Saturday 15 November 2008
Monday 26 May 2008
Assistance Dog or Service Dog?
Following on from a comment by Kim in response to my Confused? entry, I thought I would try and explain the difference in terminology here.
One of the common differences between the UK and USA is the terminology used to describe the dogs that help humans with disabilities. In USA it is commonplace to call those that are not guide or hearing dogs, service dogs. Although in the UK we do have guide dogs, hearing dogs and dogs for those with other disabilities, the generic term here is "assistance dog". Some still persist with "guide and other assistance dogs" but the generic term "assistance dog" is becoming more commonplace.
Whilst I can see the merit in calling those dogs which are not guide and not hearing dogs, service dogs, it would never work here. Principly because here in the UK "the services" usually refers to the armed forces and a service dog is one who is connected with the armed forces. For example, in parts of London, these signs are quite common.
One of the common differences between the UK and USA is the terminology used to describe the dogs that help humans with disabilities. In USA it is commonplace to call those that are not guide or hearing dogs, service dogs. Although in the UK we do have guide dogs, hearing dogs and dogs for those with other disabilities, the generic term here is "assistance dog". Some still persist with "guide and other assistance dogs" but the generic term "assistance dog" is becoming more commonplace.
Whilst I can see the merit in calling those dogs which are not guide and not hearing dogs, service dogs, it would never work here. Principly because here in the UK "the services" usually refers to the armed forces and a service dog is one who is connected with the armed forces. For example, in parts of London, these signs are quite common.
Thursday 22 May 2008
In the news!
I got a call from a local journalist last week asking if I thought owning a dog or cat could be good for ones health! Here's the result.Click on the picture for a fuller size to enable you to read the article.
I was telling a friend about this article, and the research that animals can be good for your health, and it reminded her of a recent article by Giles Coren in The Times recently, which is hilarious! Thanks Susan!
Saturday 17 May 2008
Confused?
It seems clear to me that it is little wonder that the general public are confused about assistance dog access sometimes. We're a generation who have been brought up collecting bottle tops for Guide Dogs but things have moved on. The law now clearly states that any person with a disability accompanied by an assistance dog trained to mitigate their disability should be treated equally.
So, it goes without saying, that shops would want to welcome all assistance dog partnerships doesn't it? Yeh, right! Literally, within five minutes in a town centre (Windsor) recently, we saw four different "welcome" or "not welcome" signs.
Come on Waitrose, you can do better than that, surely?
Lots of information on show at Starbucks, but no generic sign for assistance dogs!
Brilliant! Well done The King & Castle!
... and well done to Boots too!
Probably bad luck but uncomfortable nonetheless
We recently had occasion to take several journies using South West Trains,and would you believe it, three out of the four trains we took, had the toilet closest to the wheelchair space out of order? Thumbs down!
For folks able to walk this isn't such a big issue as they can simply walk to the next carriage, but for wheelies it is a bigger issue. Thankfully, at the start of a three hour journey we noticed this and at the next stop the guard assisted us to move up the train to another area where the toilet was working. Phew! Thumbs up!
On the last leg of our return journey, the toilet was working, but alas it was one of the hottest days of the year and the airconditioning wasn't! Thumbs down! As soon as we boarded the train at the start of its journey we felt the difference in temperature, thumbs up to the guard who gave me his cup of cool water for Caesar, and then took his bowl and returned with a bowlful of icy cold water for him for the journey.
About three quarters of an hour into the journey, at the first stop, the train took on water for the human passengers too, trays of bottled water were made available in every carriage free of charge. Thumbs up! I've travelled on a few trains with broken airconditioning before now and only ever have I been offered water for Caesar and not myself ... well we are a nation of animal lovers after all!
Boy were we glad to receive this!
Sunday 27 April 2008
Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down!
Well this week has been one of those up and down weeks, meetings in London meant that we needed to stay in another hotel and use the public transport in the city.
Firstly, a huge Thumbs Up to The City Inn, for not only having all their alarm cords easily accessible, not only for removing unecessary furniture from our room, but also for providing Caesar with a wonderfully comfortable bed to sleep in and nice big dog bowl. Great stuff!
Firstly, a huge Thumbs Up to The City Inn, for not only having all their alarm cords easily accessible, not only for removing unecessary furniture from our room, but also for providing Caesar with a wonderfully comfortable bed to sleep in and nice big dog bowl. Great stuff!
