Accessibility – News & Advice

Meeting date: 30 September 2021 Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Location: Microsoft Teams Meeting Project team attendees • Mark Auger – West Yorkshire Combined Authority • Erica Ward – West Yorkshire Combined Authority • Andrew Bradley – West Yorkshire Combined Authority • Steve Smith – Calderdale Council …

Together Housing, is a housing association which provides a number of properties in our area. They have a Disabled Residents Group. If you are a Together Housing resident and want to join the group, please contact Mohammed via mo.daji@togetherhousing.co.uk or call him on 07967 309749 Mohammed will …

Halifax Bus Station is being redeveloped in order to provide improved facilities and higher levels of comfort. The new bus station is due to be completed summer 2023. To enable construction work to start, the bus station will be partially closed. From Sunday 5 September 2021, some buses will run …

Starting Line is a free seven-week pre-employment group support course, delivered by Scope and there are places locally in November. The course consists of 14 modules, delivered on 2 half days a week, plus a weekly one to one with an Employment Adviser. they work with disabled people to: • …

To mark Hate Crime Awareness Week – 10-17 October – we have produced a series of videos that look at the issue of Hate Crime and at how to recognise it, how to report it and how the Safe Places scheme offers refuge and support for victims of Hate Crimes. Working with Lead the Way, West …

The Disabled Parking Accreditation is administered by the charity Disabled Motoring UK, which looks after the rights of disabled motorists. They have a searchable database of accredited accessible car parks – view it on their website, link below: https://www.dpaccreditation.org.uk/ Share …

Visitors to Rastrick Library can now enjoy improved access, following the completion of work to install a new ramp. Rastrick Library was built in 1912 and retains many grand original features, but the building previously suffered with poor accessibility, with a set of steep steps making it …

News Round-up Disability Minister replaced in Cabinet reshuffle Justin Tomlinson has been replaced by Chloe Smith as Minister for Disabled People as part of Boris Johnson’s latest Cabinet reshuffle. Tomlinson launched the National Disability Strategy at the end of July along with the Green Paper on …

The Cycle for Health course starts at Spring Hall this Saturday 11 September 4-6pm. This FREE 12 week course can help you to improve your health and fitness and develop bike riding skills and confidence thought cycle training and led bike rides. Cycle for Health is aimed at adults of any age and is …

Bus Users and Disability Rights UK are to host a series of online events, Let’s Talk Accessibility. The aim is to help local transport authorities (LTAs) and operators understand the challenges and barriers Disabled people face when travelling by bus. The events will take place on 20, 21 and 22 …

Welcome to the Disability Rights UK “Get Yourself Active” Newsletter Welcome to the latest edition of the Get Yourself Active newsletter. This is our round up of what the Get Yourself Active team and our partners have been up to during the month of August – along with some …

The Activity Alliance are committed to ensuring disabled people can be and stay active. Access exercise advice, workouts, and activity guides to support disabled people through their website. This helps everyone to move more, whether at home, outside or in your local area. Link: Get Active Share …

Welcome to August’s newsletter. This edition features our stakeholder survey, the Paralympic Games and Birmingham 2022. Help our work by taking part in our stakeholder survey Working effectively with our members and other stakeholders is important to us and vital as we develop our plans. We …

Here’s a summary of the upcoming bus service changes due to Halifax Bus Station redevelopment. The bus station will be partially closed from Sunday 05 September, to allow for the construction works to start; Public posters / leaflets will be on display at the bus station, on stops in the town …

It has been confirmed that over 200,000 people are waiting for a doctor’s assessment to renew their driving licences. Disabled people who need transport to remain mobile are caught up in the backlog which is months behind schedule. The British Medical Association fears public safety could be put at …

There are some important changes to services at Halifax Bus Station as its £17.7 million redevelopment starts on Sunday 5 September 2021. Services affected: 20, 21(Team), 343, 501, 502, 503, 510, 512, 514, 524, 526, 530, 531, 532, 534, 536, 537, 539, 541, 542, 546, 561, 562, 563, 563A, 574, 577, …

Access to Work – Overview Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition. An Access to Work …

This new Passenger Assistance app, which takes the time and fuss out of requesting assistance when you want to travel, was released in May – here’s a quick rundown on all there is to know. How does it make things easier?   The app aims to make the whole process of requesting assistance …

Here’s the full match video from Sunday 8th August and the clash between Halifax WRL and Mersey Storm at Calderdale College’s Inspire Centre. DPC’s Philip Ingham was the man behind the camera (smart phone) – this video is taken from his live stream of the match which went out over Facebook. …

