One of life’s certainties is change. If you are, or care for someone who is, disabled, you know all too well the need to be prepared, to plan ahead, especially if you are planning to go beyond your front door.

We all know about wheelchair-accessible toilets. But huge numbers of us don’t know about Changing Places. And, until you need such facilities, why would it even cross your mind? That applies whether a user or a provider...

Read more here

 

Latest available statistics show that, since Personal Independence Payment was introduced, 4.1 million decisions have been made.

Shockingly, the average waiting time for a Mandatory Reconsideration, the step you have to go through before you can even take your appeal to a tribunal, has doubled in a year, to 69 days.

Read more here

 

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has launched new clinical standards for fracture liaison services.

The new online standards aim to improve outcomes for patients, use NHS resources appropriately, and save money by preventing future fractures.

Scotland has become only the second country in the world (after New Zealand) to have a Fracture Liaison Service in every health board area, giving 100% coverage for this important contribution to health in older age.

Read more here

 

This time last year, I was telling you about the inaugural Purple Tuesday, a day dedicated to accessible shopping and raising awareness of the barriers that make the retail experience less than pleasurable for many.

We certainly still need some awareness raising, unfortunately, so it's good to know that the event is taking place again this year.

The date is November 12, so there is time to get involved, whether you work in retail, or you are a customer who would like to see some access improvements in your local shops.

Read more here

 

According to the NHS, PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – affects one in five women, and can have a major effect on many aspects of health and well-being. Notably, it can make becoming pregnant very difficult.

Yet it isn't something that is talked about a great deal. In 20 years, I have never touched on it as a topic on Independent Living. This seems like a good moment to remedy the situation, as September has been designated PCOS Awareness Month... yes, I know, another one!

Find out everything you need to know, here

 

This week sees the arrival of a new benefit in Scotland to help people on low incomes to meet the costs of a funeral.

Funeral Support Payment will be delivered by Social Security Scotland and will replace the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Funeral Expense Payment. 

The changes mean around 40% more people will be eligible for financial support at the point of bereavement.

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.

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Until next time, best wishes,

Frances