Welcome to The City Inn!
Thumbs Down to the people on the Jubilee Line train who thoughtlessly stood in the doorway, acting like lemmings, preventing easy access to the doors at our stop, in spite of being asked politely to move and make a clear gangway, causing my wheelchair to become caught in the doors of the train and a few missed heartbeats!
Thumbs Down to the woman with a pushchair at London Bridge underground who tried to insist I remove my dog from the lift, and almost immediately rammed said pushchair into my knuckles ... great community spirit!
And finally, Thumbs Up to the staff at Westminster tube station, who in spite of a broken lift, ensured I caught my train and offered to phone ahead as well!
I guess you win a few and lose a few, but the bruised knuckles and stuck in a train door episode rather coloured the trip!
Wednesday 16 April 2008
Snakeproof?!
Imagine our surpirse as we turned into our driveway a couple of evenings ago and saw this!
It was originally basking in the centre of the driveway, but moved as we had clearly disturbed it. Thankfully, Caesar took two steps backwards and sat down behind me, looking at me as if to say, you deal with it! A very concrete resut of my attempting to proof him against snakes! Well done Caesar!
It was an adder, sometimes called a viper, the only UK venomous snake presumably from the nature reserve at the back of the house.
They are at their most venomous is March / April, so all dog walkers would be wise to keep their eyes open in heathland areas from now until they hibernate again in the autumn.
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
Well, we have finally caught up with ourselves after all the excitement of Torch Relay weekend!
A couple of days ago I did another radio interview; but it was so early in the morning, Caesar slept though it all! Funnily enough, the interviewer asked if I would do it again, and although I don't think the opportunity is likely to come my way again, I had no hesitation in saying yes.
Ironically, because the relay was rerouted, and we ran a leg across London Bridge which had no demonstrators, the footage may have been seen in China. I have had a few emails from around the world from people who saw it. I hope that our participation has sent a message that not only are people with disabilities included in our society, so are their assistance dogs!
Here's some footage of our leg of the Olympic Torch Relay!
A couple of days ago I did another radio interview; but it was so early in the morning, Caesar slept though it all! Funnily enough, the interviewer asked if I would do it again, and although I don't think the opportunity is likely to come my way again, I had no hesitation in saying yes.
Ironically, because the relay was rerouted, and we ran a leg across London Bridge which had no demonstrators, the footage may have been seen in China. I have had a few emails from around the world from people who saw it. I hope that our participation has sent a message that not only are people with disabilities included in our society, so are their assistance dogs!
Here's some footage of our leg of the Olympic Torch Relay!
Thursday 10 April 2008
A couple more photos from Torch Relay weekend
The day before the relay, getting a feel for the torch!
With Ed Coode, Olympic Rower, who handed the torch to me in the relay, at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel
With Matthew Pinsent, Olympic Rower at the finale event in Peninsula Square, GreenwichWednesday 9 April 2008
Photo from London Bridge
Here's one of the first photos through of us on London Bridge with the Olympic Torch.
Monday 7 April 2008
Truly a day to remember!
Well, after an absolutely exhausting and eventful weekend, we are safely home and relaxing.
In spite of all the protests, the torch relay was completed, we did run, not in the place we were planned to run, but in a much safer location ... so we got the honour of transporting the flame across part of London Bridge.
More details later, but here's a couple of photos to be going on with ;o)
In spite of all the protests, the torch relay was completed, we did run, not in the place we were planned to run, but in a much safer location ... so we got the honour of transporting the flame across part of London Bridge.
More details later, but here's a couple of photos to be going on with ;o)
Wendy & Caesar with Police and BOCOG flame escorts in blue tracksuits, moments before handing the flame to Brian Thompson a fellow Samsung Everyday hero contest winner.
Note: at least thirty minders!
Wednesday 2 April 2008
One day closer to the torch relay!
Today Caesar went to the groomers for the full works! Very kindly, Erin, his groomer gave up a day of her holiday to work and groom Caesar for his big day. Thank you so much Erin, we really appreciate it. :o)
Now all we have to do is hope it doesn't rain so Caesar can have dry walks and not get too wet until after the weekend ;o)
Meanwhile, Wendy did another radio interview!
Now all we have to do is hope it doesn't rain so Caesar can have dry walks and not get too wet until after the weekend ;o)Meanwhile, Wendy did another radio interview!
