News Update
Monday 6th December 2010
People with learning difficulties ‘wrongly housed with elderly’
Almost 900 people with learning difficulties are living in care homes for elderly people, inappropriately placed to save local councils money, say campaigners.
Tuesday 7th December 2010
Disabled people claiming benefits face new medical checks
All 3 million disabled people, including pensioners and children, who receive allowances will be forced to undergo periodic medical tests to justify the payments under proposals outlined today.
Disability Living Allowance to be renamed
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be renamed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and a consultation has been launched into its overhaul on a social rather than medical basis.
Wednesday 8th December 2010
Disabled mum attacked on packed bus as passengers stand by
A disabled mum was beaten unconscious by a raging parent on a packed bus.
Thursday 9th December 2010
Disabled people 'twice as likely' to miss out on careers, courses and holidays
Disabled people are almost twice as likely as non disabled people not to be able to work, have a holiday or take courses according to a bleak assessment in the first official survey of disabled people since 1997.
Friday 10th December 2010
Warning over human rights aspect to spending cuts
Public bodies will face legal challenges if they do not take careful account of human rights law when cutting budgets, according to a leading expert.
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Information
Inclusion Scotland Membership
Inclusion Scotland is Scotland’s leading organisation of disabled people.
We aim to draw attention to the physical, social, economic, cultural and
attitudinal barriers that affect our everyday lives as disabled people in
Scotland.
If you or your organisation would like free membership to Inclusion Scotland or information on joining Contact 100, see our website
www.inclusionscotland.org for more information, or contact admin@inclusionscotland.org or telephone 0141 887 7058.
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Inclusion Scotland Welfare Reform Briefing
We have recently written a briefing on the changes to welfare reform. This includes information on:
- Scale of the proposed benefit cuts
- Public Sector Spending
- Incapacity Benefit and the Work Capability Assessment
To access the briefing visit the Inclusion Scotland website.
We also recently received a copy of a letter from Maria Miller MP, who is the Minister for Disabled People, on how the Comprehensive Spending Review will affect disabled people. A copy of the letter is available on the website too.
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Inclusion Scotland Board Room Hire
Inclusion Scotland Board Room is available for hire. The room is set up for 12 delegates and charged at £10 per hour. Facilities include:-
* Laptop £5 per day
* DVD player £5 per day
* TV/screen £5 per day
* Projector £5 per day
* Flip chart £5 per day
* Tea and Free
coffee
Please contact Angela Marshall: admin@inclusionscotland.org
or telephone 0141 887 7058 for more information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Joseph Rowantree Foundation
The JRF have just published a new Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion Report for 2010. See here for summary and link to full report – http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/monitoring-poverty-2010
We have extracted all the stuff most relevant to disabled people, this is available on the Inclusion Scotland website.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Human Rights in Healthcare
Health Scotland was asked by the Scottish Government Health Directorate's Mutuality, Equality and Human Rights Board (MEHRB) to take forward a one year pilot project on human rights and health in Scotland.
To read the report click here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------New Case Study Films To Raise Awareness Of Hate Crime
Central Scotland Police as part of the Multi-Agency Hate Response
Strategy (MAHRS) partnership have produced a range of case studies on hate crime to raise awareness of the devastating effect this type of
crime has on our communities.
We are a group of public and voluntary sector organisations working together to identify and eliminate unlawful discrimination, attacks and harassment and to promote good relations. The short films include testimonials from victims of racist, homophobic, Islamophobia, transphobic and disability related hate crime/ The short
films can be viewed on the partnership website at:
http://www.stophateincentralscotland.org.uk/page9.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Glasgow Shopmobility
This free service is based within Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre. We offer free registration and use of mobility scooter, manual and powered chairs, mobility equipment and support from our shopping companions. We also offer a meet and greet service, bringing equipment to you at stations within the city centre. Registration is free, a free prize draw available to anyone who register before Christmas. Contact us on 0141 404 0224
www.glasgowshopmobility.co.uk
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Christmas Parcel Scam
Please let everyone you know about the Christmas Parcel Scam - this has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam:
A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).
DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call. If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.
For more information, see the Crime Stoppers website:http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/crime-prevention/helping-prevent-crime/scams/postal-delivery-scam
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Energy Action Scotland has a new look website
The new EAS new website has a wealth of information and resources on fuel poverty for policy officers, advisors, and householders. It also has a number of exciting new features, including an RSS feed to receive the latest EAS news direct to you, a range of library publications for download and an improved Members Area. Explore now at www.eas.org.uk.
If you have any difficulty accessing the site or other questions please contact Ellen -ellen.leaver@eas.org.uk or 0141 226 3064
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BBC Documentary Wants Disabled People Affected By Cuts
Katie Rice is doing a BBC documentary about how the cuts are affecting disabled people and is looking for people who have already been affected by cuts to benefits or care funding.
To take part in a programme get in touch with Katie: Katie@truevisiontv.com or tel. 02087427852
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The First UK Disability History Month (DHM)
The first UK Disability History Month (DHM) will take place from 22nd
November to 22nd December 2010 and annually thereafter. Already
supported by a wide range of disability organisations, trade unions and
voluntary organisations. DHM will raise the profile of disabled people's
rights and struggle for equality now and in the past.
Disability History Month (DHM) will be an opportunity to focus on: Celebrating the struggles and achievements of disabled people; Looking at the history of discrimination, negative attitudes, and oppression (disablism) http://www.ukdisabilityhistorymonth.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Disabled people in the UK monitor CRPD
Disability Rights Watch UK aims to collect evidence on how disabled people’s rights are violated so that the UK monitoring of the Convention on the Rights of Disabled People will give a clear picture of what our lives are really like and what the government needs to do to give us proper protection.
We want to know how you feel your rights have been violated or unprotected through:
- loss of life, abuse, undignified or degrading treatment or loss of integrity
- Barriers to justice, the environment (both public and private), independent living, access, family life and relationships
- Barriers to education and employment and a decent standard of living.
- And inappropriate attitudes, bullying and harassment.
For more information and to register go to Disability Rights Watch UK
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feedback Your Thoughts On Your Local Access Guide - Glasgow
DisabledGo has been working in partnership with Glasgow City
Council since launching in 2005. Since then, the guide has grown and
developed thanks to the feedback from our steering group members and it now details access information to over 1000 goods and services.
In the past 12 months the DisabledGo website has grown to incorporate more accessible features after the culmination of feedback from our steering groups across the UK including a Community Forum, news pages and monthly newsletters as well as our very own facebook and twitter accounts.
DisabledGo-Glasgow is nearing the end of its current contract and we
would like to get your thoughts on whether you feel the guide has been a
success, something you consider a valued resource and whether it is
essential that it continues in your area. We would appreciate it if you
could take a couple of minutes to fill in the questionnaire by clicking
on the link below, it will take no more than a couple of minutes and
would be extremely useful for us to have your feedback:
http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online survey.php?surveyID=HLMLJH_ada50683
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Disabled people happy and unhappy about how they are portrayed in the media
Last summer [2010], a worldwide online survey of disabled people was done to find out what they think about how they are represented in the media.
The 400 disabled people and organizations who responded said that television has become more empowering in its representation of disabled people. People were considerably more negative about the news media. Overwhelmingly, it was felt that news items were framed within a disempowering medical model of disability.
For more details about the findings see:
http://media-and-disability.blogspot.com/2010/09/highlights-of-2010-survey-of-people.html
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Consultations, Research & Surveys
Employment Champions
The Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability is a charity that is made up of twelve partner organisations who have joined together with funding from the Scottish Government to help people make the changes set out in the government policy “The same as you?”.
