1. Keeping in Touch

We have another powerful article from regular contributor, Philip Anderson, considering the importance of human touch, particularly in light of way so many of us have been deprived of this essential contact by anti COVID measures.

Philip has a rare degenerative muscle condition, and is an advocate for barrier-free accessibility, equality, and inclusiveness for people with disabilities.

Read "Keeping in Touch" here

2. Disability Awareness Day

Disability Awareness Day (DAD), the largest annual single-day charity-organised event of its kind, is taking place virtually this year.

And the Day will last for a week, from 25th to 31st October – supported by more than 200 assistive product and service providers.

More details here

3. COVID Secure

We have a new section on Independent Living, with guidance about keeping COVID secure.

It is clear that we are going to be living with the virus for some time to come, and we need to do everything we can to keep people safe, especially those with underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable.

Find out more here

4. Fall back to sleep...

This Sunday sees the clocks go back, in the annual ritual marking the end of British Summertime.

Whether you regard it as a welcome opportunity for an extra long snooze, or a less cheerful indicator that winter is just around the corner, depends on individual temperament.

What is unarguable, though, is the importance of sleep - and also of daylight. Both contribute to our health and well-being.

Read our top tips for a good night's sleep here

And more on the importance of daylight here

5. Resources to help with sight impairment

The RNIB and Sense are collaborating to deliver a telephone and email-based information and advice service.

The Sense Information and Advice Service helps individuals and families to find the right support, offering free and impartial information about living with complex disabilities, including deafblindness. More details here

Separately, one of Scotland's oldest charities, Royal Blind, has just changed its name to Sight Scotland, with big plans to support people with sight loss across the country.

6. Latest - Unique Art Awards

Mouth painting artist Tom Yendell wanted to encourage young disabled people to develop their creativity, and so set up the Unique Art Awards.

Funded by the Mouth and Foot Painting Trust Fund, this year's competition had two themes to choose from – ME or A BETTER WORLD.

You can see more about the winning entries, and details of the 2021 challenge here