Tuesday 1 April 2008
Tainted Terminal 5 proves too hot for Olympic torch arrival
Olympic Torch to get VIP arrival in London! It arrives at Heathrow Saturday night in readiness for the Torch Relay through London on Sunday.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Getting Ready for Our Big Day
The past couple of days have been a bit hectic with media interviews and preparations for our big day next Sunday.
We attended a star studded bash in London last autumn, where we were presented with a certificate and a super Samsung phone, and met Kimberley Walsh from Girls Aloud and Olympic Legend Sir Steve Redgrave.
Caesar and I are carrying the Olympic Torch during the London leg of The Olympic Torch Relay! Woo Hoo!
Last autumn, Wendy was nominated by a friend (Karen) in a competition run by Samsung to find "better life heroes", people who had triumphed over diversity. To our surprise we won, and the prize is to carry the torch in London and also later in the year travel to Xi'an in China to support the relay there too. Both Wendy & Caesar will be carrying the torch, Caesar is so much a central part of Wendys' life and a catalyst for her achievements, it would not be the same without him.
We attended a star studded bash in London last autumn, where we were presented with a certificate and a super Samsung phone, and met Kimberley Walsh from Girls Aloud and Olympic Legend Sir Steve Redgrave.The event was reported in The Daily Mirror
I have scanned another couple of nice articles from The Daily Echo and The Sun.
Wendy & Caesar with Sir Steve Redgraves 5 Olympic Gold Medals
The Olympic Torch Relay will run from Wembley to Peninsular Square in Greenwich and Wendy & Caesar will be running along Cannon Street from the junction with New Change to just east of Mansion House. To see a view of our route, click here. We'll be expecting to run at about 3.06pm.
Sunday 30 March 2008
A Sad Day
Today was another one of those days when we were touched by the Circle of Life. I previously wrote about this here in December.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the unexpected and sudden death on Caesars' mother, Rosie earlier today. At 12 she wasnt old for a Golden but was suddenly taken by an infection which got the better of her.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the unexpected and sudden death on Caesars' mother, Rosie earlier today. At 12 she wasnt old for a Golden but was suddenly taken by an infection which got the better of her.
Rest in Peace Rosie.
Mum to
2 Dogs for the Disabled, 2 Guide Dogs, 2 Guide Dog stud dogs and Millie.
Saturday 22 March 2008
Wheelchair woes continued!
It's been an interesting week, I have been stopped in the street a few times with people wanting to tell me how dangerous my wheekchair trike is, after having seen it on the BBC Watchdog programme!
What;s really bothering me though is that my wheelchair still is not right and it is now well over two weeks since the company assured me they would call me back in 10 minutes! That's customer service for you!
I mean, how difficult is it really to make a wheelchair that will carry someone about town without collapsing?
I saw a fantastic video today, and thought not only were the stunts incredible, the chair must be too ... take a look ...
Kudos to you Aaron, and kudos to Colours Wheelchairs!
What;s really bothering me though is that my wheelchair still is not right and it is now well over two weeks since the company assured me they would call me back in 10 minutes! That's customer service for you!
I mean, how difficult is it really to make a wheelchair that will carry someone about town without collapsing?
I saw a fantastic video today, and thought not only were the stunts incredible, the chair must be too ... take a look ...
Kudos to you Aaron, and kudos to Colours Wheelchairs!
Friday 21 March 2008
Crufts
Our trip to Crufts was pretty much hassle free with regard to access problems!!! Three exclaimation marks, as that really is something of a record!
Our train journey was fine, the Cross Country staff very helpful the Virgin staff at Birmingham International Station are always very welcoming and helpful, a minor grumble from the taxi driver followed but nothing we couldn't handle ;o)
The first hicccup was that our fully accessible hotel room wasn't fully accessible! Having phoned them several times to check and booked months ahead we were extremely disappointed to discover no roll in shower and a high sided bath! Hmmm. We deftly negotiated a hefty discount for the misinformation that secured our booking, as there was no possible way we could find accommodation elsewhere at that late stage.
As far as the N.E.C. goes, things are so much better than there were a few years ago, the revamp has meant that there are now so many toilets that normals don't even have to occupy the accessible loos to avoid queues anymore. There are adequate lifts and ramps at strategic points, and ringside seating to watch the show was ample for the number of wheelies who required space.
