Wednesday 17 December 2008

one small step, one giant leap

I recently joined Mobilise, a UK charity that promotes mobility for disabled people. I attended the council's Environment Cabinet Member Meeting last Thursday to see the minor policy u-turn on car-free developments.
Previously, the council had a blunt policy such that all residents in some buildings in Controlled Parking Zones were banned from having a residents parking permit. This prevented disabled people getting one too.
Now, blue badge holders can get them.
http://present.brighton-hove.gov.uk/Published/C00000286/M00001365/$$ADocPackPublic.pdf

XMAS DINNER

Over 20 members came to the xmas dinner in shoreham on monday dec 8th -- it was lovely to see everyone there in the long table -- the landlord was very good to us in everyway --
if there are any pictures, i can put them on this blog --

Wednesday 10 December 2008

somethink about strokes

I noticed a council document --
Draft Physical Disability Strategy 2009-2012 – involving stakeholders --

it mentions somethink about

To develop local slower stream rehabilitation opportunities for people leaving
hospital following spinal injury, acquired brain injury and stroke to facilitate
greater independence and a return to independent living.


which I don't quite understand.

It has some figures too:

In the UK, stroke is the main cause of disability. In the Brighton & Hove City
population, it is estimated that there will be 560 strokes per year. The incidence of
stroke increases with age and it is estimated that there will be fewer than 40 strokes
per year in those aged under 65. The total prevalence of stroke is estimated to be
4518, of whom 1450 will have a moderate or severe disability19. PANSI estimates
that in 2008 there are 46 male and 81 female Brighton & Hove residents aged 18-64
years who have had a stroke and require help with daily activities. These figures
are expected to increase slightly to 47 males and 86 females by 2015. In contrast to
stroke the age profile for other ABI shows a higher occurrence in the younger age
group20.


full draft is on http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/downloads/bhcc/socialcare/Draft_Physical_Disability_Strategy_2009-2012.pdf

Any comments, views or contributions would be very welcome by 31 January 2009 to either:
Linda Harrington, Primary Care Trust General Manager linda.harrington@bhcpct.nhs.uk, or
Karin Divall, Commissioning Manager, Adult Social Care karin.divall@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Tuesday 9 December 2008

AphasiaNow

randomly googling, i find AphasiaNow, a "Website by aphasic people of working age" --
rather good, albeit a bit ageist -- we must link up -- and of course blatantly plagisiarising their ideas in a cut'n'paste frenzy....................

Sunday 7 December 2008

STROKE news winter 2008

I got this seasons STROKE news (winter 2008) recently --
http://www.stroke.org.uk/index.html

it caused me to research other clubs in this area and to consider funding matters....

Friday 5 December 2008

Life after stroke -- QueenSpark


Life after stroke -- QueenSpark ISBN 0904733343

This 60 page booklet was written by a group of stroke survivors in 1993. We all have stories to tell, and soon we can put them on-line via this blog or otherwise....

alison lapper on the International Day of Disabled Persons 2008


Alison Lapper gave an inspirational speech on the International Day of Disabled Persons 2008. She was particularly vehement at the way social workers in Adur were implementing Direct Payments..............

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Stroke group in Stanford Avenue

There is another Brighton and Hove branch of Action for Dysphasic Adults a.k.a Speakability which meets on the third Tuesday of the month at Methodist Church Hall, Standford Ave.
contact point is 01273 680428 ---
argus, mon nov 24th, page 20

Tuesday 25 November 2008

UNITED NATIONS ENABLE

UNITED NATIONS ENABLE web-site is about the
Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities;
2008 Theme: "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us".
Dignity and justice for all of us is the theme of this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities, as well as for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The official title of the Day was changed from International Day
of Disabled Persons to International Day of Persons with Disabilities by General Assembly resolution 62/127 on 18 December 2007.

International Day may be observed in a number ways, including ensuring the Media make appropriate presentations of progress and obstacles implementing disability-sensitive policies, programmes and projects and to promote public awareness of the contributions by persons with disabilities.

Federation of Disabled People

The AGM is on the same day as the International Day and the same venue. As a trustee of the FED myself, I do hope SASH members can get to attend on the day at any time.