Currently SCLD has employed six individuals with learning disabilities as Employment Champions. Their role is to tell the story of their transition from education to employment and the barriers they have faced and overcome. They speak at events and conferences, often for Central and Local Government employers, and always to a very high standard.
The aim over the coming months is to introduce the Employment Champions to the wider employment market, highlighting the benefits and opportunities available to employers both in terms of equality and diversity, particularly in today’s job market.
The Employment Champions are available to speak at conferences and events either as individuals or as a group. They have each gained considerable experience from previous events and have become very skilled in their presentation. Each event or conference to date has given extremely positive feedback on these presentations, often leading to further engagements.
The Employment Champions attend events at no cost to the organiser since the aim of attendance is to promote awareness and benefits to employers as previously mentioned.
For more information contact Pauline McKenna on 0141 418 5420.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Poverty Alliance Review of Activities 2008-11
The Poverty Alliance is currently conducting a review of our core activities over the last three years. As you may be aware, we have been undertaken a wide range of activities over this time, including campaigning on living wages and welfare reform, organising seminars, conferences and debates, responding to consultations, network development, producing briefings and publications, lobbying politicians and providing opportunities for grassroots organisations to engage with policy makers.
We want to know how well you think we are doing, what we could do better and where we should focus some of our core activities in the coming three years.
You can access the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/poverty_alliance_review
The results of the review will help us develop our work plan for the next three years and will inform the bids we put to our funders, particularly the Scottish Government. Alongside this work we are also carrying out focus groups to collect more views on what our priorities ought to be for the future. All of the responses will help us shape our work in the challenging times that lie ahead.
Please ensure your response reaches us by Thursday 16 December 2010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Young? Deaf? Share your experiences
Deaf people are being asked to share their experiences of education and the workplace in a bid to improve the opportunities available to them by the Deaf Achievement Scotland study (DAS)
The survey will be available online until the end of January 2011. This study is designed to find out about how deaf young adults in Scotland are doing. They are interested in young deaf adults’ lives since leaving school, especially further and higher education, and work. They would also like to find out whether deaf people were happy with their experience of school and what advice they would have for deaf children in school now.
The survey is available: http://www.deafachieve.org.uk/site/
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Take part in a Survey on Terms and Conditionsin the Voluntary Sector
Over the past couple of years, voluntary sector organisations have come under increasing pressure to reduce costs and make efficiency savings. This survey aims to find out:
- The extent to which voluntary sector organisations have had to reduce terms and conditions of employment
- The reasons behind any changes
- The impact that this has on the workforce and on service delivery
Why take part?
By taking part in the survey, you will be helping to gather evidence about the impact that reduction in terms and conditions can have on the workforce and service delivery. A report will be published in early 2011. We will then be able to present this evidence to national policy makers.
Who should answer this survey?
Voluntary Sector HR managers / directors
Chief Executives / Area Managers / Service Managers
Is it anonymous?
Yes, all replies will be treated in the strictest confidence. The final research report will ensure that all findings are completely anonymous.
Deadline
The survey will close on Wednesday 8th December.
Any Questions?
If you have any queries about this project please contact caroline.sturgeon@ccpscotland.org or phone 01786 849 752.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Certificate in Researching Poverty at Community Level
Black & Ethnic Minorities Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS) in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University (Scottish Poverty Information Unit) and Faiths in Community Scotland (FiCS) have teamed up to develop and deliver a unique training opportunity aiming at empowering local community and faith groups with much needed necessary skills in relation to research and tackling poverty.
The training will run as two pilot schemes: First cohort starts on 12 January 2011 with the
Second cohort starting in April 2011 and will be delivered Free of Charge as the partnership will be supporting costs.
For further information contact: tanveer.parnez@bemis.org.uk
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Disability Hate Crime Research[Glasgow]
This short questionnaire, which should only take a few minutes to complete, is part of a wider research project that aims to find out more about the motivations and behaviour of perpetrators of hate crime against disabled people.