We had another slight hiccup on the Friday morning when we needed to use a lift to access the railway station as we were due at a press briefing and photocall, only to discover the lift out of order! Thankfully a nearby member of staff called for further assistance and we were shown to an alternative lift (which we never would have found on our own) and made it to the station with a couple of minutes to spare! Pheeeew! Of course a lift going out of commission is unforseeable, but it brought home exactly how inaccessible a place can become in a moment when one thing goes wrong!
The N.E.C. certainly botched up the ticketing for the Best in Show event. They handle te ticket sales for The Kennel Club. Ours were booked back last autumn but about a month before the show they wrote and asked for them back ... the paper was tacky, poorly photocopied and not even signed. It looked like a fake so I phoned the N.E.C. to check its validity, they didn't know what was happeneing so I hung on to the tickets and waited for what came next ... they sent new tickets. When we arrived at The Best in Show event, we discovered that I had been given a ticket in one place and my two companions were to be seated some distance away (possibly 50 seats between us). Hardly a good advert for equality and inclusion N.E.C.!
Thankfully, the ladies who were charged with showing us to our seats had more sense and seated us together, but that was nowhere near the seats that we had booked and paid for last September!
It was brilliant to see and meet so many assistance dog partnerships at the show, to share experiences, and chat over common ground.
We took part in a couple of press briefings and photoshoots, one to promote the launch of The Year of the Assistance Dog and one which involved Virgin Trains being awarded a Dog Star Award for their helpful service to all assistance dog partnerships. We also received a very generous cheque from Samsung on behalf of Dogs for the Disabled and chatted to many people our role in the upcoming Olympic Torch Relay.
Our train journey was fine, the Cross Country staff very helpful the Virgin staff at Birmingham International Station are always very welcoming and helpful, a minor grumble from the taxi driver followed but nothing we couldn't handle ;o)
The first hicccup was that our fully accessible hotel room wasn't fully accessible! Having phoned them several times to check and booked months ahead we were extremely disappointed to discover no roll in shower and a high sided bath! Hmmm. We deftly negotiated a hefty discount for the misinformation that secured our booking, as there was no possible way we could find accommodation elsewhere at that late stage.
As far as the N.E.C. goes, things are so much better than there were a few years ago, the revamp has meant that there are now so many toilets that normals don't even have to occupy the accessible loos to avoid queues anymore. There are adequate lifts and ramps at strategic points, and ringside seating to watch the show was ample for the number of wheelies who required space.
We had another slight hiccup on the Friday morning when we needed to use a lift to access the railway station as we were due at a press briefing and photocall, only to discover the lift out of order! Thankfully a nearby member of staff called for further assistance and we were shown to an alternative lift (which we never would have found on our own) and made it to the station with a couple of minutes to spare! Pheeeew! Of course a lift going out of commission is unforseeable, but it brought home exactly how inaccessible a place can become in a moment when one thing goes wrong!
The N.E.C. certainly botched up the ticketing for the Best in Show event. They handle te ticket sales for The Kennel Club. Ours were booked back last autumn but about a month before the show they wrote and asked for them back ... the paper was tacky, poorly photocopied and not even signed. It looked like a fake so I phoned the N.E.C. to check its validity, they didn't know what was happeneing so I hung on to the tickets and waited for what came next ... they sent new tickets. When we arrived at The Best in Show event, we discovered that I had been given a ticket in one place and my two companions were to be seated some distance away (possibly 50 seats between us). Hardly a good advert for equality and inclusion N.E.C.!
Thankfully, the ladies who were charged with showing us to our seats had more sense and seated us together, but that was nowhere near the seats that we had booked and paid for last September!
It was brilliant to see and meet so many assistance dog partnerships at the show, to share experiences, and chat over common ground.
We took part in a couple of press briefings and photoshoots, one to promote the launch of The Year of the Assistance Dog and one which involved Virgin Trains being awarded a Dog Star Award for their helpful service to all assistance dog partnerships. We also received a very generous cheque from Samsung on behalf of Dogs for the Disabled and chatted to many people our role in the upcoming Olympic Torch Relay.
Monday 3 March 2008
Let sleeping dogs lie!
After a bath and full grooming session there's nothing else for any self respecting assistance dog to do than settle down and catch up on some sleep before the busyness of Crufts later in the week!
Sunday 2 March 2008
Mixed Messages!