Saturday 22 November 2008

on being aphasic/stroked

further to my post below previously about books about strokes and aphasia and the MP today, who else in the "media" has had a stroke?
there is Ram Dass, Maggie Thatcher, the literary critic on the Gaurdian....
http://www.islandmp.org/press_release_item_98.php

Stroke debate in Parliament Nov 18th

During the recent debate (18 nov) about Government policy on Stroke Patients, Mr Turner MP Isle of Wight outlined how he had battled back to health following his stroke almost two years ago. He told the House how at first he had not been able to walk properly and kept bumping into things, and how he had to relearn even basic words from flash cards.....and talked about the effects of aphasia....
full details if you watch BBC TV Parliament early enough on a saturday morning, idlely flicking through the channels.....

Wednesday 19 November 2008

NEW DATE XMAS Monday 8th December

Monday 8th December at 7pm at the Function Room, Royal George pub, Upper Shoreham Road, Shoreham. Remind people they will have to pay for their drinks! If people can't come please let me know.

International Day of Disabled Persons 2008 Dec 3rd

International Day of Disabled Persons 2008
When: Wednesday 3 December, 2008
Where: Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove
Time: 2pm-8pm
* Alison Lapper (artist, writer and model) confirmed - Alison will be giving a motivational talk on disability.
* "Abnormally Funny People" confirmed - a well-known group of disabled and non-disabled stand-up comics. More information about their act is available
* Carousel rock band Beat Express! confirmed to play on the day. More information about the band is available
A Day for Celebration, a Day for Action

The 3rd December marks this year's annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons. The theme of this year's day is “Dignity and Justice for All of Us”.

The Federation of Disabled People is working in partnership with Brighton & Hove Council and the local Primary Care Trust to celebrate the day. An extensive programme of activities is planned, including conversation tables, independent living workshops and information stalls run by our member organisations. The International day will also feature the federation's AGM and the launch of our innovative Accessible City Guide.

Entertainment for the day will include a talk by Alison Lapper (the disabled artist, writer and model best known as the subject of the fourth plinth sculpture in Trafalgar Square). Also confirmed for the day are the group of disabled and non-disabled comics "Abnormally Funny People" as well as the Carousel band Beat Express!

Saturday 8 November 2008

more accounts news

1: our accounts have been posted to SPEAKABILITY now --

2: shall i send this blog to the members now?

Sunday 2 November 2008

accounts finalised

our a/c's have been finalised now -- we have a solvency ratio of 1:43 and liquidity fraction of 1:75 -- iceland here we come !!

Monday 27 October 2008

books about being aphasic/stroked

on-going bibliography of books about having a stroke including references to aphasia:
the diving-bell and the butterfly by Bauby (1996)
the third killer by guy wint (1965)
still here by ram dass (2000)

Sunday 26 October 2008

next meeting 11th Nov 2.30pm

SASH
NEXT MEETING
The next SASH meeting is on Tuesday 11th November, at 2.30pm at
St Richards Community Centre
Egmont Road
Hove
Tim has organised a representative of Brighton and Hove Social Services to meet us. Tim explains what this will be about. He says:
"A senior member of the Brighton and Hove Access Point will be coming to give a short talk on the service they provide - the ‘single point of contact for new and existing users’. Although aimed at those living in the city, the range of services available may surprise some of you. If you live outside the City, don’t worry, most services, if not all, will be available throughout East or West Sussex.
Another reason for them coming is so they can experience first hand the problems faced by people with aphasia trying to communicate in a friendly supportive environment.
They would also like a member of SASH to attend one of their team meetings - any volunteers?"
That sounds like an informative meeting. PLEASE COME ALONG!
If you need a taxi or any other information ring Jeannette on 01273 413759 or email jeannette@gould28.wanadoo.co.uk

SASH CHRISTMAS PARTY 9th dec 7pm

SASH CHRISTMAS PARTY!
Hopefully, we will be able have a Christmas dinner celebration on 9th December at
Royal George pub
Upper Shoreham Road
Shoreham
You would have to be there by 7pm at the latest.
SASH will be paying your dinner but you’ll have to pay for the drinks - sorry! There will be a three-course dinner with choices, of course.
Please let Jeannette know whether you can attend.
Ring her on 01273 413759
0r email her on jeannette@gould28.wanadoo.co.uk
Let her know by Friday 7th November.
Come for a festive evening!!

Saturday 18 October 2008

a day at the dogs



Hove dog racing

writetosash@postinbox.com

writetosash@postinbox.com is the mail address for members

SASH intro

This is the first posting for SASH. We are supported by Speakability, the national charity dedicated to supporting and empowering people with Aphasia and their carers.

http://www.speakability.org.uk/