will need to sign up to a course! So, of critical importance was to make our own bathroom accessible (cue clever hubby in the DIY field). That was in about 2004 and we are still completing it! Anyway, here is the story so far because I know others have written to me about the toilet in particular - so I have moved it onto the web again.
--
Talking about gadgets, the best invention in my bathroom has to be the vertical toilet riser.
Now you see, for all us none mobile sorts the biggest cause of incontinence is inaccessible toilets. This is a complete bug bear because the amount of thought that goes into designing accessible toilets is equivalent to the intellectual capacity of a goldfish.
Then if you can get into the room - there is the question - can I get on and off. Anyway, at home we have specifically designed our bathroom around easy access for me personally, visual appearance and use of gadgetry to make life easier.
In the beginning...
This was our layout to start with.
1) I need to transfer to my left so the toilet is the wrong way round.
2) Not enough room for hubby/PA to lift and transfer.
3) I need quite a low toilet - lower then normal. However it is really hard to lift me up from a low surface - so some gadgetry is needed.
4) Sink not correct height, shape etc and no room at the side for PA/hubby to wash/dress me.
5) Flooring needed to have enough grip so PAs and myself don’t slip when transferring, but not
so grippy that I can’t slide my feet across the floor to transfer.
6) Door needs to move for access.
Our own design.
Then we have transformed and rebuilt it to a 'wet room' which will have a second door leading to the bedroom if we later install a ceiling hoist. (large brown door on right side).
New features:
1) level entry shower i.e. now a wet room.
2) Door now in middle of the room (where it was originally as the owner had wall papered over the door!
3) Huge space (including shower area) on the floor to move around.
4) Chose a sink that is free standing with nothing underneath for lots of leg room, a big space to wash my hair in the sink (in reach of shower head) and room for someone to stand at the side to wash my hair.
5) A ledge behind the sink for a foot stool - so I can balance.
6) And a unique toilet (see below) with a round, bevelled seat (essential for posture and balance). It’s from Denmark (land of fabby toilets) and features rise and fall (and looks like the Starship Enterprise.
More to follow in future days.
My number one thing in life is the toilet - and to hear the full story you will need to sign up to a course! So, of critical importance was to make our own bathroom accessible (cue clever hubby in the DIY field). That was in about 2004 and we are still completing it! Anyway, here is the story so far because I know others have written to me about the toilet in particular - so I have moved it onto the web again.
--
Talking about gadgets, the best invention in my bathroom has to be the vertical toilet riser.
Now you see, for all us none mobile sorts the biggest cause of incontinence is inaccessible toilets. This is a complete bug bear because the amount of thought that goes into designing accessible toilets is equivalent to the intellectual capacity of a goldfish.
Then if you can get into the room - there is the question - can I get on and off. Anyway, at home we have specifically designed our bathroom around easy access for me personally, visual appearance and use of gadgetry to make life easier.
This was our layout to start with.
1) I need to transfer to my left so the toilet is the wrong way round.
2) Not enough room for hubby/PA to lift and transfer.
3) I need quite a low toilet - lower then normal. However it is really hard to lift me up from a low surface - so some gadgetry is needed.
4) Sink not correct height, shape etc and no room at the side for PA/hubby to wash/dress me.
5) Flooring needed to have enough grip so PAs and myself don’t slip when transferring, but not
so grippy that I can’t slide my feet across the floor to transfer.
6) Door needs to move for access.
Our own design.
Then we have transformed and rebuilt it to a 'wet room' which will have a second door leading to the bedroom if we later install a ceiling hoist. (large brown door on right side).
New features:
1) level entry shower i.e. now a wet room.
2) Door now in middle of the room (where it was originally as the owner had wall papered over the door!
3) Huge space (including shower area) on the floor to move around.
4) Chose a sink that is free standing with nothing underneath for lots of leg room, a big space to wash my hair in the sink (in reach of shower head) and room for someone to stand at the side to wash my hair.
5) A ledge behind the sink for a foot stool - so I can balance.
6) And a unique toilet (see below) with a round, bevelled seat (essential for posture and balance). It’s from Denmark (land of fabby toilets) and features rise and fall (and looks like the Starship Enterprise.
More to follow in future days.
