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Open DoorDisability News and Views for Disabled People across Scotland

Welcome to the Scottish Disability Equality Forum (SDEF) Spring Newsletter!

This newsletter brings you the latest news and information from SDEF, Access Panels and groups across Scotland.

SDEF News News and Policy

Access Panels Members’ News

News from Other GroupsAccess to the Arts

“Have Your Say”

SDEF is a member led organisation so we need to hear from you, our valued members!

If you have a story you think would be of interest to others,

or some disability related news you would like to share, then get in touch with us by email at i n f o@sde f. org . uk or by calling on 01259 272064.

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Disability Hate Crime

Welfare Reform Disability Hate Crime

My Life and M3

Page2 Contents

Contents3 Convenor’s Welcome

SDEF News 456-10

Who We AreHow We Communicate What We’re Doing

News and Policy11 Go On Gold12 Benefits for Disabled People - the facts13 Youth Access Project14 “I am me” Project14 Access to work

Access Panels15 Access Panel Funding from SDEF16 Clackmannanshire Disability Awareness Group17 East Renfrewshire Access Panel17 Falkirk Disability Access and Assessment Group18 Glasgow Access Panel19 Kilmarnock and District Access Panel19 Renfrewshire Access Panel20 Stirling Access Panel

Members’ News21 Disability Hate Crime - a member’s experience22 STOP Disability Hate Crime23 Questions? Comments? Concerns?

News from Other Groups24 Inspiring people25 A Dream Finally Realised

Access to the Arts 26 Abrupt Encounters

27 My Life and M3

Convenor's Welcome

Dear Members

Welcome to our Winter/Spring edition of Open Door.

It has been a very busy year so far for staff and Directors alike at SDEF and this looks set to continue as we embark on a number of new projects, such as our Access Panel Sustainability Project (see pages 9 and 10) and our Youth Access Project (see page 13).

However, we are aware of so many more things which you, our members are undertaking, whether as volunteers for organisations, Access Panel members or individuals. Open Door is a great way of sharing your thoughts, ideas and accomplishments with others, and we encourage you to send us any news items you may have on disability related areas. The more we can share our good ideas and experiences the better for all of us!

We are also looking to improve your experience as members of SDEF: we really appreciate your support, year on year, as we work towards removing barriers to equality for disabled people across Scotland. If you have thoughts and ideas on what you as a member would like to see happening for you through SDEF, then please get in touch.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Open Door as much as we have enjoyed compiling it, and look forward to seeing you at some of the events we will be holding over the course of the year for our members.

I was also delighted to see so many Access Panel members at our first Partnership Meeting; SDEF staff did a great job on the day and feedback was really positive. The purpose of these meetings is to inform panels of the support SDEF is offering, and to provide a platform for sharing ideas between panels. However, these meetings are also a great way of enabling potential members to find out more about their local Access Panels and to get to know you with a view to joining. If you know of anyone who you think may be interested in becoming involved, do get in touch with SDEF staff so that we can add them to our attendee list.

Jackie Maceira Convenor

SDEF NewsWho We AreOur staff team is highly skilled and experienced in all aspects of disability, equality and policy.

Susan Grasekamp, ManagerHi - I'm Susan, Manager of SDEF, and I am delighted to be working with such a great team and membership in achieving our charity’s aims.

Keith Robertson, Disability Access OfficerI am the Disability Access Officer and I support over 50 Access Panels in Scotland. I am a Royal Navy Veteran but I was invalided out of the force in 1973 after an accident that left me disabled and aparaplegic wheelchair user.

Marta More, Access Panel WorkerHi, I’m Marta and I am SDEF’s Access Worker, and I work very closely with the Access Panels throughout Scotland, assisting them in building their capacity and working on their sustainability and taking themforward.

Maive Bain, Office AdministratorHi, I’m Maeve, I’m the SDEF Office Administrator! I work three days a week covering telephone enquiries and SDEF admin.

Vicky Innes, Administration AssistantI’m Vicky I joined the SDEF team in August 2012. I provide administrative support for the team.

Morven Brooks, Information and Communications OfficerHi, I’m Morven and I’m the Information and Communications Officer here at SDEF. My role involves policy, communications andengagement with our members.

SDEF News

How We Communicate

the workplace or for business purposes.

How many of you have an account with Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or even have your own blog?

The majority of you will probably be using at least one of these tools for social reasons, and not even thought of how they can be used in

So how can we best use these tools for Scottish Disability Equality Forum? You may not realise this, but we have already started using such tools.

We have a Facebook accountFollow us at www .f acebook . co m/F r i endsO fS D E F

We have a Twitter accountFollow us at www .t w itt er . co m/S D EF orum

We have a Linkedin account – Follow us atwww .li nked i n . co m/ co m pany / sco tti sh-d i sab ilit y-equa lit y- f orum

The benefit of using these tools in our workplace is that it offers all of us the opportunity to improve how we communicate and share ideas. Also communication is spread beyond Scotland, enabling us to link with many individuals and organisations throughout the world who all have an interest in Disability.

Of course, changing the way we communicate and interact with each other takes time and won’t happen overnight.

But with open minds and positive attitudes about these developments, we could catapult into the 21st century. Think of twitter like the town gossip - only say what you wouldn’t mind being shared with everyone else!

