I have written here previously about the Mobility Unlimited Challenge, a $4 million international competition to develop innovative ways of improving mobility and independence.

An interesting side project from the organisers was commissioning an anthology of short stories, Going Further: Imagining the Futures of Mobility.

Set in the near future, they have all been contributed by writers with first hand experience of living with a disability.

You can find out more here

 

One thing on which there seems to be universal agreement: the coronavirus crisis is having a big impact on our mental and physical wellbeing.

Mental health is probably even more of a concern than physical, with so many things to stress us out, from financial worries to loneliness, living in overcrowded conditions and anxiety about infection - the more so for key workers and carers who knowingly take on elevated risk every day they carry out their duties.

We have top tips for managing stress here

 

A new research project is being undertaken by  a specialist team based at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and University College London.

They are looking at issues around swallowing for people with neuromuscular conditions.

If you live with such a condition and have problems swallowing, you can help the research by completing their online questionnaire.

There is a separate questionnaire for carers of someone with a neuromuscular condition and swallowing difficulties.

 

Stannah has maintained urgent essential services during lockdown, and has developed contact-free assessments to reduce any need for face-to-face meetings. 

Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions are supporting OTs and carers with video assessments from demonstration vehicles fitted out with a range of bathing solutions.

Even in lockdown, certain key events of the business year continue - notably the prestigious Queen's Awards, of which homelift manufacturer Stiltz is a winner.

Independent Living is kept up-to-date with reputable suppliers' COVID arrangements. It is thanks to the support of these companies that we can continue with our work of providing free information and advice.
 

A new law has come into effect in England, which means that people will be presumed to give consent to organ donation after their death.

This was already the case in Wales, and will become so in Scotland in March 2021.

Recent research suggests that what is called "soft opt-out" has a significant effect on the number of available organs.

You can read more here

 

The National Open Youth Orchestra is looking for talented 11-25 year old disabled musicians who could rehearse in London, Bristol, Birmingham or Bournemouth, from September 2020.

As well as musicians who play acoustic or electronic instruments, they are also interested in young people who use EyeGaze or other assistive technology with a degree of control that could translate to playing an electronic instrument.

More details here

 

Don't forget that you can apply to join the Independent Living Facebook group, if you would like to spend more time discussing these themes with other interested people.

There are various ways you can get in touch with us: email me; visit our Facebook page and leave a message there; or if it's short and sweet, Tweet!

Previous newsletters are archived here.

If you are reading a copy of the Independent Living newsletter that has been passed on to you by a colleague or friend, why not sign up for your own free subscription – it's quick and easy, and won't lead to your inbox being bombarded with other stuff!

That's it until next week! 

Thank you for reading and best wishes,

Frances