The price of liberation and dignity
26/January/2010 02:56 PM Filed in: Other
April 2006 Archive
The basic idea is that a product that anybody can use - but is sold in a mobility/equipment shop because it might appeal particularly to disabled people - and the cost will be doubled.
Now - here is a real life example. My task - to find an umbrella or sun parasol that will clamp to my wheelchair. The choice appears to be two 'special' ones. This most common pictured here. Now, how much to you think this would cost to buy (Its just your average umbrella with an added flexible clamp and bendy bit).
Any offers of £5, £10, £20, £30, £40.....
Well, the cheapest is on e-bay for a starter bid of £13.95 (new) or you can go to a mobility supplier called Scootmart for £32.89 including VAT. Plus you seem to get blue, blue, or blue as the colour.
Just buying a tube clamp and 'normal' umbrella would cost £10-£15.
Or you can get a designer 'Storm' umbrella plus clamp for about £25! How mad is that.
Bean Bag lap tray / tv tray with floral pattern tray = 'normal shop' £1-7 on Ebay or a posh Marks and Spencer one for £12
Mobility / Equipment shop '£13.95 + for a basic one with no interesting picture.
The above items, if I bought new on Ebay would cost be around £25 incuding P&P. In a mobility shop this could have cost me 47+P&P. Even taking VAT of disability items it is still a lot of money - for a community the least likely to be able to afford it.
What a rip off.
The basic idea is that a product that anybody can use - but is sold in a mobility/equipment shop because it might appeal particularly to disabled people - and the cost will be doubled.
Now - here is a real life example. My task - to find an umbrella or sun parasol that will clamp to my wheelchair. The choice appears to be two 'special' ones. This most common pictured here. Now, how much to you think this would cost to buy (Its just your average umbrella with an added flexible clamp and bendy bit).
Any offers of £5, £10, £20, £30, £40.....
Well, the cheapest is on e-bay for a starter bid of £13.95 (new) or you can go to a mobility supplier called Scootmart for £32.89 including VAT. Plus you seem to get blue, blue, or blue as the colour.
Just buying a tube clamp and 'normal' umbrella would cost £10-£15.
Or you can get a designer 'Storm' umbrella plus clamp for about £25! How mad is that.
Bean Bag lap tray / tv tray with floral pattern tray = 'normal shop' £1-7 on Ebay or a posh Marks and Spencer one for £12
Mobility / Equipment shop '£13.95 + for a basic one with no interesting picture.
The above items, if I bought new on Ebay would cost be around £25 incuding P&P. In a mobility shop this could have cost me 47+P&P. Even taking VAT of disability items it is still a lot of money - for a community the least likely to be able to afford it.
What a rip off.
Naidex - the alternative review.
April 2006 - An alternative view to the value of
Naidex.
This week is Naidex week. For all you none-disabled sorts - that's the NEC Birmingham Show for all things related to disability equipment.... or at least that was my memory of it.
It used to be the 'try it and see' for health and social care staff and of course 'we' the great public. - Everything from accessible kitchens and bathroom equipment to the latest in colostomy bags and leisure things (my favourite being the wheelchair accessible roundabout and swing for children - I wish they had them for big kids as well!!).
Some things you thought - never in a million years will disabled people want one of them in their homes because it looks horrible, uncomfortable and only comes in 'medical green' as a colour option .... only to overheard an OT place an order for 500. Do they ever learn... no I think NOT.
I happened to be browsing the list of exhibitors last nights and the latest inventions that are up for 'an award'. Oh how things have changed over the years.
Fantastic NEW products include....... The Great John. Of course this can only be one thing - a reinforced toilet for obese people which boasts a 200% larger seat and - you guessed it is an American invention. A new commode and large wheelchair ... for Bariatric patients (obese people)... and so on. Can you see a theme here.
The UK is now benefitting from more disabled people (to balance the demise of our people due to genetic testing LOL) and of course there needs to be appropriate adjustment in the equipment field.
Also in the past years there has been a rise in the number of stands devoted to discrimination (yes the DRC are there) and organisations of disabled people - now we are getting somewhere - life isn't always about trying to 'fix us' in some way with a bit of equipment.
What does make me angry - the cost of these 'liberating' gizmos.... see my other posts.