We want to hear your thoughts and opinions on using social media tools. Please contact Morven Brooks with your thoughts – m orven . brooks@sde f. org . uk

SDEF NewsWhat We’re DoingSDEF continues to work towards the removal of barriers to independent living for disabled people. The following pages outline our progress so far with our outcomes. A summary of our outcomes can be found on our website www . sde f. org . uk /i ndex . php / wha t -we-do / our-v i s i on

Increase awareness of the Independent Living Movement

The Independent Living Programme seeks to work towards a fully inclusive society where the principles of independent living underpin how our society works and grows. But what is Independent Living? In our last newsletter, we discussed what disabled people said about Independent Living, what it meant to them. The Independent Living Movement is informed by these opinions and seeks to highlights the needs, rights and wishes of disabled people into every aspect of society.

Independent Living means 'disabled people of all ages having the same freedom, choice and dignity and control as other citizens at home, at work, and in the community'. It does not mean living by yourself, or fending for yourself. It means rights to practical assistance and support to participate in society and live an ordinary life.

So what does that mean to you?

It means full access to our environment, with fully accessible transport. It means access to technical aids and equipment, personal assistance. Housing should be accessible and adapted where necessary, and education and lifelong learning should be inclusive, developed to be accessible in whatever formats are needed by the individual.

Being able to fully participate in society means making sure that people can make informed choices about what they do, and be able to do it in a way which suits their needs.

Organisations across Scotland are promoting the values of Independent Living, but it's a joint effort.

Independent Living in Scotland (IliS) have developed a number of insightful booklets which you can download from our website on topics such as disability equality, petition- ing, human rights, promotion and co-production. If you would like some printed copies to distribute to your local library, surgery or group, please get in touch with v i cky .i nnes@sde f. org . uk .

SDEF NewsWhat We’re DoingIncrease awareness and prevention of Hate Crime in Scotland

As part of our remit, we will be working with various organisations to help reduce hate crime. In order to achieve this, we must ensure that disabled people know:

· What disability hate crime is· How to report hate crime· Who to contact

We are working with Access Panels to provide those affected by hate crime with access to support and guidance on dealing with hate crime. By empowering disabled people to come forward and report these crimes, we can all work towards securing a more tolerant future for those affected by disability.

Please go to our Hate Crime page on our website for further information:www . sde f. org . uk /i ndex . php / ha t e-cr im e

Working Towards Removing Barriers to Equality in Employment

As part of our commitment towards growing Access Panel membership, SDEF have linked in with Access to Work, a programme aimed to help disabled people into work.

Access to Work has agreed to provide information to enquirers on how to connect with their local Ac- cess Panel at the point of enquiry.

We are hopeful that this will help to raise national awareness of local panels, and to in- crease panel membership across Scotland.

SDEF NewsWhat We’re DoingEncourage Engagement of Disabled People at Local, Regional and National Levels

Social Media and Website

We have increased our Social Media presence and we can now be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. We have also updated the look of our website and now send a fortnightly e-newsletter called ‘SDEF Voice’ to all our members and Access Panels.

Please go to page 5 to read more about how SDEF are communicating.

Consultations/Member Opinions

Over the last year SDEF have consulted with members on a range of matters, including Building Standards, Living Wage, Redesigning of Community Justice System, Taxi and Private Car Hire, as well as other areas such as gender and disability, welfare reform, self-directed support and other Areas.

Responses to our consultations can be downloaded from our website: www . sde f. org . uk /i ndex . php / consu lt a ti ons

SDEF NewsWhat We’re Doing

Improving the Sustainability of Access Panels across ScotlandMany thanks to the Access Panels who took the time to fill in your audit forms - it has been really helpful to us in establishing the range of great work going on in our Access Panels, and the types of support needed to make them even stronger.

In response to your submissions, we have been busy developing a range of support tools which we can offer to Access Panels through events, one-to-one support, email and through our website. Support spans a wide range of areas, including training,

promotion, reporting and evaluation, membership, capacity building, sustainability (how to keep your Access Panel going!), IT skills and internal structure (how your panel can work best from the inside, with organisational tools, up to date constitutions, etc).

Partnership MeetingsWe held our first Partnership Meeting in Inglewood House, Alloa on Thursday 21 March 2013. This included Clackmannanshire Disability Awareness Group, Disabilities Fife, Falkirk District Access and Awareness Group and Stirling Area Access Panel.

All Panels felt this was a success, and thoroughly enjoyed their day. It was a fantastic opportunity for local panels to network. This is a positive start to our Access Panel Sustainability Project, and we look forward to meeting the rest of the Access Panels in due course.

Below are some of the key issues identified by Panels in the audits which were submitted.

1. The greatest overall need identified by the majority of panels was the need for greater membership.

We will be tackling 'increasing membership' as a key priority for Access Panels, providing practical tools and support in promotion, membership, inclusive communication, and online presence (e.g., websites, social media like Facebook and Twitter). Find out more about our Youth Access Project Online on page 13.

2.The most common types of training identified as being needed were:● Access Surveys● Building Standards● IT (website) etc.● Open Spaces

In our Partnership Meetings, we will be asking you to register for a range of training which we will be making available to your Access Panel over the course of this year. Courses will include the above, but also Disability Equality, Human Rights, and other areas. We will also update you with courses in your area which may become available, and for which you can apply using your discretionary funding.