AbilityNet is a UK charity that supports anyone living with any disability or impairment to use technology to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education. Here’s a short video to introduce them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj-sxzBq218 Here’s what they have to say about …

Level Playing Field, a charity that focuses on removing barriers for Disabled people wishing to follow live sports as fans, has revealed the results of its annual fan survey. The report has the most in-depth answers of any in the charity’s 22-year history. The survey received 1,408 responses. Key …

As things gradually get back to normal, Community Transport Calderdale is seeing increasing demand from local groups for trips. CEO Peter Hancock said “It’s great to see things returning to some kind of normality. Although we still have to make sure our trips are safe, we are seeing a lot more …

Research published this week reveals that councils issued 175,000 Blue Badge penalty notices to motorists last year, with Milton Keynes named the worst offending location outside London. The research collected and analysed Freedom of Information requests to councils around the UK, revealing the …

Research conducted by Which?, having surveyed 1,500 disabled banking customers and spoken to members of the Disability Horizons community, has found that disabled customers are struggling to access banks due to branch closures and poor access to buildings, ATMs and online banking. Four in 10 (41%) …

Transport For All are looking for disabled professionals to join our Access Partner team in delivering our accessibility consultancy services. This is ideal for freelancers or anyone looking for flexible project-based work. If you have skills in project management, facilitation of focus groups or …

You are invited to join the Halifax Panthers Family in exciting activities that cover several aspects of health, wellbeing and sports! Some of the activities planned include Rugby, Cricket, Wheelchair Sports, Circuits, Team building exercises, Health & Nutrition workshops and much more. …

Councils in England are being urged to apply for a share of a £30m fund to install life-enhancing Changing Places Toilets (CPTs) in public places and tourist attractions, providing a significant increase in areas where users want them most. Over 250,000 people in the country need these facilities …

Highways England has partnered with accessibility information provider AccessAble to produce access guides for motorway services. The government-owned company said the new guides, available online or via the free AccessAble app, provide facts, figures, and photographs to help motorists plan their …

Disability Horizons, the online disability magazine have partnered with accessible housing specialists Branch Properties for the second year in a row to bring you an up-to-date accessible housing guide to help you find the best home for you. The 17-page guide takes you through pin-pointing your …

Here’s a series of links to Government guidance on getting tested for Coronavirus. They go through to the official information on the Government’s website. Understanding lateral flow testing for people without symptoms Page summary: An explanation of the technology behind asymptomatic …

Roundup of recent DWP announcements  Coronavirus Roadmap update Step 4 of the Roadmap is expected to begin on Monday 19 July. This will be confirmed on Monday 12 July, following a review of the latest data. At Step 4, the Government will remove all outstanding legal restrictions on social contact, …

Nearly all of the top ten most accessible beaches are in just three counties, according to new research. Keep Moving Care analysed 30 top-rated UK beaches against 10 criteria points – whether the beaches had received a Blue Flag award; existence of ramps, slopes, or slipways; step-free access to …

Lockdown easing plans put CEV people back in jeopardy Psychology experts, health professionals and Disabled People’s Organisations are expressing grave concerns about the Prime Minister’s announcement that the majority of remaining COVID-19 regulations are set to end in England on 19 July. The …

The walking charity, Living Streets, is running a “Cut the Clutter” campaign, calling for local authorities to prioritise clearing footways and pavements through measures including (but not limited to): 1. Banning all A-board advertising on the pavement 2. Putting in place plans and …

LAST CHANCE to take our survey on disability hate crime Our survey on disability hate crime, in partnership with Leonard Cheshire, will be closing this week, so this is your LAST CHANCE to have your say and make your voice heard. The results will help us to highlight the issues with disability hate …

This survey is being circulated by our friends at the Halifax Society for the Blind. Dear Members, Supporters, Colleagues and Partners, we hope you are well, and getting some sunshine and feeling good about getting out and about. Whilst you’re increasingly thinking of this, we’ve been putting …

Conditions such as back pain and arthritis are the biggest cause of morbidity in the UK. But the pandemic has seen primary and secondary care appointments cancelled or held virtually. In the first of a new series on the “new normal” in medicine, the BMJ’s Kathy Oxtoby reports on the backlogs …

Disabled people’s lives ‘devastated’ by Covid – BBC Survey Thousands of D/deaf and Disabled people became more disabled during the pandemic with most losing access to vital medical appointments and necessary routines. A BBC survey of over 3,000 people found that many Disabled people experienced a …