Followers of this blog will know my feelings about shops and other premises displayng "Guide Dogs Only" signs on their doors when in reality UK law allows all Registered Assistance Dogs Access. To be fair, a lot of places do allow all assistance dogs, but the signage is behind the times and doesn't always reflect this.
I was quite surprised recently to find a sign at our local shopping centre entrance, they not only had the "Registered Assistance Dogs Only" sign that is promoted by Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) but right underneath it the words "NO DOGS except Guide Dogs"... I am still trying to work that one out!
I was quite surprised recently to find a sign at our local shopping centre entrance, they not only had the "Registered Assistance Dogs Only" sign that is promoted by Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) but right underneath it the words "NO DOGS except Guide Dogs"... I am still trying to work that one out!
Equality for footie fans with disabilities?
Well, I guess the answer to that is not always! I was really surprised when visiting the Madejski Stadium in Reading recently to watch the match with Manchester United, that the Reading fans who are wheelchair users get not only a wheelchair space but that their companion may sit on a seat beside them. No such luxury accorded to visiting fans, I had a place in the wheelchair enclosure, but my companion had to take a seat on the terraces below! Nice one Reading ... NOT!
This sort of provision is not really acceptable in that it endangers some people with disabilities, should their health take a sudden turn, or should they need assistance with feeding or adjusting their position and so on. It was impossible for the companions to get out of the terrace easily to get back to the wheelchair enclosure.
Before the game started there was a quite ironic announcement over the tannoy to please inform a steward of you felt discriminated against whilst at the stadium ...
Other than this blatant second class treatment for visiting supporters, our experience of using public trabnsport to and from the game was second to none, very impressive rail and accible bus services to get us to and from the ground, so thumbs up for that.
Overall and enjoyable day, delightful to see R&R (Rooney & Ronaldo) in great form and both making the scoresheet. Reading 0 - Manchester United 2.
This sort of provision is not really acceptable in that it endangers some people with disabilities, should their health take a sudden turn, or should they need assistance with feeding or adjusting their position and so on. It was impossible for the companions to get out of the terrace easily to get back to the wheelchair enclosure.
Before the game started there was a quite ironic announcement over the tannoy to please inform a steward of you felt discriminated against whilst at the stadium ...
Other than this blatant second class treatment for visiting supporters, our experience of using public trabnsport to and from the game was second to none, very impressive rail and accible bus services to get us to and from the ground, so thumbs up for that.
Overall and enjoyable day, delightful to see R&R (Rooney & Ronaldo) in great form and both making the scoresheet. Reading 0 - Manchester United 2.
Manchester United & Reading limbering up before the match.
Thursday 28 February 2008
Yet more wheelchair woes!
Well, the wheelchair came back from the manufacturers again, new frame and reinforced fittings on the casters, I wish I could be delighted, but alas! Sadly, there is still something wrong with the folding mechanism which is impeding the efficacy of the backrest ... watch this space!
Tuesday 19 February 2008
Access Denied!
Why is it that just when things seem to be going along smoothly something always happens to bring one up with a start?
Last week I was asked to leave our local hospital because I was accompanied by my assistance dog. I'd gone there to collect someone who had been in for a days tests.
I was asked to leave as apparently "it is the Trusts policy not to allow dogs in clinical areas" mention of disease and the fact that it wasn't essential for my assistance dog to be there was made. Then the killer blow, "it would be different if you were the patient". Well how on earth would the health risks (their words not mine) from my assistance dog be different on a day when I am the patient as opposed to a day when I am collecting my next of kin from a days treatment? Hmmmm, odd that.
It wouldn;t have been so bad if I had just turned up, but I did present myself at the reception and ask to see the patient concerned, and indeed was shown in! It also begs the question of an exact definition of a clinical area, and who decides it is so ... clearly the member of staff who allowed me in wasn't sure either! Then of course there is the fact thast other patients were allowed to have visitors in the area ... even with noticeable coughs and colds, most probably a far greater risk to everyones health than a well groomed, working assistance dog.
Of course I agreed to leave immediately, but asked to see someone in authority and also to see the "trust policy" that apparently barred my Registered Assistance Dog and thus discriminated against me as a person with a disability. Needless to say, the next member of staff up the supply chain could not produce the policy either ... they just knew that the presence of an assistance dog was a health risk!!
Inevitably, this is very much a watch this space ... I have made a verbal complaint and am taking advice ... in the meantime, I had no option but to cancel my own appointment two days later and have been sent a new one for May!