SDEF NewsWhat We’re DoingImproving the Sustainability of Access Panels across Scotlandcont…

3. Panels also identified the need for better support in promotion and online trainingIt is critical that Access Panels are contactable by phone, by email and by website. Our aim is to ensure that all Access Panels who wish to develop or renew their websites over the coming year have the opportunity to do so, either by working with panels to build their own simple website which they can update by themselves or by getting local school students involved.

4. Panels need to be involved in decision-making processes from the outsetWe would like to work with Panels to help grow public body and organisational networks, promoting the valuable service they provide so that Local Authorities and other bodies know to engage with Access Panels from the very beginning of their processes.

5. Panels need to be included in wider access issues, such as social justice, mental health, etcAccess now has a far wider remit than just the physical environment, and it is important for panels to educate and inform the wider community about the type of involvement they have in such areas as hate crime, public services and mental health. SDEF are keen to work with panels to help promote the valuable work they do, to ensure thatdecision-making processes across the wider access remit are guided by their experience and opinion.

A full report will be made available on our website to give an overview of Access Panels, their activities, goals and needs.

If your Access Panel still hasn’t completed their Audit, please get in touch with Marta More on 01259 272062 or at m ar t a .m ore@sde f. org . uk .

Online Youth ProjectWe are delighted that Falkirk Disability Access and Assessment Group and Caithness Access Panel has agreed to pilot our 'Youth Access Project'. SDEF are working with schools and colleges in the area, to get together a small group of fifth and sixth year stu- dents who will help to build a simple website for the panels. The website will use 'Word- press' - a very simple and easy to use tool which means that panels can easily keep their website up-to-date by themselves.

The project should take between 4 - 6 weeks, and the hope is that some of the students may go on to join the access panel, perhaps in an advisory capacity for the website!It is a great idea which benefits everyone involved: the student learns new skills, including IT, teamwork and project management, the school can promote its involvement with the local community and the panel will have a shiny new website, and perhaps some great new members too!

If you would like to know more about this, or want to set up a similar project in your area,

SDEF NewsWhat We’re DoingImproving the Sustainability of Access Panels across Scotlandplease contact susan . graseka m p@sde f. org . uk 10

News and Policy

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Go On Gold

SDEF have become a partner of Go ON Gold, a project designed to help disabled people participate fully in an increasingly digital society.

Go ON Gold now hopes other Scottish community organisations will follow their lead by joining the campaign to capitalise on the new awareness and

understanding of equality issues generated by the success of the Paralympics.

Teaming up with Go ON Gold means that SDEF, which is also the umbrella body for 50 volunteer led Access Panels across the country, will actively help disabled people access the internet and enable them to them use on line tools to improve their web experience.

SDEF manager Susan Grasekamp added: “We work with many organisations to influence Scottish Government policies which affect how we live. We also work with Access Panels across Scotland who provide advice and support to disabled people in their local communities. Access Panels deal with all areas of access including the built environment, countryside, access to local and national services and education including in house training. Basically if you have a problem accessing anything within Scotland, your local access panel could help.

“Most people are well aware of the physical challenges faced by disabled people, such as lack of wheelchair access and ramps for example – but the less tangible barriers, like having difficulty using keyboards or reading text, is less obvious for those not affected by it. For example for many people, even finding out about training courses is a challenge if they don’t know how best to access the internet if they have a motor or visual impairment for example.

“As an organisation dedicated to helping disabled people access both physical spaces and opportunities to improve their education and careers it makes perfect sense for us to spread the message about ways of increasing accessibility to all parts of modern life. The internet really is a gateway to fantastic opportunities – and one which should be available to everyone.”

The Go ON Gold website acts as focus for key resources and expertise to help people get online and also features a number of videos by high profile disabled people such as leading Paralympian peer and disability rights campaigner, Baroness TanniGrey-Thompson.

To find out about Go ON Gold and become a Digital Champion and help a disabled person to get online, visit www . go-on-go l d . co . uk

News and Policy

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Benefits for Disabled People – the factsHere at SDEF we want to ensure our members are receiving the correct information and advice on the current changes to benefits paid to disabled people. Below is a summary of the changes and support available.

The Welfare Reform ActThe Welfare Reform Act will introduce the Universal Credit in October 2013 which will replace:

· Income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)· Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)· Income support (IS)· Housing Benefit (HB)· Child Tax Credit (CTC)· Working Tax Credit (WTC)

The Welfare Reform Act is also introducing a new benefit called ‘Personal Independence Payment. This will replace the current Disability Living Allowance for those of working age.

Below is a summary of the benefits which will have an effect on disabled people:

Universal CreditUniversal Credit will provide a new single system of means-tested support for working-age people in and out of work. Support for housing costs, children and childcare costs will be joined in the new benefit. It will also provide elements for disabled people andcarers.

Employment Support Allowance (ESA)From 1 June 2011, the Employment and Support Allowance (Work-Related Activity) Regulations introduced a new requirement for certain recipients of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to undertake work-related activity. This is any activity which helps the claimant to obtain work, remain in work or to be more likely to obtain or remain in work.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)The Government plans to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a new cash benefit, called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from 2013-14.

PIP is based on an assessment of individual need. The new assessment will focus on an individual’s ability to carry out a range of key activities necessary to everyday life.