GPs have called on the government to update the official list of covid-19 symptoms after seeing patients shun tests to check their infection status because they don’t believe they have been infected by SARS-CoV-2. They also said that a public communication campaign was needed to inform the public …

Welcome to the latest edition of the Get Yourself Active newsletter from Disability Horizons UK. This is our round up of what the Get Yourself Active team and our partners have been up to during the month of June – and some opportunities that we hope will be of interest. More from us next …

Our Chair blogs: Disabled people need to be at the heart of the return UK Coaching Week is a campaign to celebrate coaching at all levels in sport and activity. This year’s theme was ‘The Great Coaching Comeback: Coaching for all’. Here, our Chair, Sam Orde, talks about her …

We, at Disability Partnership Calderdale, in conjunction with Halifax Society for the Blind, recently ran a Focus Group looking at ‘Improving hospital services for people with sight loss’. We are now ready to share the feedback we received, which has been positively and gratefully received by the …

Below is the introduction and a link to the full content of a report from Healthwatch, looking at the effects of digital exclusion on our interaction with GPs. It appears that people with disabilities are central to this issue and the problems it causes. Locked out: Digitally excluded people’s …

England remains in Step 3 The government has announced a 4-week pause at Step 3. Step 3 restrictions remain in place, and you should follow the guidance on this page, which explains what you can and cannot do. It is expected that England will move to Step 4 on 19 July, though the data will be …

Dear Member, We hope you are keeping safe and well. We would like to share some updates happening at The British Polio Fellowship. Office Move When we sold the offices at the Xchange on Wilmington Close, we struggled to find offices that were value for money and fitted all our needs. On a fine …

A new initiative to encourage more members of the public to take up sign language as an extra language and skill, is now available locally. The Signs4Life scheme is to help people to communicate and engage with children and adults who may be hard of hearing. Radiyya Jahan, Signs4Life partnerships …

Disability groups are urged to respond to the Government’s consultation on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for Disabled residents. Disability Rights UK, Leaseholders Disability Action Group and Grenfell Next of Kin have highlighted four key areas where Government proposals need to be …

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees Since its foundation in 2012 DR UK has significantly grown in profile, influence and reputation. In 2022 we celebrate 10 years of our organisation working together with Disabled People leading change. We are looking for an individual who shares our …

Transport For All campaign for better transport access and accessibility for people with disabilities. Though they have a London focus, much of what they cover has a broader relevance. Here’s their latest newsletter. Cut the clutter! | Members Newsletter #6 Hope you’re doing well! In …

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees Since its foundation in 2012 DR UK has significantly grown in profile, influence and reputation. In 2022 we celebrate 10 years of our organisation working together with Disabled People leading change. We are looking for an individual who shares our …

Chief executive of Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees, Lisa Butland looks at Shop-ability aids and advice available at the Halifax shop, close to the Piece Hall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4HMGSvBnC8 Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...…

You are invited to a ‘Have a go’ Bowling session at Pennine Bowling Club, Organised by Halifax Society for the Blind and Pennine Bowling Club On Tuesday 29th June at 11am At Wellholme Park, Brighouse Have you ever wanted to try flat green bowling? Come along to their taster session and give it a …

As we reported in late May, Calderdale Council is extending the opening of some of its public toilets to seven days a week. Full details below. It’s also worth noting that there are a couple of websites that can help you locate public toilets, whether you are searching Calderdale or beyond: …

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees Since its foundation in 2012 DR UK has significantly grown in profile, influence and reputation. In 2022 we celebrate 10 years of our organisation working together with Disabled People leading change. We are looking for an individual who shares our …

Calderdale Council have published this update, following an uptick in the number of Covid-19 cases in Calderdale. I contains useful information on testing and other measures in place to contain the outbreak. Additional COVID-19 testing and enhanced contact tracing are starting in Calderdale as …

June Update Welcome to your June e-newsletter, and happy Volunteers’ Week! A huge thank you to all of our incredible volunteers who have continued to deliver such a valuable service over the past 18 months. This month could spell the end of coronavirus restrictions for much of the UK. However you …

Touchbase, 4 June 2021 – Roundup of recent DWP announcements  Shared Accommodation Rate changes DWP has implemented changes to the Shared Accommodation Rate that will help thousands of vulnerable care leavers access additional housing support. The changes mean that care leavers can now claim …