I've now had two phone calls from the hospital and it now transpires there is no "trust policy" in place and have had an apology ... maybe that policy is way overdue!
Last week I was asked to leave our local hospital because I was accompanied by my assistance dog. I'd gone there to collect someone who had been in for a days tests.
I was asked to leave as apparently "it is the Trusts policy not to allow dogs in clinical areas" mention of disease and the fact that it wasn't essential for my assistance dog to be there was made. Then the killer blow, "it would be different if you were the patient". Well how on earth would the health risks (their words not mine) from my assistance dog be different on a day when I am the patient as opposed to a day when I am collecting my next of kin from a days treatment? Hmmmm, odd that.
It wouldn;t have been so bad if I had just turned up, but I did present myself at the reception and ask to see the patient concerned, and indeed was shown in! It also begs the question of an exact definition of a clinical area, and who decides it is so ... clearly the member of staff who allowed me in wasn't sure either! Then of course there is the fact thast other patients were allowed to have visitors in the area ... even with noticeable coughs and colds, most probably a far greater risk to everyones health than a well groomed, working assistance dog.
Of course I agreed to leave immediately, but asked to see someone in authority and also to see the "trust policy" that apparently barred my Registered Assistance Dog and thus discriminated against me as a person with a disability. Needless to say, the next member of staff up the supply chain could not produce the policy either ... they just knew that the presence of an assistance dog was a health risk!!
Inevitably, this is very much a watch this space ... I have made a verbal complaint and am taking advice ... in the meantime, I had no option but to cancel my own appointment two days later and have been sent a new one for May!
I've now had two phone calls from the hospital and it now transpires there is no "trust policy" in place and have had an apology ... maybe that policy is way overdue!
Sunday 10 February 2008
Thank goodness for common sense
I met someone this week with an assistance dog from another UK training organisation, one of the main differences that I can see, between the rules of that organisation and the one my dog comes from (Dogs for the Disabled), is that we are allowed to travel abroad.
All the assistance dog organisations in the United Kingdom have been in existence since before the Pet Passport Scheme (PETS) was introduced for dogs and cats travelling from certain European countries on 28 February 2000. The Scheme was extended to Cyprus, Malta and certain long haul countries and territories on 31 January 2001. Bahrain joined on 1 May 2002. Mainland USA and Canada joined on 11 December 2002.
Naturally, there are health considerations with travelling abroad, but with common sense and enough reasearch and advice one can travel into and out of the UK with very little trouble at all. Caesar and I first travelled abroad in 2004, and the ability to have him with me, working in various countries that I have wished to travel to has enabled me to become truly independent and for both of us has been a very validating experience.
I cannot imagine how I would feel, ably assisted by my assistance dog within the confines of the UK but as soon as my advocacy work took me abroad we'd have to part company.
Surely, the whole object of becoming independent with the help of an assistance dog is freedom ... freedom to choose where one travels being included in that?
Naturally, all our travels are undertaken after a full assessment of the risks involved to both Caesar and myself, and of course we would not travel together if it meant he would suffer in any way ...
I'm really glad to have a dog from an organisation that understands the autonomy of partnership and doesn't treat partnerships in a paternalistic way, making rules which deny freedom.
All the assistance dog organisations in the United Kingdom have been in existence since before the Pet Passport Scheme (PETS) was introduced for dogs and cats travelling from certain European countries on 28 February 2000. The Scheme was extended to Cyprus, Malta and certain long haul countries and territories on 31 January 2001. Bahrain joined on 1 May 2002. Mainland USA and Canada joined on 11 December 2002.
Naturally, there are health considerations with travelling abroad, but with common sense and enough reasearch and advice one can travel into and out of the UK with very little trouble at all. Caesar and I first travelled abroad in 2004, and the ability to have him with me, working in various countries that I have wished to travel to has enabled me to become truly independent and for both of us has been a very validating experience.
I cannot imagine how I would feel, ably assisted by my assistance dog within the confines of the UK but as soon as my advocacy work took me abroad we'd have to part company.
Surely, the whole object of becoming independent with the help of an assistance dog is freedom ... freedom to choose where one travels being included in that?
Naturally, all our travels are undertaken after a full assessment of the risks involved to both Caesar and myself, and of course we would not travel together if it meant he would suffer in any way ...