One of the key aims of this research is to produce recommendations so that we (Glasgow Community & Safety Services and our Partners) can better assist disabled people who experience hate crime, and where possible work towards earlier interventions by looking at the behaviour and motivations of perpetrators. This research will inform the work of our Hate Crime Policy Officer. Any input you provide will be valuable in shaping the outcomes of this research.
Deadline for completing the questionnaire is 4th February 2011 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KDWCJ6H
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Disabled People's Panel - The real cost of disability
How much more does it cost to live as a disabled person? What are the extra things that need paying for? And do the benefits and allowances you receive really cover them?
We’d like you to help us answer these questions in our latest survey: “the real cost of disability”. The Disabled People's Panel is designed to help Scope and ComRes understand the views and experiences of disabled people. The data we collect is used to make sure disabled people’s voices are heard by politicians, the media, companies and other decision makers.
Please help us by sparing just 10-15 minutes to answer a series of questions about your experiences.
Complete the survey now
The research will be conducted according to the Market Research Society's Code of Conduct and your responses will remain completely anonymous.
If you have any questions about this project please contact Tom Black at disabledpeoplespanel@comres.co.uk or on 0207 340 1418.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Responding to Self-Harm in Scotland': Consultation Events
The Scottish Government made a commitment as part of Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland 2009-11 to improve knowledge and understanding of self-harm in Scotland and to prepare an appropriate response. Responding to Self-Harm in Scotland, an agreed discussion paper from the National Self-Harm Working Group, is now available as an interim report for engagement and input through a number of consultation sessions.
Glasgow - Thursday 16 December, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Edinburgh - Wednesday 19 January, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Register for your event now
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Power Chair Focus Group
A focus group session with adult power chair users and their carers will be held on the 13th of December at 1.30pm, in the Disability Resource Centre in Paisley.
John Colvin, Head of Service for WestMARC will provide an update about the ongoing improvement work and find out how your experiences/views of the service have been and look at ways of further improving the service.
Places are limited and I would be grateful if you can let me know if you or someone you know who is a power chair user or carer would like to attend the session.
Direct Dial: 0141 232 7901
Email: Azhar.Akram@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Events & Training
Steps Course – Glasgow Disability Alliance
For disabled workers or workers who work with disabled people.
This powerful course provides a fresh perspective for people and organisations to maximise their potential and enhance their results.
Key areas covered are personal effectiveness, leadership and organisational effectiveness. STEPS can help you in your own life, in your community, in work, with your family and in your organisation.
STEPS will help you to identify and work towards goals and move to a more fulfilling and successful life. Participants in STEPS regularly report the following changes:
- Raised confidence and self esteem
- Increased willingness to try new things
- Improved personal relationships
- A feeling of using more of their potential
- More openness to change
STEPS has also been used to increase participation, create a better vision of the future and promote grassroots activities which make this vision a reality. This course includes a session on applying the principles of STEPS in your workplace.
The 4 day course is FREE—normal cost is around £800 per person.
Dates: 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th January 2011 from 9.30am—4pm.
Lunch is provided and transport can be arranged if required.
Venue: to be confirmed (Glasgow)
For more info or to book contact Marianne, Shirley or Linda
Tel: 0141 556 7103 or e-mail: mariannescobie@gdaonline.co.uk
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Equality Act 2010: What does it mean for you?
Equality and Human Rights Commission aims to explain what the Equality Act will mean for you and your role.
Free events will take place in
- Edinburgh 19th January 2011
- Inverness 17th February 2010
These events are for advice giving organisations or those who work at voluntary, community and educational organisations and who give advice directly to the public.
Further information, with venues and agenda will be available nearer the time. To book a place or for more information please contact: equalityactscotland@equalityhumanrights.com or telephone 0141 228 5967.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Human Rights Network
Efforts are underway to create a Human Rights Network, based at the University of Glasgow but encompassing a variety of individuals and organisations throughout Scotland. The aim is to harness the significant amount of work being done in the broad area of human rights at the University and beyond and create a space for interaction between and among research and teaching staff, civil society, and other individuals and groups.
