1. Disability Power List

The annual Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 celebrates the most influential disabled people in the UK, nominated by the public and judged by an independent panel. 

Nationally and internationally recognised, it is the only campaign that shines a light on disabled people at the top of their game and in positions of influence across all sectors of society.

Find out more about this year's winners

2. Dementia - retail therapy

While people with dementia list shopping as one of their favourite activities, one in four give it up after their diagnosis.

And nearly two thirds of people with dementia believe shops aren’t doing enough to help them.

They are missing out on an estimated £1 billion-worth of spending.

Read more here

3. Update from the Robotarium

The National Robotarium is the UK’s largest and most advanced centre for robotics and artificial intelligence. Together with the Ambient Assisted Living Lab (AAL) at Heriot-Watt University, it aims to revolutionise the way assisted living care is delivered in the community, using robotics and AI.

Pressalit, champion of design in assisted living technologies for the bathroom and kitchen for almost fifty years, have been chosen to contribute their inclusive kitchen and bathroom technologies to the AAL.

Read more here

4. The Swiss Army knife of health

In last week's newsletter, I promised a quick look at guidance around getting a good night's sleep - something many of us struggle with. Which may or may not be connected with Collins Dictionary's word of the year - permacrisis - the general awfulness of life in 2022.

On Independent Living, we have information about adjustable beds and suggestions from Stannah for making your bedroom a sleep sanctuary. 

Plus our top tips for getting a good nights sleep - including a quick run through of the military answer to insomnia, which is currently taking social media by storm...

5. CQC State of Care

I have a friend who is languishing in a hospital bed because it is so far proving impossible to put in place a care package so that he can return home. I suspect many of you also know someone in this situation, because only a minority (40%) of hospital patients are able to be discharged when they are ready to go.

We know how we got into this mess - chronic underfunding of the social care system compounded by disasters such as Brexit and Covid.

The annual CQC State of Care Report lays out the problems, but who will find a solution?

Read more here

6. Horse of the Year Show

For more than 10 years, Terry Lifts has been providing wheelchair access at the Horse of the Year Show.

The British manufacturing company's Melody 2 vertical platform lift provides temporary wheelchair access to the raised hospitality area for the duration of the five-day equestrian event held at the NEC, Birmingham.

More details here