I'm really glad to have a dog from an organisation that understands the autonomy of partnership and doesn't treat partnerships in a paternalistic way, making rules which deny freedom.
Food for thought.
It's been an interestng and thought provoking week ... I was told to expect my (rebuilt) wheelchair to be returned on Friday, needless to say, it's not back yet! Just as well I wasn't holding my breath! Ironically, on Friday I had a conversation with someone who told me about another mobility product being the subject of legal action because it was not deemed fit for the purpose ...
I had to travel to London for a meeting and duly booked the wheelchair space in the train well ahead of time ... only to find my pre-booked space was occupied, by a mother with a pram ... thankfully, there was another wheelchair space unoccupied, so I removed my reserved slip from the original space and moved to the vacant space. Fair enough, parents with prams need somewhere to sit, but what if the other wheelchair space had not been vacant, where would that have left me? This is a tricky one, the railway company advise people using wheelchairs to book ahead of time to reserve the space, yet someone with a pram can board the train with no notice and occupy it anyway ... perhaps if there was more room on the train for prams elsewhere we wouldn't see them occupying the disabled persons seats.
I had to travel to London for a meeting and duly booked the wheelchair space in the train well ahead of time ... only to find my pre-booked space was occupied, by a mother with a pram ... thankfully, there was another wheelchair space unoccupied, so I removed my reserved slip from the original space and moved to the vacant space. Fair enough, parents with prams need somewhere to sit, but what if the other wheelchair space had not been vacant, where would that have left me? This is a tricky one, the railway company advise people using wheelchairs to book ahead of time to reserve the space, yet someone with a pram can board the train with no notice and occupy it anyway ... perhaps if there was more room on the train for prams elsewhere we wouldn't see them occupying the disabled persons seats.
Tuesday 5 February 2008
Assistance Dog featured on First Class Stamp!
There was a certain poignancy this morning as Caesar, my assistance dog brought the post to me in bed ... amongst the post was a first day cover featuring an assistance dog!
The dog in question is Rowan, a fellow Dog for the Disabled (who works assisting Melissa) and he is featured on the first class stamp. Great stuff!
The whole set of stamps features working dogs, the series having been launched to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the police dog. The dogs featured are an assistance dog from Dogs for the Disabled, a mountain rescue dog, a police dog, a customs dog and a second assistance dog from Guide Dogs.
Although in the Year of the Assistance Dog it would have been nice to see a whole set of stamps dedicated to assistance dogs in their own right, I think this set will do a lot to bring assistance dogs more into the consciousness of the general public, and hopefully that will have a knock on effect with regard to access and inclusion for people with disabilities partnered with these fantastic dogs.
Tuesday 29 January 2008
More wheelchair woes!
The week before Christmas, my wheelchair, yes, the new one, went kaput again! After some negotiations, it was taken back by the manufacturers for checks and was returned apparently repaired.
All was well whilst I only used the chair indoors over Christmas, however on my second outing with it, the same front wheel buckled under again and rendered the chair pretty much useless.
I really don't understand what the problem is, young wheelchair using guys do all sorts of acrobatics in theirs and they are fine, but as a middle aged woman I don't seem to be able to hit the smallest of stones before it buckles under ... considering the chair was meant to have been built for me, to suit my size and so on, it doesn't really make any sense whatsoever.
So, back to the manufacturer for the fourth time (I think it is the fourth, starting to lose count), they have now apparently found a problem with it they missed last time and also finally have acknowledged my feeling that the frame was twisted. So, I have been without it for a fortnight and it isn't likely to be ready for at least another week.
I'm starting to feel like I have a lemon of a chair ... my previous ones have been made in Sweden and Switzerland but this time I was determined to buy British ... hmmmmmm!
All was well whilst I only used the chair indoors over Christmas, however on my second outing with it, the same front wheel buckled under again and rendered the chair pretty much useless.
I really don't understand what the problem is, young wheelchair using guys do all sorts of acrobatics in theirs and they are fine, but as a middle aged woman I don't seem to be able to hit the smallest of stones before it buckles under ... considering the chair was meant to have been built for me, to suit my size and so on, it doesn't really make any sense whatsoever.
So, back to the manufacturer for the fourth time (I think it is the fourth, starting to lose count), they have now apparently found a problem with it they missed last time and also finally have acknowledged my feeling that the frame was twisted. So, I have been without it for a fortnight and it isn't likely to be ready for at least another week.
