Search results for ‘Publisher:"mencap/gateway"’ Sort:
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Managing money
- Author:
- FAWCETT Edd
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 127, May 2012, pp.14-17.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
Traditionally, people with a learning disability have faced barriers to taking control of their own money. Issues around perceived lack of capability, financial jargon, appropriate identification and fear of financial abuse and debt have all prevented vulnerable people from opening even a basic bank account. However the banking system is said to be becoming more aware of these issues and beginning to address them. This article describes the progress being made.
Technical support
- Author:
- FAWCETT Edd
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 125, November 2011, pp.20-23.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
Using technology to support people with a learning disability traditionally involved expensive pieces of specialist equipment. This article looks at the potential for using mainstream technology such as smartphones, Nindendo Wii and Xbox Kinect to help people with a learning disability to communicate, learn and socialise. Research at Nottingham Trent University which examined how computer games could help people with learning disabilities, and Mencap's LiveNet project which teaches people with a learning disability how to use mainstream technology are briefly mentioned.
The benefits maze
- Author:
- FAWCETT Edd
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 118, September 2010, pp.16-19.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
In the context that a major overhaul of the current benefits system is expected under the new coalition government, this article argues that the eligibility criteria for many existing benefits are likely to be tightened, and that disabled people, including some people with a learning disability, could lose some or all of their benefit entitlement. The article looks at Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit, discussing possible changes that may be introduced by the new government. It discusses the options for changes to the UK benefits system presented in the 21st Century Welfare government paper, including the idea of a single benefit to replace all current benefits called a Universal Credit.
Brick by brick
- Author:
- FAWCETT Edd
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 117, July 2010, pp.16-19.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
Noting that housing is high on the list of issues that impact on health, well-being and inclusion of people with a learning disability, this article discusses some of the barriers and solutions to getting the right home. It looks at council housing, the private rental market, affordable housing, housing associations, shared ownership and combined packages of accommodation and support. It highlights some of the difficulties faced by people with a learning disability in finding housing which meets their needs, and includes a case example from the Golden Lane Housing Southwest London Homefinder project, which helps people with a learning disability to rent a home.
Between the lines
- Author:
- FAWCETT Edd
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 116, May 2010, pp.20-21.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
The author describes the development of the Next Chapter Book Club for those with learning disabilities, which now has 160 groups in the US, Canada and Germany. Started in 2002 by the Ohio State University Nisanger Centre, the group was set up like a typical book club except that it was assumed that members would want to listen to books; in fact they wanted to be much more involved and took turns to read out loud. A group usually consists of six to eight members with two facilitators and meets once a week in a public space such as a book shop or cafe. Being held in these settings has allowed for interaction with the community and raises awareness of disability. Facilitators are encouraged to use echo reading for those with limited reading skills. Discussing the books gives the readers the opportunity to air their views, which may be an infrequent opportunity for some. Benefits reported include improved reading, greater confidence, increased assertiveness and a larger social circle. Some UK learning disability organisations are now setting up their own book clubs. The Squad, a south London charity, is one such example. Here there is a greater focus on graphic novels to help engage those with less reading ability.
Taking things personally
- Author:
- FAWCETT Edd
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, November 2008, pp.16-19.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
'Personalisation' of social care services is an key component of government policy. This article briefly looks at the development of the strategy and discusses whether it is working in practice for people with learning disabilities. Two short case studies are provided to highlight the benefits personalisation.
Screen idols
- Authors:
- TOPHAM Sean, FAWCETT Edd
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, November 2005, pp.16-19.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
The media can be a powerful tool in breaking down stereotypes associated with minority groups. The authors look at how many organisations are still holding back when it comes to including people with a learning disability in their productions. The article highlights some examples of good practice and recent initiatives, including a toolkit aimed at promoting positive images of people with a learning disability in the media.
Calling for clarity over Carer's Allowance
- Author:
- FAWCETT Edd
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 88, 2005, pp.16-17.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
The Carer's Allowance provides minimal financial support for many of the nation's caring community. This article reports on how after a lifetime of caring, many reaching retirement age face losing their Carer's Allowance entitlement.