Further information about the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and disabled people can be downloaded from www . dwp . gov . uk / po li cy / d i sab ilit y / we lf are-re f or m -b ill -2011-and-d i sab l ed

We would like to hear from you on how any of the above benefit changes will affect you. Please contact Morven Brooks Tel: 01259 272063 m orven . brooks@sde f. org . uk with your comments.

News and Policy

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Youth Access Project

Youth Access ProjectYour local Youth Access Project is looking for young volunteers (16-21) to work with its Access Panel to help build their online presence (or maybe ‘build a website and social media’) It will take place over 4-6 weeks, one evening per week, and each person will be awarded a certificate for their involvement as well as learning some cool skills!

What will You learn?You will be part of a 6 week programme, in which you will learn how to:

· Buy a domain name (www.youraccesspanel.com) and set up a basic website· Create wording and source images for the website· Connect with social media

What’s in it for YOU? Students· learn a new skill· meet new people· make a difference in your

community!· add your involvement to your CV

Access Panel· Improve membership through online

presence· Improve communication and

engagement· Connect with local schools and young

people· Improve your visibility in your local

community

How to get involved

Schools· Involve students in socially responsible

activity· Create connections with local disability

groups· Raise awareness of Disability Equality

And for members of your community…· Better access to support and

guidance in your area· Involvement with disability groups

and individuals affected by disability· Have their voice heard through the

work of Access Panels and SDEF

If you are interested please fill in our online application form:www . sde f. org . uk /i ndex . php / you t h-access-pro j ect

“I am me” projectA new project called “I am me” has been set up to work with partners to seek funding for the design and delivery of a bespoke drama production aimed at secondary schools, disability groups and community groups within Renfrewshire.

The group aims to seek funding to raise awareness of disability hate crime, reduce incidents, and, increase reporting. The project/group will also seek funding to work with young people in Renfrewshire to design a Disability Hate Crime pack for schools. This pack will be based on the pack already produced by the CPS for England and Wales. The design and distribution of the pack will help ensure that the awareness campaign can be ongoing for future young people.

In addition, the project will also work with Strathclyde Police to raise awareness of a "Keep Safe" initiative that the Police are currently designing. This initiative will train local businesses how to become a safe area for disabled and vulnerable people to seek refuge if they are feeling threatened or unsafe.

The project will be partnering with PACE, Strathclyde Police and Renfrewshire Council.

If you would like further information, please contact Carol ati a mm epro j ec t @yahoo . co . uk

Access to WorkACCESS TO WORK provides additional support for individuals whose health or disability affects the way they do their job.

Access to Work can provide discretionary grants towards:

· Specialist aids and equipment;· Support Workers;· Support for transport to work;· An interpreter or other support at a job interview if you have difficulty communi-

cating;· Support for those with mental health conditions, through the Mental Health Sup-

port Service.

The support the programme offers is personalised and will depend on a person’s needs. Access to Work advisers can offer an assessment of an individual’s workplace to learn more about the support they need and offer a grant on the information and recommendations from the assessment.

Find out more at www . gov . uk / access- t o-work , phone 0208 426 3110 to make an application or email a t wosu .l ondon@ j obcen t rep l us . gs i. gov . uk

Access PanelsAccess Panel Funding from SDEF

As the end of the financial year 2012/2013 is almost upon us, for those of you who have not returned your invoices for last year's £750, it would be much appreciated it if you could get them into us as soon as possible please!

This will mean SDEF can issue you with this year's Government Grant. Unfortunately, if we are left with any money we will have to return it to theScottish Government and that situation would have adverse effect for any funding for future years.

Also, if you have ideas on how you can grow and develop your Access Panel, could you get these into us quickly please? This funding is a great opportunity to raise awareness and promote your Access Panel.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Access Worker Marta, on 01259 272062 or at m ar t a .m ore@sde f. org . uk .

Access Panel AuditsSDEF would like to say a huge thank you to the Access Panels who have completed and submitted the Access Panel Audit that was sent out to you in September 2012. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

If your Access Panel is yet to submit the Audit, can you please ensure this is completed as soon as possible. We cannot stressenough how important the Audit is and need your contribution to ensure our plans for an Access Panel Support Package reflect your needs.

The Skills Audit that you were also sent is for the Access Panel’s internal use only. However, completing this may assist with the completion of the Access Panel Audit. The original deadline for the submission of the Audit was 30 November 2012.

If preferred, the Audit is available online www . survey m onkey . co m/ s /K 5 K 7 TVT . It should take no more than 20 – 30 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions, or would like some help in completing the Audit, please do not hesitate to call Marta on 01259 272062 or email at m ar t a .m ore@sde f. org . uk

Access PanelsClackmannanshire Disability Awareness Group Tel: 01259 272018 Email: a li ster d a g @ gm a il. c o m

The Clackmannanshire Access Panel now functions as part of the DAG group and has regular twice monthly meetings at the Alloa Business Centre usually in the Ben Ledi room.

Recently they had a very informative presentation and discussion with Ninian Somerville of Clackmannanshire Council on the designs for the new library and the refurbishment of the Spiers Centre.

