Until you have first hand experience, it is difficult to understand quite how disabling frailty can be.

In fact, in those rare situations where disability allows for preferential treatment, such as claiming VAT exemption on mobility and daily living aids, or applying for a Blue Badge parking permit, straightforward frailty is specifically excluded. You need something extra to qualify…

Is it fair? And even more importantly, is there anything we can do to prevent age and frailty going together? Read more here

 

Once again, following the launch of the initiative last year, the Office for Disability Issues is looking for "champions" to spearhead improvements in access in various industry sectors.

They say last year's group all made great progress, but there is still more to do. Which sectors need championing this year?

Find out here

 

Well, we have navigated our way past Blue Monday, but there still seems to be a general blanket of gloom overlaying everything health-related.

The phrase "NHS winter crisis" seems to be appearing almost on a daily basis, as news media try to explain the conditions experienced in hospital A&E departments, GPs' surgeries and ambulance services.

So how safe is our health service? Or, at least, how safe do we think it is?

More info here

 

There have been a number of news articles about the way that  the disability benefit system is failing people with MS.

For example, nearly one in three of those who were receiving the highest rate mobility component of DLA found themselves losing benefit when they were transferred to PIP.

The MS Society wants to get a better understanding of how PIP rules are affecting people with MS, particularly the 20 metre mobility criterion. You can complete their survey here.

  

Anyone who has booked a holiday, then had to keep their fingers crossed that the accommodation would turn out to be as accessible as expected will love Flat Spaces.

The brainchild of artist Tom Yendell, Flat Spaces are holiday accommodation, beautifully equipped with accessible kitchens and bathrooms largely thanks to Pressalit Care.

You can find out more here

  

If you provide high quality products and services, and you would like to reach our site visitors and newsletter readers, please email derek@independentliving.co.uk

 

We are always trying to make things easier when you visit Independent Living, and the latest improvement is in search.

We have just introduced a new on-site search facility, which is faster and more efficient than the previous system. Looks prettier, too!

Why don't you pop over and try it out?

 

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!

Until next time, all good wishes,

Frances