This is the latest newsletter from the BMJ (British Medical journal). As ever, it draws on a good range of voices and opinions and provides a good overview of the issues of the day (medical and medical-related). The covid-19 pandemic took power from the people Who decides when covid-19 restrictions …

Calderdale Council have released their spring/summer Countryside News newsletter for 2021. The newsletter is a great read and full of information on: Volunteering Special places Wildlife Gardening Health and Wellbeing You can read the full newsletter here Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like …

Disability Horizons vlogger Zec Richardson and TV personality Mik Scarlet are joined this week by George Baker, founder of the Disability Union, to discuss coming out of lockdown. They talk about its effect on disabled people physically and mentally, how accessible the world is post-Covid and …

As we start to come out of lockdown and move towards our new ‘normal’, Disability Horizons. the online magazine, has been reflecting on the last year and how it has affected disabled people. One positive to come out of the Coronavirus pandemic is that the availability and growth of …

The £1.75 million refurbishment of Elland’s library is nearing completion and it is due to open its doors on Monday 7 June at 10am. Calderdale Council has been busy transforming the building into a welcoming, state-of-the-art community hub, which will provide modern library services, an IT suite, …

Noticing Nature (Allotment) Monday 14th June, 11.00-12.30pm During such uncertain times, making time to relax and switch off from events out of our control has never been so important for mental health and wellbeing. Using our 5 senses and noticing check lists, this workshop will encourage us to …

More than 50% of people happy to see Covid-19 restrictions lifted in June We asked 171 people from across the UK who have a disability or health condition or know someone who does, how they feel about the easing of all lockdown restrictions on 21st June 2021. 52% are either ‘fairly happy’ or …

Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse in this detailed guidance from the Government. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak and are calling on a mobile press 55 to have your call transferred to the police. Find …

The Accessible Calderdale Project aims to develop and improve access and inclusion in Calderdale.  They are looking for people from the disabled community who want to join their focus groups and have a voice around the issues that impact them. All members of our group have a wide range of …

This is the latest newsletter of the Activity Alliance, who work for equality in sport for people with disabilities. Activity Alliance News Welcome to May’s newsletter. This edition features our new strategy, Achieving Fairness, and the new campaign, Football Your Way.   New strategy …

Check out the latest tips articles and reviews on the Disability Horizons Shop, including: 4 ingenious ways to use grip tape to give you a better grip on anything portable urinals and sick bags that will be invaluable when you’re out and about reviews of the Stickman Communications stickers …

This Press Release is from Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum, supported by Halifax Society for the Blind and Disability Partnership  Calderdale. Disabled people in Hebden Bridge and throughout Calderdale are stepping up their campaign for the banning of A boards and other obstructions on our …

A common problem for many disabled motorists is not being able to park at their desired destination. The major complaint is that the disabled bays are all occupied with cars not displaying a Blue Badge. Disabled Motoring UK run the Baywatch campaign – here’s their launch of this …

A prototype of the first accessible pregnancy test has been unveiled by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to help blind and visually impaired women know their results privately for the first time. In a campaign looking to promote and raise awareness of accessible design, it is …

Evenbreak is a new jobs website that exists to solve a couple of big problems – here’s what it’s all about by the people at Evenbreak: Employers told us they struggled to attract disabled candidates.  And disabled candidates told us they couldn’t tell which employers were …

The Women and Equalities Committee published its Report Unequal Impact? Coronavirus, disability and access to services: full Report (HC 1050), on 22 December 2020. The Women and Equalities Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the …

This is the Government’s latest information on the Access to Work scheme, which aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. Changes to Access to Work during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Read about changes to Access to Work during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. …

A blind woman has won a legal case which secures fundamental promises of changes to how the Government communicates with people during the pandemic. Sarah Leadbetter, who is registered blind, was due to have a judicial review hearing concerning the government’s failure to provide her with …

This article is taken from the BMJ website The covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated access problems in general practice and patients have reported finding it difficult to book appointments and access treatment, a report by Healthwatch has found.1 The patients watchdog said that GPs must prioritise …

From the Macular Society website The government has introduced new improvements to the home testing programme to make them more accessible to those living with sight loss. Charities in the sight loss sector, including the Macular Society, worked closely with NHS Test and Trace to recruit volunteers …

Here’s a campaign to improve access to train travel for people with disabilities: For far too long disabled access has been overlooked or briefly looked at but with a “tick box” mentality. I want to campaign to get adequate disabled access both on platforms and the train stations …

The government’s Disability Unit is currently running an online survey which will help to shape the forthcoming National Strategy for Disabled People. Comments must be received by 13 February in order for them to be taken on board before the publication of the Strategy. Here’s is Disability …