Alister Scott (DAG) and Keith Robertson (SDEF) volunteered to visit Alloa Town Hall to check out the new stair lift which provides access for those with some level of disability to the upper floor. Keith commented that “due to the constraints on listed buildings we cannot expect to access everywhere”.

Alister commented that he was not happy with the access to toilets in the new Community Hospital, this has been brought to the attention of the Hospital at a PPF meeting and they were looking into it. Sheila McGhee said that she would report back on any developments.

DAG has been out on several visits to assess walks for inclusion in the ‘Walks for All in Clackmannanshire’ project. This project is about creating a series of walking / access maps. These maps will enable people to make informed choices about where they can go, how they can get there and what they will find when they get there, not just the flora and fauna but facilities such as toilets, seats en route, good viewpoints, nearby cafes and such like.

The Disability Awareness Group is committed to raising awareness of the issues that people living with disabilities face in their everyday lives and its members are passionate about making Clackmannanshire a place where people with disabilities can live a full and participatory life. If you are living with a disability or supporting someone who has a disability please consider joining the Disability Awareness Group. 2012 will see many fun activities both outside and indoors.

Access PanelsEast Renfrewshire Access PanelTel: 01355 302533 Email: in f o @era p.o r g.u k

It has been a quiet few months up until now but we have had a few "goings on".

Both the Web Master and myself have enrolled on a course looking at our Web Siteregarding Web Essentials as covered in Web Content Accessibility Guidelines' (WAG) 2.0 guidelines. Hopefully we will learn enough to make sure our Web Site is accessible to all.

We also have been involved in East Renfrewshire's new proposed Health Centre in Williamwood. After an initial public meeting in a local hotel we met with the ER Planning people as well as one of the chosen Architects regarding their proposals for Disabled Access and our thoughts on what fittings etc should be included in all the Toilets, Lifts ,Stairs and general requirements of flooring, ceilings , stairway and doors. The Disabled Parking seems to be very adequate but we brought up the eternal ER problem of unsuitable Hearing Aid Loops and Signage and await with interest the finalised Drawings and plans.

Falkirk Disability Access and Assessment Group Tel: 07730447212 Email: f d aa g @ ho t m a il. c o m

The Falkirk Disability Access and Assessment group are currently working on the following projects:

· Developing a “Guide to Accessible Toilets in the Falkirk Area”.

· Working with the Falkirk Taxi Forum, SDEF and others to build our capacity and inform local initiatives.

· Working with Callendar House to enable them to evaluate and update their emergency evacuation procedures for people with special needs.

· Linking with other access groups in the area.

· We also hope to work with other groups and statutory bodies/ projects in the future, this could be you!

Access PanelsGlasgow Access PanelTel: 0141 946 8488 Email: in f o @ gl as go waccess p a n e l.o r g.u k

Glasgow Access Panel have been working on the following over the last year:

● Glasgow access panel (GAP) has recently held a members event (1 March 2013) to discuss the blue badge consultation. This was well attended and everyone was able to give their opinion on the questions. The result was submitted through SDEF survey monkey.

● GAP has been approached by a student of architecture, she is doing herdissertation on the Riverside transport museum in Glasgow. She is interested In hearing about the experiences of disabled people on the museum and anydifficulties encountered. A visit has been arranged to the museum with her accompanied by some members of the panel.

● Glasgow City Council are building five new care homes in Glasgow to replace the current homes. GAP visited the mock up rooms at the Skills Academy in Glasgow. It is clear a great deal of thought and effort has gone into ensuring the homes are accessible.

● GAP continues to provide an information stand at the Patient Information centre in the Victoria Infirmary, this is held on the first Monday of the month. The stand is manned by board members and volunteers.

● We also held our AGM in December, this was followed by speaker- Presentation by Ian McKenzie; Commonwealth Games on the progress to date. This wasfollowed by a workshop with Clare Fraser and John Binning, from SPT they were keen to get advice and suggestions from members on meeting their Public Sector Duties.

Access PanelsKilmarnock and District Access Panel Email: k ilm ar no ck p a n e l @ gm a il. c o m

Kilmarnock and District Access Panel have been on site visits to two or three new builds, for example, two new schools, a new Athletics Park in the town.

The Panel is considering an Awards Scheme Certificate to be presented and erected in buildings we have visited which are considered to be finished to a high standard.

We have changed the name of the Panel to Kilmarnock and District Access Panel.

We are also preparing a leaflet to be displayed at all East Ayrshire Council Offices and Doctors and DentistsSurgeries. The leaflet will contain our Mission Statement, some artwork and a plea for new members. We are still in the process of putting this together.

Renfrewshire Access PanelTel: 07747 036028 Email: e nqui r i es@re n frews hi reaccess p a n e l.o r g.u k

Renfrewshire Access Panel has been working on various projects and continues to develop our involvement with Renfrewshire Council with regards to hate crime. We have also been working on our networking and have had various visitors to our meeting such as Strathclyde Police’s Equality Officer, we also have the continued help

and support of our local Councillor, both guests have advised us that they want to continually attend our meetings and help in any way they can. The list continues as Renfrewshire Council have now setup a hit squad to deal with benefit issues for the changes in benefits that are currently happening and we have a member of the team coming to our next meeting to do a presentation and take questions.