I'm starting to feel like I have a lemon of a chair ... my previous ones have been made in Sweden and Switzerland but this time I was determined to buy British ... hmmmmmm!
Wednesday 2 January 2008
Welcome 2008!
2008 has been designated the Year of the Assistance Dog in the United Kingdom!
Five charities which train assistance dogs in the United Kingdom have announced plans to designate 2008 Year of the Assistance Dog, campaigning for the rights of assistance dog partnerships.
The five organisations that comprise Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK); Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs, Canine Partners, Guide Dogs, and Hearing Dogs, will work together to promote rights of access to services for all assistance dog partnerships. Partnerships will be encouraged to nominate retailers, leisure facilities, public premises, parks and transport operators for Dog Stars, giving service providers with an incentive to make their premises assistance dog friendly.
Dog Star Awards will be symbols of service excellence, given in recognition that premises and services meet the needs of all assistance dog partnerships. For example, provision of wheelchair access, Braille menus for blind and partially-sighted people, induction loops for customers with hearing impairment, and of course – water bowls for assistance dogs!
On the whole access in the UK for assistance dog partnerships is good, but there remain challenges which can lead to disadvantage and unlawful discrimination towards partnerships, by highlighting good practice with Dog Star Awards it is hoped that such good practice will become the norm from service providers.
The Institute of Environmental Health Officers advises that assistance dogs should not be a risk to hygiene. These dogs are regularly groomed to the highest standard and the health and condition of every dog is checked regularly by a vet. It is the responsibility of the person partnered with the dog to ensure that their dog meet the highest level of hygiene.
Background
Since December 1996, it has been unlawful for hoteliers and restaurant owners to refuse to serve a disabled person or offer a lower standard of service for reasons related to the person’s disability. Since October 2004, the law also requires that service providers make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises to overcome barriers to access.
Taxi drivers – since 31 March 2001 (31 March 2003 in Scotland) – are required to carry, free of charge, assistance dogs travelling with their owner. A similar duty has applied since 31 March 2004 to drivers and operators of private hire vehicles (private hire cars in Scotland).
Additionally, since 4 December 2006, under Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), it has been unlawful for them to refuse service to a disabled person, or offer a lower standard of service for reasons related to the person’s disability. The law also requires them to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in the way that their services are provided – though that does not include physical alterations to the vehicles.
Five charities which train assistance dogs in the United Kingdom have announced plans to designate 2008 Year of the Assistance Dog, campaigning for the rights of assistance dog partnerships.
The five organisations that comprise Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK); Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs, Canine Partners, Guide Dogs, and Hearing Dogs, will work together to promote rights of access to services for all assistance dog partnerships. Partnerships will be encouraged to nominate retailers, leisure facilities, public premises, parks and transport operators for Dog Stars, giving service providers with an incentive to make their premises assistance dog friendly.
Dog Star Awards will be symbols of service excellence, given in recognition that premises and services meet the needs of all assistance dog partnerships. For example, provision of wheelchair access, Braille menus for blind and partially-sighted people, induction loops for customers with hearing impairment, and of course – water bowls for assistance dogs!
On the whole access in the UK for assistance dog partnerships is good, but there remain challenges which can lead to disadvantage and unlawful discrimination towards partnerships, by highlighting good practice with Dog Star Awards it is hoped that such good practice will become the norm from service providers.
The Institute of Environmental Health Officers advises that assistance dogs should not be a risk to hygiene. These dogs are regularly groomed to the highest standard and the health and condition of every dog is checked regularly by a vet. It is the responsibility of the person partnered with the dog to ensure that their dog meet the highest level of hygiene.
Background
Since December 1996, it has been unlawful for hoteliers and restaurant owners to refuse to serve a disabled person or offer a lower standard of service for reasons related to the person’s disability. Since October 2004, the law also requires that service providers make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises to overcome barriers to access.
Taxi drivers – since 31 March 2001 (31 March 2003 in Scotland) – are required to carry, free of charge, assistance dogs travelling with their owner. A similar duty has applied since 31 March 2004 to drivers and operators of private hire vehicles (private hire cars in Scotland).
Additionally, since 4 December 2006, under Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), it has been unlawful for them to refuse service to a disabled person, or offer a lower standard of service for reasons related to the person’s disability. The law also requires them to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in the way that their services are provided – though that does not include physical alterations to the vehicles.
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