Greetings!
It was great to hear that the second issue continued to receive the same positive feedback as the launch issue, with the new feature on inspirational people being particularly well received.
For this month meet ... Albert Thompson, caught in 'friendly fire' in Iraq and now using his disability to extraordinarily good use.
I also intend to include a regular feature on a disabled person whose story will hopefully stimulate others into action - before it's too late! Interested? Please see the article on Don't get Bitten. |
| Coming Soon... Accessibility Accreditation Seminar |
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Following some of the feedback from the previous issues (and thank-you to those who did), it has become clear that a number of you would like further information regarding the Business Mark, and how to go about achieving accreditation. I am currently developing a half day seminar covering all aspects of the accreditation process. Please email me if you would like to be kept informed as to when and where the first of these seminars will be held. |
| Inspirational People - Albert Thompson |
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Having lost his left leg in a 'friendly fire' incident whilst in Iraq, Albert saw at first hand the trauma that his fellow servicemen and medical staff had to endure... and with that turned his plight into an opportunity. Not in the sense of making a fortune, but more to give something back to the people he owes his life to. By simulating hard-hitting training exercises to the armed forces and emergency services, the ability of those dealing with the horrors of real-life trauma can be significantly enhanced. Read his remarkable story by visiting his website - I'm sure you'll agree, Albert truly is an inspiration to others. Don't forget if you know of an individual or a company that provides an inspiration to others, please email me to let me know and I will gladly feature them here... |
| Don't get Bitten! |
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| I was recently asked to advise a gentleman on the following: he has been a regular customer to a dental practice until an accident made it impossible to climb the stairs to the surgery. The surgery refused him home visits and then worse, refused to reimburse him for payments he had made in advance!
Firstly, the dental practice was breaking the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)1995 because they have refused a service to the gentleman. Secondly, the dental practice has compounded its' culpability by breaking the Disability Act 2005 because they are required by law to provide a service to those who need it. Dental practices, along with Doctors surgeries are part of the NHS and therefore subject to the Disability Act 2005 in the same way as Public Authorities.
The gentleman is currently seeking compensation and I will keep you informed of his progress. But it made me wonder how many other business are out there, discriminating either through ignorance, or worse deliberately!
If you need some help understanding the legislation and the impact on your business please give me a call. Getting it right now is far cheaper! |
| In the news... |
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At a time when the value of savings is decreasing have a look at this story reported by the Metro of a blind woman who has been living off her savings for a year after Post Office staff refused to release her pension because they could not recognise her signature. Read full story. |
| Future Topics |
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If there is a particular topic or subject that you would like to see in this newsletter, please email me and let me know and I'll do my best to include it in future. |
| And Finally - Go grab a coffee... |
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A young boy called Louis invented the Braille system 200 years ago in France. His system of embossed type is now used by blind and partially sighted people for reading and writing all over the world. It has been adapted to almost every known language, from Albanian to Zulu. Read more about the 200 year celebrations. |