Wednesday 20th February 2013 marks a historic day for Renfrewshire Access Panel (RAP), we had a meeting with Peter McLeod, the head of Social Work in Renfrewshire and he has agreed to look at taking the idea forward of a centre for independent living in Renfrewshire which means RAP will be working in co-production with Social Work. The Centre will be called Renfrewshire Centre for Independent Living (RENCIL) and now there is a great deal of work and progress being made for RAP and it is a challenge that we are looking forward to and this includes making the wonderful improvements for Renfrewshire with the many new and innovative services that we intend to provide. In future we are hoping that RENCIL will not only service Renfrewshire but will have a greater impact on the surrounding area and hopefully country-wide in future to offer help and support to everyone.

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Stirling Access PanelTel: 01786 469916 Email: l eesteve n s on @sve n ter p r i se .o r g.u k Bannockburn Battlefield CentreThis new Centre will be open for early 2014, and Stirling Area Access Panel (SAAP) with the excellent support of Keith Robertson. We have had lengthy meetings with thearchitect and project team from Historic Scotland and the National Trust, on the detailed design of the building and on external features. The Panel has also worked with StirlingCouncil Roads Dept on the immediate public access to the Centre to make it inclusive for all pedestrian visitors to the Centre. Through our efforts, we feel that the Panel has been successful in making key changes to accessibility in many vital areas. There will be a test day prior to the Centre’s opening, where disabled groups will have the opportunity to trial all the facilities, and, we hope, give it theirapproval!

Waitrose, StirlingA new 40,000 sq ft Store opened in Stirling last month. Our

Panel had meetings with the project manager and architect.Again, with the help of Keith Robertson, we hoped to make

significant changes to the building design to relocate and improve the accessible toilets and parking features, but due to the complex arrangement of ownership and an aggressive schedule for opening, we did not achieve the results at this store which we would have liked. Waitrose are currently planning two new stores in Helensburgh and Milingavie, we do hope that ‘lessons learned’ will be put in practice at these future stores.

Stirling StreetscapeMembers of our Panel participated in a recent ‘on the ground’ roving meeting with representatives of Stirling Council Roads Dept. A number of points (12) were shown and discussed, with the future promise of resolution. These points ranged from a dangerous road junction dropped kerb point, Stirling Station walkways repairs and dropped kerbs needed, additional disabled parking bays in Balfron and Callander, and other additional dropped kerb requirements. Overall, we are delighted with the support which Stirling Council are showing with their intent to improve the mobilization of wheelchair users who use the City Centre.

Post Office AccessA local Post office in Stirling which has stepped access and narrow flap doors, makes it nearly impossible for wheelchair users to use, even with a wooden ramp. The owner of the shop has resisted separate, suggested detailed improvements from our Panel, the council, and thelocal councillor, over the last three years. All the parties mentioned have endeavored to gain support from Royal Mail, but to date they have declined to participate. Post Office access is, without question, a basic public requirement for all, and we do not understand the reluctance of those involved, other than perhaps their wish to avoid the cost of modifications. There is a meeting at the end of this month with all parties, we do hope that this will finally lead to a solution as further options will involve legal input. The Stirling Panel has heard of similar access issues in Clackmannanshire and Bannockburn, so it is important that a precedent is established to ensure that the conflict of access is resolved

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on a national basis.

Members News

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Disability Hate Crime – a member’s experienceAs a permanent wheelchair user I have experienced disability hate crime twice. On the first occasion I was threatened with violence and more recently, a person tried unsuccessfully to bully me.

The most recent occasion of hate crime took part several months ago in my local public gymnasium. A male member of staff tried to bully me by bizarrely giving me a warning for something that I just didn’t do. I have no idea what his reasoning was, other than trying to scare me or to make me feel uneasy at the gym? Perhaps he resented my presence in the gym filled with people of normal ability. Well fortunately for him I am an assertive individual and was able to speak to the manager of the gym. He promptly spoke to the member of staff about his inappropriate behaviour.

The issue with the member of staff has now been resolved. We now interact quite normally and I’m happy in the gym. I do hope that he has learned something from the whole saga and this should benefit everyone including another member of the gym that the staff member speaks to frequently, who has a brother who has learning difficulties.

My second experience of hate crime was at least 5 years ago. When arriving at a parking area in Stirling town centre I found two able-bodies females who had just parked their car in a disabled parking space. I politely asked them why they were using a disabled space without a blue badge. They responded by using abusive a threatening language, with one woman declaring that she would punch me if I made trouble for them.

This whole but short episode I felt venerable and powerless; it felt these two females had no respect, interest or understanding of my disability, or the importance of being able to use accessible parking for essential shopping.

My confidence has benefited from the events at the gym making me more resilient about challenging some future issues. But I am less likely to visit Stirling town centre as frequently as I used to, nor would I challenge somebody who is incorrectly using a disabled parking space.

In conclusion it is awful that disability hate crime actually exists in our culture. Perhaps society sees disabled people as having advantages such as parking and benefits when really we have equal rights and do contribute in a meaningful way to society.

Submitted by: David Smith, SDEF Member

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Members NewsSTOP Disability Hate CrimeA member of SDEF has reported that her and her family have been subjected to Hate Crime due to her disability.

Her neighbour started harassing and threatening her and her family after he discovered she had a motobility car and does not pay road tax.

Our member did contact the police and they were very helpful, however no follow up or information about Hate Crime was provided.