This week is Naidex week. For all you none-disabled sorts - that's the NEC Birmingham Show for all things related to disability equipment.... or at least that was my memory of it.
It used to be the 'try it and see' for health and social care staff and of course 'we' the great public. - Everything from accessible kitchens and bathroom equipment to the latest in colostomy bags and leisure things (my favourite being the wheelchair accessible roundabout and swing for children - I wish they had them for big kids as well!!).
Some things you thought - never in a million years will disabled people want one of them in their homes because it looks horrible, uncomfortable and only comes in 'medical green' as a colour option .... only to overheard an OT place an order for 500. Do they ever learn... no I think NOT.
I happened to be browsing the list of exhibitors last nights and the latest inventions that are up for 'an award'. Oh how things have changed over the years.
Fantastic NEW products include....... The Great John. Of course this can only be one thing - a reinforced toilet for obese people which boasts a 200% larger seat and - you guessed it is an American invention. A new commode and large wheelchair ... for Bariatric patients (obese people)... and so on. Can you see a theme here.
The UK is now benefitting from more disabled people (to balance the demise of our people due to genetic testing LOL) and of course there needs to be appropriate adjustment in the equipment field.
Also in the past years there has been a rise in the number of stands devoted to discrimination (yes the DRC are there) and organisations of disabled people - now we are getting somewhere - life isn't always about trying to 'fix us' in some way with a bit of equipment.
What does make me angry - the cost of these 'liberating' gizmos.... see my other posts.
Give and take
23/September/2009 03:20 PM Filed in: Other | Employment
A few days ago I got round to asking Access to Work if they would fund a voice amplifier so that people on my courses could hear me clearly. The only reason I need one is because my lung capacity is not large enough to get enough air through my vocal chords for a decent amount of noise. It was either that or provide everyone with a hearing aid - I thought this would be easier all round!
I thought it might turn into a saga and found a piece of equipment, e-mailed it to Access to Work with the price and basically explained why I needed it and what it would cost. Within 24 hours they said I could go ahead and order it. Brilliant.
Then I thought, would I be able to save Access to Work a bit of money by seeing if I can get the VAT off it?
My quest to get the VAT off
I wrote to the company (Connevans) and got quite an abrupt reply saying no. They said they had labelled their products with happy faces or red sad faces as to whether they were VAT exempt or not and told me to read their web page.
Mine was ‘sad face’ product and felt like they thought I had a learning difficulty or something.
“As per VAT Notice 701/7 published by HM Customs & Excise, certain specialised goods and services needed by disabled people may be zero-rated for VAT – when purchased by a disabled person for domestic or personal use or by charities who provide care and facilities for disabled persons. “
I wrote back saying I had read the paragraph and indeed knew of that some people had had communication equipment and voice amplifiers with the VAT off.
I was the disabled purchaser (one tick in the box)
It was for personal use (second tick)
I chose it because it had design features like buttons that I could use etc. - to me it was specialised.
They manager quoted Revenue and Customs saying the equipment was not ‘specialised’ enough and that their must be a ‘design intent’ in relation to disability. He said I should contact the VAT office. I did and they have so far refused to comment.
Quest thwarted.
So, considering we are in an age where inclusive design should be the norm (i.e. build accessibility and usability into everyday products so all people can use them), the government is saying that disabled people who identify a product that they only need because of their impairment will have to pay full cost because of the ‘inclusiveness’ of that product.
This ensure financial discrimination - for some people the VAT addition may make the item too expensive to purchase and it becomes yet another disability related expense on essential equipment and services.
Ironically Connevans deal in ‘disability’ products and were selling it knowing that it was something particularly that disabled people would use. Individual companies appear to be getting different advice on whether to charge VAT or not to disabled customers. This is inequality.
One arm of the government has given me a grant because they recognise that I need this equipment because of my impairment. On the other hand, they also seem keen to take it back through their own tax system. Now why should that surprise me!
Update 1- since posting (LOL I’m sure they are watching me) the VAT office have confirmed that products designed for general use or for use by disabled and able bodied people alike are not VAT exempt. So all products which have inclusive design and benefit none disabled people also will be charged at full price.
Update 2- Access to work lost my claim form and said I had to resubmit all over again - I decided to not claim the money back and hence bought the item myself.
