You may recall that the first challenge to a local authority under the Care Act was brought by Luke Davey against Oxfordshire County Council last year. It was accused of failures in its statutory duties, including the duty to promote his individual well-being, when it reduced the funding for his care package.

The case has now reached the appeal court, following the High Court judgement earlier in the year, that the council had committed "no relevant legal error" in cutting his budget by 42%.

Mr Davey – who was supported by the Independent Living Fund prior to its closure – is arguing that the council is neglecting his well-being by effectively engineering the breakup of the team of PAs who have provided care and support for approaching 20 years.

You can read more here

  

Rapid tech developments are having a significant impact on access and inclusivity, which developers may not have had at the forefront of their minds when they set to work. For example, think about how speech recognition has evolved, as pretty much everyone can now give instructions to their computer, phone - even household equipment - by voice.

Convenient for all of us, it is particularly good news for anyone who is unable to press buttons, type on a keyboard, or get up draw the curtains or turn up the heating. Rather than being limited to very specialist and expensive solutions, they can now often choose from mainstream offerings at much more competitive prices.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing face a range of daily challenges, from simple things like a smoke alarm, doorbell, telephone ringing, or baby crying, to announcements alerting them to imminent dangers or disruptions.

Entrepreneur Frank Viljoen is working on a new app, aimed primarily at deaf and hearing impaired users, which will provide them with text messages giving essential information about what's going on in their vicinity, without the need for internet or network connectivity, or even a mobile number.

Read more details here

 

Every local authority area in the country has its DFG Champions – committed to using Disabled Facilities Grants to make life easier and safer for disabled and elderly residents.

Their expertise is shared through a series of Roadshows, organised by Foundations, the umbrella group for home improvement agencies. Anyone with a professional interest in DFGs can book a free place on one of the Roadshows.

The autumn schedule is now available.

You can find out more on the Foundations website

 

A reduction in mobility often leads to a decision that a shower will be easier to manage than getting in and out of the bath.

However – there are still lots of questions to answer in order to make sure that the shower is as safe and accessible as possible, and really meets the needs of the user.

Wetroom specialists, Impey, have produced The Little Book of Showering Adaptations, to help OTs and specifiers with planning accessible showers. From choosing the right nonslip surface, to drainage, doors or screens, electric or mixer shower, and support accessories, the Little Book is full of useful information.

You can see more here

 

I should probably be lending an ear rather than casting an eye over this week's new subscriber!

Fuss Free Phones could be the answer to your prayers if you find a mobile phone as tricky as it is useful.

Just as in ancient times, when you could pick up the receiver and dial 100 to speak to the operator, Fuss Free Phones' mobile phones come with a special button on the back, to put you in touch with a helpful operator who has your personal telephone directory, and can connect you with any contacts you want to speak to. They can also help you with text messages, and even look things up on the internet for you.

You can read more on their subscriber page

  

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

 

Nominations are open for the Blue Badge Style Awards. Established four years ago to recognise venues where style and accessibility go hand in hand, the awards cover a range of categories, with destinations graded for facilities, access and style.

If you want to nominate your favourite place – or contrariwise, the most ludicrous loo you have encountered - the closing date is September 8th.

Read more here

 

And finally, a welcome sign of increasing diversity at the BBC, as Paralympic athlete Jonnie Peacock is announced as the first Strictly Come Dancing competitor with a visible disability. If, like me, you take Strictly as compensation for the darker evenings and cooler weather of autumn, this is one more reason to celebrate its return.

 

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. 

 

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Until next time, all good wishes,

Frances