Fortunately for our member, her neighbour has now moved out, providing a sense of relief and safety for her and her family.

All hate crimes and incidents should be reported, whether you have been a victim, a witness or you are reporting on behalf of someone else.

Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s:

● disability● race or ethnicity● religion or belief● sexual orientation● transgender identity

This can be committed against a person or property.

These incidents may include verbal abuse, physicalassault, domestic abuse, harassment and damage to property.

Submitted by: SDEF Member who wishes to remain anonymous

Help and Advice

Support is available from your local Police or Local Authority. Just recently launched is a police funded website called ‘True Vision’ - www . repor t - it. org . uk / ho m e which has been designed to provide information about Hate Crime and how to report it.

There are also various support agencies that can provide support and offer guidance.

Please go to our website www . sde f. org . uk /i ndex . php / ha t e-cr im e for further information.

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Members NewsQuestions? Comments? Concerns?

This page is an opportunity for members to express their opinions and thoughts on issues which are affecting them.

If you would like to highlight a concern or have a question on a disability related matter, please email Morven Brooks at m orven . brooks@sde f. org . uk

Perth & Kinross Council’s charge for disability equipment

I would just like to re-iterate that Perth and Kinross Council are charging disabled people for installation and maintenance fees of disability equipment, for example,essential items such as riser lifter beds/chairs, toilets, hoists etc.

At the moment this is £60 per year, but likely to go up due to the lack of response to appeals for abandoning this charge from forums such as your own. Unless we unite against initiatives like this the disabled will continue to bear a disproportionate cost of local government cut- backs.

Stella M Kinread - SDEF Member

Closure of day care centres in Glasgow

A member contacted us concerned about the closure of day care centres in Glasgow.

Glasgow Council has been closing Centres over the last 2 years as a long term modernisation,where the clients will have to take this Personalisation.

Only 4 centres are being kept open - Riddrie, Carlton, The Wedge, Southbrae. There will be only50 clients in each centre. They will be only for people in wheel-chairs.

Our member is a parent group and is very angry with the lack of consultation.

Kathleen Isaac - SDEF Member

News from other groups

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Inspiring peopleHaving a disability can be difficult and may make you feel isolated from certain activities or environments.

That’s why our Access Panels do such a fantastic job involving and improving communities with access issues or barriers.

We received a story from a member recently with a truly inspiring story.

Gerald has a disability and is a wheelchair user. For the last 10 years he has been holidaying in Ibiza. Ibiza may not be everyone’s cup of tea; however, for Gerald he forgets about his disability and has made many friends over the years. He has

always been made to feel welcome and he feels looked after.

You can read Gerald’s story herewww .i b i zac l ubb i ng-gu i de . co m/ news / 326~a_ t rue l y_ i nsp i ra ti ona l _s t ory . aspx

Please feel free to contact Gerald gera l d m 31@b t openwor l d . com

If you have an inspirational story you would like to share, please contact Morven Brooks, Tel: 01259 272063 m orven . brooks@sde f. org . uk

News from other groups

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A Dream Finally RealisedYou may (or may not) have heard of the ‘Homelands’ project. Some considerable time ago Miss Isobel Carse Paxton left ‘Homelands’, a large house with extensive grounds in Lundin Links, Fife, along with the residue of her estate, to the Fife Branch of the MS Society.

The current Board of Trustees has been working with award-winning architects, James F Stephen of Glamis and their Client Representative, Dr Larry Rolland, an architect who lives locally. New plans have been drawn up and these were recently approved by Fife Council Planning Department.

On the south end of the site of Miss Paxton’s former home, set in mature woodlands, and with magnificent views over Lundin Golf Course and across the Firth of Forth to the Lothians, there will be four luxury, purpose- built, wheelchair-accessible, self-catering cottages specially designed to meet the needs of people with a range of disabilities and long-term health conditions.

Sitting alongside the cottages there will be a drop-in andinformation centre. This will involve the formation of partnerships with a range of local organisations providing services for disabled people. It will function as a reception point providing flexible accommodation with meeting rooms, a kitchen area, open plan office space, toilet facilities, and handyman’s and gardener’s storage space. It will be used by visitors to the cottages as well as by Fife residents affected by a range of disabling conditions, and including their family, friends and carers.

The former Gardener’s Cottage, at the north end of the site, has been refurbished to provide temporary office accommodation for the duration of the building work.

It is anticipated that building work will commence in the early summer months and the project will be

finished and ready for opening by late August/ early September of 2014.

The Trustees are delighted to announce that Sir Menzies Campbell has recently agreed to be the Trust's Patron.

For any additional information please contact The Secretary onho m e l ands t rus t @ li ve . co . uk or The Chair on 07563 101 226 . The Homelands Trust-Fife

Access to the Arts

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We are introducing a new regular feature to Open Door ‘Access to the Arts’. This section will highlight various dance, music and art projects which are going on in Scotland.

If you would like to have your project published in Open Door, please contact Morven Brooks m orven . brooks@sde f. org . uk

Abrupt EncountersAbrupt Encounters is a new inclusive arts programme developed by a collective of creatively engaged participants with learning disabilities, evolving first in a lifetime opportunities and live arts events in public spaces in some of central Scotland’s most prominent public places.

