Why choose me?
I acquired a spinal cord injury nearly thirty years ago, when I crashed and overturned my car in the Lake District, which left me paralysed in all four limbs. I require support with personal care, work leisure pursuits and parental responsibilities; twenty four hours per day, every day. I spent the first six years of my life as a disabled person totally dependent upon my partner, living in a poorly adapted house and moving around and around in circles in an unsuitable wheelchair.
I have been in receipt of Direct payments, Independent Living Fund (ILF) and now Continuing Health Care funding over the last two decades. My home has been extensively adapted to meet my needs, including an automatic door entry system, environmental control system, a platform lift to my garden, a wet room with an automatic cleaning and drying toilet, an adapted office from where I work and a perfectly accessible and wonderful garden which I enjoy spending time in. I have an adapted van and an electric wheelchair which I use to get out and about, for example appointments, shopping, walking the dog and for outings to the park and countryside.
This is far from me saying “look how wonderful I am” or “if I can do it then you can”. It has taken me nearly three decades to attain my entitlement to independent living and I have made many mistakes over this time. In hindsight, these mistakes could have been avoided had I received better advice and services at the beginning. I can help you to avoid making similar mistakes.
I am not connected to any Local Authority, Independent Living Centre or any service provider, which means that you receive impartial advice and information on your entitlements and what is available. Some brokerage services boast to councils that they can save money through providing their service but I don’t this is fair. I think that everyone should have autonomy and control over their lives and this should be made possible, no matter the cost, rather than people struggling to have some kind of life on inadequate funding.
I have completed a PhD within Disability studies and learned much about social care, entitlements, citizen and human rights and about local and national politics. I would like to use the knowledge gained over this time and my three decades of personal experiences to help others. I know what a difference real independent living can make and believe I can help other people, who are entitled to it, achieve their aspirations.
I have a wealth of knowledge and can work in creative ways with you and others to provide flexible solutions to suit individual circumstances, requirements and aspirations.
I have access to a wide and varied range of information on local services and activities for all age groups including, countryside walks, skateboarding lessons and movie-making for disabled kids, masseuses and Masseurs, hairdressers and barbers who will see you at home.
Enabling technology;
I am interested in all forms of enabling technology, equipment and aids, which can help avoid unnecessary dependence on others and facilitate autonomy, potential and aspirations. I am a regular attendee at events such as Naidex exhibitions and always looking out for the latest gadgets, useful technology and equipment on the internet.
I have expertise in computers and speech-type packages, numerous gadgets, home automation and environmental control, entry systems, CCTV, using PC, Iphone, Ipod, and Ipad applications.
I research the market place so you can make the choice.
Dragon Dictate
Tablet