To this end, a workshop is being held on 18 January 2011 to scope out the range of activities currently being carried out in the area of human rights both at the University specifically and across Scotland more broadly. If you would like to participate in the network or the workshop, or have any questions, please contact Kurt Mills Kurt.Mills@glasgow.ac.uk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Project Ability Xmas Show
Dates: 27 Nov 2010 - 23 Dec 2010
Opening: Thursday 02 December
Location: PA Gallery: Trongate 103
Project Ability's annual Xmas Show is a collection of 200 prints displaying richly-worked backgrounds of colour, diverse styles, techniques and imagery.
The exhibition features work from across all three workshop programmes: Aspire, Create and Connect.
The works, conceived purely as original prints, will be available to buy, priced at £10, £25 and £50. This is your chance to own a unique and original piece of work, and it makes a great Christmas gift! To give you an idea of what to expect, we are be uploading a print a day on our Facebook page, so check it out. And don't forget to 'Like' us!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Diversity and Equality Engagement in Central Scotland – Forestry Commission Scotland
As Scotland's communities become more diverse, this means working proactively to ensure that individuals from all sections of society are equally able to enjoy and benefit from Scotland's Woodlands and Forests. FCS has developed a programme of engagement throughout Central Scotland that engages with individuals and groups from diverse communities.
Programme highlights:
• Keynote address from Central Scotland Engagement Officer
• Examples of effective work currently being delivered
• Real experiences by community groups
• Networking opportunities
Monday 7th February 2011, 10.00 - 12.30
Sense Scotland,Kinning Park, Glasgow
To book a place email your details to centralscotland.cons@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or telephone 01698 368 530.
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An Assets Alliance in Scotland - building our social capital' event
‘An Assets Alliance in Scotland – building our social capital’ event on Monday 13th December to be held at the Scottish Youth Theatre in Glasgow.
The event will bring together those working with communities from across the public, private, community and voluntary sectors, and will showcase examples of initiatives throughout Scotland which have maximised local assets for individual and wider public benefit. The event has been organised by the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) and the Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS) in association with Scottish Government.
The event will take place from 10am until 1.00pm. To register your attendance please complete the short registration page by clicking on this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/registration13december There is no charge for attendance.
The Scottish Youth Theatre is located in the Old Sheriff Court building, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF.
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Disability Benefits Briefing & Drop-In Information Session
Presented by Grapevine - The One Stop Shop for Disability Information in Edinburgh.
When: 28th January 2011 from 11am – 1pm,
Where: the European Room, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh.
Programme
11am -11.30am Benefits Briefing on the latest changes to disability benefits including Disability Living Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Incapacity Benefit.
11.30am – 11.45am Celebration of the Awards for All, Big Lottery Project. Come and meet our volunteers and hear about our Information Roadshow which reached over 300 disabled people in Edinburgh in the past year.
11.45am – 1pm – A Drop In Session with information on our services and advice available on any disability issue. A buffet lunch and refreshments will be available.
For further information contact Catherine Garrod on 0131 475 2370 or email catherine.garrod@lothiancil.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Jobs & Volunteering
Outside the Box
Job: Community Development Advisor (2 posts)
Location: Glasgow
Salary:£30,000 pro rata
Closing Date: 10th January 2010
Outside the Box provides community development support to community groups across Scotland. Our aim is to create more opportunities and support for people that enable them to have the lives they want.
This work is part of the Working Towards project, which is part-funded by the Big Lottery Fund. This supports the development of new activities or services that are led by the people who use them - such as peer support groups and groups where most of the committee and workers are people who come from that community.
The project has focussed mostly on older and disabled people but we are now extending it to also cover families and people affected by the recession.
For more information, see our website: http://www.otbds.org For full Job Description go to http://www.otbds.org/index.php/projects/view_details/113/ |