The programme evolved from Artlink Central’s Artreach programme participants, who expressed the desire to work towards creating performances and showcases of work for a mainstream audience where work might be received without a disability context.

The programme began six months ago in Stirling where the participating artists were given two months access to a contemporary art gallery, the Changing Room, based in the Tolbooth music venue. A series of artist residencies and presentations saw the group transform the space into an exhibition and place of orientation for the project and there were live interventions towards the end that included personal lift performances between an actor and a member of the public, installations, and a vocal sound piece.

Visitors to the grounds of Forth Valley Royal Hospital may have been puzzling over the appearance of a yurt sitting amongst the trees, but the answer to the mystery tent has now been revealed. It's being used to give patients with learning difficulties from nearby Lochview the opportunity to participate art away from the ward setting.

Focusing on tactile and sensory materials such as fabrics, cellophane, string, sound and film, performance artist Jenna Watt and visual artist Emma Bowen have been working with patients to produce interactive collages. They have been exploring the idea of journeys and paths, using the surrounding woodland as an inspiration. Sessions were also set aside to let visitors and members of the public take part in the new art project.

23 was the next phase of Artlink Central’s Abrupt Encounters project. It was inspired by peoples’ responses to the space of Stirling Castle and its history. Participants engaged with the ideas of 23 buttons on a wedding dress, the former inhabitants of the lion’s den and John Denver’s song, Country Roads.

For more information about Abrupt Encounters and associated events please visit the Abrupt Encounters website: www . abrup t encoun t ers . com

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Access to the ArtsMy Life and M³I am an eighteen year old girl who lives in Glasgow with my family. When I was born I was diagnosed with special needs which means I can’t walk so I use a powered wheel- chair to get about. My interests are going out shopping and nights out, working with social marketing media, dancing, being with my friends and family, having a laugh with people, listening to any kind of music and watching the football.

I am a creative person so I love dancing and doing art and design, I have won a few art competitions over the last six years and got a grade ‘A’ for my art last year.

I am at college just now but the course I’m studying is only for two years so I’m thinking of doing a computing course for a year after. I would like a job working with computers, helping companies create websites, Facebook and photo editing, to help their businesses. Right now I run the Facebook page for Paragon’s M³ dance programme.

I have been involved in M³ as a dancer since 2009 when I did the summer week session and I really liked it. M³ is an inclusive programme for young people aged 14 to 20 years that is run by Paragon’s Artist in Association, Caroline Bowditch and directed by Paragon’s creative director Ninian Perry. Paragon recently teamed up with new partners, YDance, Scotland’s national youth dance organisation, run by Anna Kenrick.

This extends M³’s inclusive practice opportunities to young non-disabled dancers. M³ provides opportunities for young people interested in dance and music from beginners up to advanced performing level to get involved in performing and creating dance. Since I started three years ago I have learnt so much about dance e.g. movements anddifferent ways to dance with a partner. The programme has helped to build my confidence in performing and just in general, you get to meet new people at the sessions and they have all become my friends.

I realised just how much M³ had helped to build my confidence last year- for the three years I had been involved in the course I always stayed in my wheelchair to dance, but last year (2012) I decided to take a step further and come out of the chair so I could dance on the floor, now I do it all the time.

The M³ music and dance programme can do so many things for a young person- gain more confidence like I have; it helps you be more expressive when you are dancing and you learn to relate to the music; it allows you to use your imagination to create and develop new dance skills and leads you to a healthier lifestyle.

Want to find out more information about this great music and dance programme?

Contact Paragon on 0141 354 0234, visit the website- www . paragon- m us i c . org . If you are a young person aged (14-20) then I do recommend you get in touch with us if you’re interested in music or dance because this will be such a good thing for you to get involved in!

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Scottish Disability Equality Forum is grateful for the generosity of its sponsors and their ongoing support as we work together toward achieving the goals of the organisation.

If you are interested in sponsoring our magazine ‘Open Door’, please complete our on- line registration form - www . sde f. org . uk /i ndex . php / our-sponsors Alternatively, please contact Susan Grasekamp, Manager for further information on susan . graseka m p@sde f. org . uk

Open Door is published by

Scottish Disability Equality Forum Office 2/5, The e-Centre Cooperage WayAlloa FK10 3LP Tel: 01259 272064Fax: 01259 272065

Susan Grasekamp, ManagerTel: 01259 272063... Email: susan . graseka m p@sde f. org . uk

Keith Robertson, Disability Access OfficerTel: 01259 272062... Email: ke it h . rober t son@sde f. org . uk

Morven Brooks, Information and Communications Officer Tel: 01259 272063 Email: m orven . brooks@sde f. org . uk

Marta More, Access Panel WorkerTel: 01259 272062.. Email: m ar t a .m ore@sde f. org . uk

Maeve Bain, Office AdministratorTel: 01259 272064... Email: m aeve . ba i n@sde f. org . uk

Vicky Innes, Administration AssistantTel: 01259 272064... Email: v i cky .i nnes@sde f. org . uk

SDEF is Registered in Scotland as a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status Charity Number SC031893, Company Number SC243392

Patron: Tricia Marwick MSP

Open Door is available in alternative formats on request

Any comments made in any contributed articles do not necessarily reflect the policy or the views of SDEF.

Scottish Disability Equality Forum is funded by the Scottish Government