As promised in the last issue, we now have details of the winners of the Remap Awards 2018.

Attending the ceremony in London last week meant that I also had the privilege of meeting guest speaker Dave Henson MBE, engineer and Paralympian, who gave an inspiring speech, highlighting the importance of enabling technology to allow people to achieve their ambitions whatever their physical limitations might be.

Winners were as diverse and ingenious as always – you can see them all here!

 

Urine samples are a routine way for doctors to diagnose a range of illnesses and conditions.

So you might be surprised to discover that there is no standardised way of collecting samples, and one in four patients won't get an accurate diagnosis, because their sample was contaminated or otherwise unreliable.

If UTIs (urinary tract infections) remain untreated, they can lead to sepsis...

Find out more here

 

Not one, but two, new accessible playgrounds to celebrate.

In Dunfermline, first Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently opened Scotland's first all-inclusive play park, set up by charity Play As One Scotland.

And this week sees the official opening of the accessible playground in Neath, South Wales, created by Rhianna's Swing Charity.

GL Jones Playgrounds provide the brilliant accessible roundabouts, swings, trampolines, slides and sensory equipment that turn the dreams into reality.

You can see more about them here

 

If you have ever looked at some adaptive equipment, and thought, "I really don't want that in my home" – you should take a moment to view Jane's wetroom.

As you can see, it is beautiful; what isn't so obvious, though, is that it is completely accessible.

Impey is one of those forward-thinking manufacturers who are working hard to ensure that you don't have to sacrifice aesthetics in order to meet special needs.

The full story is here

  

Our friends at MASIS (Mobility and Support Information Service) are planning on making the topic of inclusion an even greater focus at next year’s Naidex exhibition, by creating an Inclusion Village.

This Village will be home to a selection of exhibitors who have a service which promotes physical, psychological and social inclusion for people with disabilities.

Potential residents can find out more now on the MASIS website!

 

PIP decision-makers have now received guidance on how to apply the legal changes which were forced on the DWP at the beginning of the year when evaluating applications for the mobility payment.

There are two big areas of difference: psychological problems; and safety and supervision.

More details here, including an update on the review of previous cases which were wrongly assessed. It's finally happening...

 

And just room for a quick update on the Limbcare Garden.

Created by amputee charity campaigner Ray Edwards MBE with landscape designer Edward Mairis for the Hampton Court RHS Flower Show – the Limbcare garden won the Silver Medal.

More 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, all good wishes,

Frances