Ask the Experts

Questions and Answers

Q I need a DVD or some other training resource on communicating with people with communication disabilities. What can you recommend?
Paula Ellen

Agnes Fletcher says: Some 2.5 million people in the UK have language, speech and communication impairments (SLI). Sometimes this is as a result of conditions present at birth, such as a learning disability or cerebral palsy; sometimes impairments are diagnosed later, such as dyslexia or aphasia, or acquired later – as a result of a stroke, head injury or Parkinson’s. For some people with SLI, the main challenge is the way that other people communicate and if they do so in an accessible and inclusive way.

For others, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems can enhance communication. AAC systems include eye pointing, signing, gesture, using symbol/word boards and electronic speech devices. Familiarity with the basics of these technologies can help interaction with people with SLI. But whether disabled or not, most of us could know more about this group of impair­ments and how we can ensure that how we talk to people and how we provide information is as inclusive as possible. A useful place to start is www.communicationsforum.org.uk. This site aims to promote awareness and knowledge of these impairments and to be the UK's main information resource for people with experience of them, their families and service providers. The site includes:

• details of organisations that can help adults and children affected by SLI;

• information about speech and language therapy for adults and children;

• relevant news and events;

• scope for people to contribute to a dictionary of speech and language terms in plain English.

You can email the Communications Forum on sscott@communicationsforum.org.uk or phone 020 7378 3001. The site lists lots of specialist organisations that have the sort of resources you are looking for – too many to list here. To give a flavour, Afasic is a parent-led organisation set up to help children and young people with SLI and their families. It provides information and training for parents and professionals and produces a range of resources such as a CD and pack on Including young people with speech and language impairments difficulties in secondary school; Is your school a communication-friendly school?, which has practical tips for staff in mainstream schools; and Watch your language, a resource for parents/carers of young people 11+ to share with youth and leisure services.

Other organisations offering resources that you can link to through the site are the Aidis Trust, which specialises in communications technologies, the British Dyslexia Association, the British Stammering Association, the Children’s Brain Injury Trust, the Cued Speech Association, the Down’s Syndrome Associa­tion, Communication Matters, the Dyspraxia Foundation, Headway (a Makaton site), the National Autistic Society, RNIB, RNID, Scope and Sense.

Q I want to travel to Uganda with my 19-year-old son, who has cerebral palsy. We’re seeing a consultant for correction of his spine in September. I’ve tried a few travel agents and none is willing to give me travel insurance as he’s waiting for treatment. This has been going on for three years. Please let me know which companies would offer him travel insurance.
Mrs Raja

Andy Wright says: I suggest that you contact a company called Free Spirit on 0845 260 1578 and quote ref ACC2009 (Mon-Fri 8am – 6pm). It may give you a quote. It is a specialist insurance company used to insuring disabled travellers with a variety of pre-existing medical conditions and while it may be difficult because of the uncertainty of your son’s situation, still awaiting confirmation and diagnosis etc, I think you have a better chance with this company than mainstream insurers.

Q We rent (from a housing association) one of two properties built for wheelchair users, because our daughter has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Both our neighbours were also wheelchair users, but the last person who lived there did a swap with a single parent with a 17-year-old fully able boy. The housing association says it couldn’t stop this as it couldn’t discriminate against a non-disabled person.

I’m upset because I feel that letting somebody who isn’t disabled live in a property built for wheelchair users discriminates against disabled people waiting on the housing list. I feel very strongly about this as we had to wait years for our property. Please advise.
Michael Head

Kate Shehan responds: Wheel properties don’t have to be let to house­holds with wheelchair needs but a lot of housing associations have policies under the Disability Equality scheme to give preference to disabled people. But did the housing association know the mutual exchange was going ahead? If it did, did it know enough about its housing stock to realise that the property was specially designed? I suggest you ask it if it knew and, if it did, why it let this property go to a family with no need for adaptations. If you’re not satisfied, ask to see its policy on lettings and the Disability Equality Duty and ask why it lets precious properties to people without disabilities when others are waiting.

THE EXPERTS

We have experts who can answer questions in many areas that matter to us.
Sexual & Personal issues: Simon Parritt, a counselling psychologist who has studied psychosexual therapy, was the only disabled director of the Association to Aid the Sexual and Personal Relationships of People with a Disability (SPOD).
Legal Matters: Douglas Joy, senior solicitor at the Disability Law Service, and his colleagues give advice on disability and the law.
Benefits and Debt issues: The Citizens Advice Bureau puts its expertise at our disposal to help you.
Technology and Internet: Léonie Watson from digital consultancy Nomensa is here to get you connected and keep you up and running.
Specialist or Adaptive Equipment: John Mandrak, for nearly 25 years a disability journalist and consultant, gives advice on the Disabled Living Foundation’s helpline.
Travel: Andy Wright is managing director of Accessible Travel, a specialist tour operator providing holidays for people with mobility impairments, and has huge experience in the travel trade.
Money management: David Clarke has spent 14 years in banking and has worked for three leading financial service providers. He is now a senior partner with Clydesdale Bank and his wealth of experience is all yours.
Access & the Environment: Agnes Fletcher is a disability trainer and consultant who can find solutions to access problems.
Property: Kate Sheehan is an independent occupational therapist with 20 years’ experience and a passionate interest in housing solutions for disabled people.
Motoring & Transport: Helen Smith of Mobilise steps outside her Disability Now column to answer your questions on car matters.