1. Assistive technology and DFGs

Disabled Facilities Grants were first conceived in 1990, and the range of technology available to control the functions of a home has increased beyond recognition since then.

Equipment has decreased in cost as assistive technology has become more mainstream. For example, a system to manage and monitor the home environment that used to cost several thousand pounds can now be achieved for less than £300.

The government has introduced new guidance on assistive technology and DFG awards.

We have details here

2. FES for people with MS

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a treatment used to stimulate movement in weakened or paralysed muscles. It has been proven to improve the lives of many people with MS, making walking easier and reducing the effects of foot drop.

This allows people to take part more easily in daily living and social activities, as well as feeling more confident and independent.

Despite this, NHS provision is very patchy. The MS Society is campaigning for availability across the UK.

We have a great article explaining FES written by Sarah Joiner, Vice Chair of the Multiple Sclerosis Trust, here

3. Sustainable hygiene

This week, I am diligently logging every piece of single use plastic I throw into the recycling bin, as part of the Big Plastic Count. Maybe you are doing the same!

I think we are all much more aware of the need to reduce the impact we have on the environment. And one area where the impact is still considerable is in hygiene.

Waterless has written an article showing some steps you can take to go a little easier on planet Earth.

You can read it here

4. Community equipment survey

It's one of the issues that crops up frequently at Independent Living: assistive equipment received on loan and no longer required. What to do with it? There are often no clear instructions about returns. People are left storing valuable items they don't need while the NHS and social services are deprived of usable equipment that could benefit someone else.

We've been asked to help an Occupational Therapy MSc student with a survey of users to help improve the process and therefore the sustainability of OT practices.

Read about taking part here

5. Summer FestivALL

Music festivals are a great part of the Summer events calendar - but not always so easy to attend if you have access needs.

Guideposts Trust has got together with the Witney Music Festival in Oxfordshire to create FestivALL, a dedicated area designed for people with additional needs, including autism and learning disabilities. The area will feature crafts, a quiet area, limbo dancing, sensory activities, a raised viewing platform for wheelchair users, a social enterprise and more.

Find out more here

6. Deductions: Driver of Poverty

I wrote last week about the compulsory procedure which will shift all claimants off legacy benefits and onto universal credit (UC).

Another unpleasant aspect of UC which takes many by surprise is automatic deductions. Claimants are obliged to wait five weeks without benefits before UC begins, and during this time taking an advance payment is the only way to get any money. Up to 25% of UC is then deducted, in order to pay back the debt.

The Lloyds Bank Foundation has produced a report highlighting the dire situation people find themselves in because of this and other automatic deductions which are never explained.

Keep reading here