Ask the Experts

How can I get paid back for repairs?

Q I have spina bifida and use a wheelchair. I also have kidney failure and renal anaemia. I’ve been a tenant with my housing association for six years. Since moving in I’ve had severe problems getting my landlord to implement repairs. I get Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit paid straight to the landlord. Can I get compensation for outstanding repairs to a hot water tap basin (three months), streetlamp (five years) and radiator (six years)? I’ve tried Social Services, CAB and Housing Advice without success.
Name supplied, by email

Kate Sheehan replies: I’m concerned that neither the CAB nor Social Services feels able to assist you and it may be worth going back to them to see if they could review your case.

As for complaints to a housing association, you need to follow their internal complaints procedure initially. This would usually involve three stages, the first with a local manager, second with a regional manager and finally (stage three) members of the Housing Associations Board reviewing the complaint if the complaint has not been resolved .

If this route has been exhausted and you feel your complaints haven’t been addressed appropriately, you can take your case to the Housing Ombudsman.

To do this you need to fill in forms available online from www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk or by telephoning 020 7421 3800. You would also need to include a copy of the final decision letter sent to you by your housing association following the final complaint stage.

The Ombudsman has an excellent help desk and can assist you through the procedure.

When will there be a talking remote control?

Q I called Sky Plus to ask if they have a talking TV remote control. They laughed at me! I can’t believe there isn’t a talking remote control available for blind people who want to use television and yet I can’t find anything. Can you advise?
Christine Oldham, by phone

Léonie Watson replies: Despite the technology being available, talking TV remote controls haven't made much of an appearance. The most promising option is a prototype controller being developed by a firm called A-Technic.

The universal controller will be aimed at people with manual dexterity difficulties, as well as blind and partially sighted people.

It will feature a small number of buttons. When a button is pressed lightly, the controller will speak the purpose of the button. When pressed more firmly, the button will send the relevant signal from the controller to the TV.

Sadly, A-Technic doesn't provide a release date for its talking TV remote control but more information can be found on its website.

Cobolt Systems offers a talking video controller that works with a range of popular video machines. It isn’t a TV remote control but it can be used as a standard video controller or used to record programmes on the TV at pre-defined times.

An alternative for people with some sight is the Easy To See Remote Control from Cobolt Systems. It's a universal controller, capable of working with up to four different devices such as the TV, video, and hi-fi.

• A-Technic Talking TV Remote Control: www.a-technic.net/remote.htm.

• Cobolt Systems Talking Video Controller: secure.vvhosting.co.uk/cobolt/store/eric_viewItem.asp?idProduct=237.

• Cobolt Systems Easy to See Remote Control: secure.vvhosting.co.uk/cobolt/store/eric_viewItem.asp?idProduct=228.

Do prisoners have rights?

Q Recently my uncle was sent to prison. He’s paraplegic and there are no suitable facilities for his condition. He has already broken his foot, has sores on his bottom and hasn't been able to take a wash for over a month. I want to know how I can get him transferred to a prison in the London area that has more appropriate facilities.
Name supplied, by email

James Banks of the Royal Courts of Justice Advice Bureau: For his broken foot your uncle should be moved to the healthcare facility in the prison. You should contact the governor of the prison to request this, with your uncle’s consent.

More generally, it’s hard to enforce someone's rights in terms of their disabilities. Various factors influence the way the Disability Discrimination Act works. Depending on your uncle's category, he could apply (or the family could apply on his behalf, with his consent) for transfer to a London prison.

This may be viewed sympathetically if he’d be moving closer to family support but it’s hard to specify a prison and very hit and miss. Visit www.prisonersadvice.org.uk and download leaflets for information about this, or call the Prison Advice Service, telephone 0207 253 3323, open Mon, Wed and Fri 09.30-5.30.

On washing facilities, you could again approach the prison authorities about disability discrimination and human rights issues. The prison will be subject to duties under the Disability Discrimination Act either as a public authority or as a provider of a service: in general terms, it must make reasonable adjustments so the disabled person has access to the same facilities, and on the same basis, as non-disabled prisoners.

Moving the prisoner to a jail with appropriate facilities might be one way to make reasonable adjustments, although there may be other ways of doing it without a move. The prison may also have a duty not to discriminate against a disabled prisoner under the Human Rights Act. In any event you should get more legal advice about your uncle’s position. Leigh Day & Co has run a few successful claims and may be worth talking to: www.leighday.co.uk/our-expertise/human-rights/detainee-and-prisoner-rights-1.

EXPERTS:

Sexual and Personal
SIMON PARRITT
Psychologist with pyschosexual therapy experience

Legal
DOUGLAS JOY
Senior solicitor at the Disability Law Service

Benefits and Debt
Citizens Advice Bureau
Puts its expertise at our disposal to help you

Technology and Internet
LÉONIE WATSON
Works with digital consultancy Nomensa

Specialist Equipment
JOHN MANDRAK
Disability journalist and DLF helpline adviser

Travel
ANDY WRIGHT
MD of Accessible Travel, specialist tour operator

Money Management
DAVID CLARKE
Senior partner with Clydesdale Bank

Access and Environment
AGNES FLETCHER
Disability trainer and consultant

Property
KATE SHEEHAN
Occupational therapist with interest in housing

Motoring and Transport
HELEN SMITH
Works with Mobilise and specialises in car matters