Work programmme charities gagged by Government

Organisations that sign up to deliver the government Work and Health programme must agree not to.attack Esther McVey or the DWP. I expect that clause to be there its standard, but why would charities  sign up to such a scheme in the  first place? Organisations that undertake government contracts cannot be seen to disagree with policy. These organisations claim to support the rights of disabled people, those rights have been adversely affected by the very same policies. Its a very clear and 'dangerous' conflict of interests, which should not be allowed.

The Government won't care they want to silence those who speak out against them, and this is job done, in a way that they hope won't be noticed. The charities should know better, although I know in reality they won't care either, most don't work with us, but apparently 'for' us. They say what they like without listening to disabled people. This  scheme raises their profile, brings in funds and it meets their definition of helping people, though I don't agree with the definition.

These charities won't be able to effectively challenge any DWP policy or action. If they provide welfare advice that is mostly rendered useless, they are no longer umpartial, they are paid by the state. They can no longer claim to be supporting our rights because they are participating in work that harms those rights. They have also allowed themselves to be gagged, they have agreed to stay silent. They can no longer play any real part in stopping this government. They have betrayed the very people they supposedly support.

What a difference a new chair makes

ònly a week and already my new chair has made a huge difference to.my life.

Its easier to steer, meaning it is better in restricted spaces. It also turns more easily, again good
where there isn't much room. Theae factors make easier to especially if, like me, co-ordination is an issue.

The best thing about it though is that.I am already more able with it.  Shopping is easier, because I can reach shelves that were too high before. Clothes shopping was a pleasure because I could select clothes of the rails myself. Buying craft stuff was a real fun experience because I could see and reach items at different levels. I had a real free choice. at home too I can prepare food and drink.more easily and without making a mess.  I was also able torebòt the Internet without help. It cuts out the frustration of having to wait for someone to do things, and needing help, when I want to be able to do tasks myself.

i am now at eye level  with people, in effect standing up. This makes being seen in shops etc easier, I'm.harder to ignore! Having a coversation more equal, people are not leaning doewn to talk to me.

Best thing I've done buying this, but atvthe same its sad. I realise how muc I'e mssed by not being able to do such basic things.  I intend to.make the most it, I intend to miss out anymore.

Accessible events that make it impossible to book

Charity Attitude Is Everything says disabled event goers find booking tickets has its own issues, I agree. Whilst physical.access is improving booking tickets is still challenging, despite equality laws21  covering such issues there is a long way to go.

I''ve sat on booking lines for marathon sessions either to get nothing, or when I get to the end of the queue to be told I have to ring a different line for access seating, or to get carer tickets. This makes the process longer, and more complicated, making buying a ticket a more difficult and even more like trying to win the lottery.

Many disabled people need a carer to go to events, which makes attending more expensive. Venues may have a discount or free tickets scheme but this can add to the difficulties of booking. Sometimes you need to provide proof of disability before booking,  which adds another time factor. I came across  one such scheme that said it used 'judgement' to decide if someone qualified. They asked searching questions about benefits and disability needs, as well wanting to check details with a carer. After all that they only gave discounts,.which varied, to a limited number of customers per performance. I didn't sign up, whilst I understand they have  to target discounts it shouldn't feel like they just want to be nosy.

Accesaible seating, and equipment like headphones are usually limited, so those who need them  have less options fogetting tickets. There may be only a handful of places even in large theatres. This means disabled people face more of a scramble for even fewer tickets.

Special seating may be in specific areas or be only for disabled people. This makes it difficult or impossible to sit with non disabled friends especially if you are in a group. I have been asked if I really wanted to sit with the people I was with!

Things are improving, some venues offer a very customer friendly service but disabled people won't have leisure equality until they really can book just like everyone else.

Sanctions used as punishment at will

Proof if it was needed that there is no sensible approach to the use of sanctions. It is used to punish vulnerable people, just because #DWP can.

Google maps include access information

Good start, but I would like this to be a nationwide initative. Not all disabled people live in London, and disabled people everywhere face access challenges.  It won't just help disabled people, but families with pushchairs too.

Good news maybe

It looks like disabled people may get more rights on public transport. I want to see the details before I get too excited. Drivers will.need to be given new powers and use them to ensure any new rights are enforced

Frustrated

Really gets on my nerves when people who should know better expect disabled people to focus on things that are pink & fluffy. The reality of living with  disability is often very different