Here’s a quick reminder of how to get involved with ACDAF, who are addressing accessibility issues in Calderdale – their details are below or you can download a copy of the ACDAF postcard Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council will be trialling touchless technology at six busy pedestrian crossings in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus. The detection technology, funded by the Welsh Government, will allow pedestrians to activate the signal-controlled crossings by moving their hand under a …

Healthy Minds offers lots of accessible support for anybody who lives or works in Calderdale. They offer a range of services including; drop-in sessions, peer support groups, activity groups, workshops and welfare rights. All of their services are currently running online or over the telephone.  …

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 4 January 2021, only children of critical workers and vulnerable children and young people should attend school or college. All other pupils and students will receive remote education. Here are the details of which children are involved. Vulnerable …

The Government is seeking fourteen new Disability and Access Ambassadors to help to ensure businesses are doing all they can to support their disabled customers. They will join existing Ambassadors who have been helping industry and the Government in their management of the COVID-19 crisis, and …

“Unequal impact? Coronavirus, disability and access to services” is a new Government report that looks at how the pandemic has affected people with disabilities. We’ve published the introduction below, but you can read the full report on the Government’s website: Read full …

The Government’s Access to Work grant scheme provides support to help people with disabilities or health conditions start or stay in work. The support offered is based on individual needs, and could include a grant to help cover the costs of practical support in the workplace or for those …

This great Christmas shopping feature is from the online magazine, Disability Horizons. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you scroll, which is a sign that it’s time to find some accessible Christmas gifts for your friend or loved one with a disability. Well, look no …

Whilst we all may not be able to get out and about at the moment, the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is crammed with detailed reviews and essential information for over 200 UK attractions, making it the perfect planning tool for when we can all begin exploring again. You can view the Guide …

The Spring 2020 Hebden Bridge Town Centre Step-free Access Map and Guide is now out and we have copies below to view and to download/print. This is the third edition of this map, which was first published in Spring 2018. Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum delayed circulating this update in April …

New help on offer from Access to Work The Government’s Access to Work scheme has been extended to offer new help for disabled people working from home during the coronavirus pandemic. The extension to the scheme means that: Disabled people can now benefit from financial support to work from …

There are 13.9 million disabled people in the UK – one in five of the population. Yet only a staggering 7% of homes in England are accessible. This equates to four-fifths of disabled people living in unsuitable homes. That’s why Disability Horizons have partnered with Branch Properties, …

The latest guidance for those accessing a Direct Payment is now available on the Government Website – it’s a comprehensive collection of advice and documents, so please read through the notes carefully. …

The anti-viral drug remdesivir will be made available to patients meeting certain clinical criteria to support their recovery in hospital. Innovative medicine with promising results in clinical trials to be made available to selected UK COVID-19 patients Government working in collaboration with …

We’ve published this advice regularly in the last few weeks, but it’s worth repeating that you should seek medical attention as “normal”, despite the current Coronavirus situation. Life-threatening conditions do not get better by waiting – seek help. The NHS is doing a …

This extract is taken from a longer set of FAQ’s published by Calderdale Council for vulnerable residents. It can be difficult to know how to get help during this time. Many people who have never needed help before may need help due to the disruption brought about by COVID-19. If you need …

Anyone who cannot leave home may be able to ask a trusted friend or volunteer to withdraw cash at any Post Office using a single-use voucher. The Post Office scheme is being extended and offered to all banks, building societies and credit unions. If the bank allows it, someone can ask for a …

13.04.2020 The BBC has reported fewer people accessing medical care than expected due to fear of coronavirus.  Some doctors have expressed concerns that people who may be experiencing cancer type symptoms or possibly suffering a suspected heart attack or stroke are avoiding hospital at this …

Accessing care during Coronavirus Disabled People’s Organisation In Control has produced a webinar with disability rights lawyer Steve Broach of Monckton Chambers about how to access social care during the Coronavirus crisis. You can view the video here: https://youtu.be/j5RU9DFIzQM Share …

People with hearing impairments can access a BSL Interpreter (via the NHS) if they have symptoms of the Coronavirus. If you have difficulties in communicating or hearing, you can call 18001 111 on a textphone or access the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service through …

Calderdale NHS’s Advice to residents –   How to access NHS Services during the coronavirus pandemic For help and information about coronavirus Those with symptoms should use the 111 Coronavirus online service. People should only call 111 if you’re unable to get help online. Those …