News
Self-employment is perfect for people with disabilities.
PhD research confirms that high-quality business start-up support tailored for disabled people
is needed. After years of lobbying Government, training mainstream business support
organisations, delivering the successful Work for Yourself projects and just listening to disabled
people themselves, I know that those who want to work often have no alternative and have the
skills and experience to succeed. Now it is good to have rigorous academic research
supporting our practical experience with clients.
Disability Dynamics contributed our evaluation reports , case studies and helped with individual
interviews to provide the researcher with her data.
Eva Kašperová’s research confirmed that disabled entrepreneurs are:
Filling gaps in the mainstream market where other businesses don’t support disabled
customers;
fully committed to their businesses which enable them to work without discrimination;
choosing self-employment for control and flexibility in their work.
If you are interested in helping disabled people get back to work, this short executive summary
is worth reading.
If you would like more information about how to run a successful business start-up programme
for disabled people, please contact me.
Disability Handbook
Does your IT and online presence miss 20% of the population?
Check out this handbook and improve your reach to nearly 12 million people with disabilities. You can also
download accessible versions here
Help to Work.
Six years building a partnership of organisations that all help local people in Derbyshire back to
work. Not one can do it all but, with cooperation and collaboration, they offer everything you
could need.
My job was bringing them together, creating an on-line directory (www.helptowork.org.uk) and
helping everyone learn much more about disability so they could support those of us who need
most assistance. Here’s a link to my blog and our final evaluation report.
Preparing for changes to the Benefit Cap
From this autumn the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 will see changes to the current
benefit cap levels and the introduction of additional exemptions.
Claimants who could be affected by the changes to benefit cap levels will be informed of them
and offered support to help them adjust their circumstances.
Claimants will also be able to receive employment support either through their regular work
coach intervention or by requesting voluntary support. Claimants will be able to receive housing
and budgetary support. Helplines and GOV.UK will be updated with information about the
changes.
Differences between DLA and PIP – new information available
A new factsheet, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment – the main
differences, has been published to help people understand the differences between the two
benefits.
DLA is ending for most people and this factsheet includes information for DLA claimants to help
them decide whether to claim PIP. The factsheet is available to download and view here.
Changing face of Information Technology may mean more help in the future.
Lots of people (like me!) still find lots of modern IT difficult to use – and people with long-term
health conditions often have most problems. But there are lots of moves afoot that may make
life easier:
Public sector organisations. The new EU Directive is going to make official websites and
mobile apps more accessible - that’s going to be everything from your local school, colleges,
health centres to local Councils and Government. But it might take some years before you see
the difference!
Amazon’s Kindle. New screen reader features are coming.
You can keep in touch with more developments by signing up for the free newsletter on their
sign-up page: http://lists.headstar.com
Apprenticeships for people with learning disabilities.
A new Task Force is to look at improving accessibility to apprenticeships for people with
learning disabilities. The taskforce will meet 3 times throughout May and June: once to identify
issues, then to explore solutions and finally to form recommendations to make to ministers. It
will be led by Paul Maynard MP and include employers, training providers, charities and
educational experts. You might have some expertise to contribute:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/announcement-of-taskforce-to-look-at-improving-
accessibility-of-apprenticeships-for-people-with-learning-disabilities
Work and Health programme.
DWP thinking on this new programme is outlined in the Prior Information Notice (PIN) that has
been published. It indicates that the programme could be worth about £120m per year for the
period 2017-21 - by my reckoning, about £4m per year per Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP
area - much tighter for prime and sub-contractors.)
Digital tax.
HMRC is making changes with tax that will be important for people who are self-employed and
run small businesses. Here is a recent presentation although there will be more changes in the
future as their work progresses.
I am involved with one of their consultation groups that is concerned to make all these changes
as accessible as possible. If you think you would have problems handling your tax information
on-line, let me know: penny@laylands.co.uk.
New employment programmes.
Work is currently underway on co-designing the next work programme, to be called the ‘Work
and Health Programme’, to start in 2017. There are two client groups – people with health
conditions or a disability (voluntary involvement) and people claiming Job Seekers Allowance
for less than two years (mandatory involvement).
Progress has also been made with the pilot programme which will start in 2017 and is likely to
run for three years. A diagnostic tool will be used to identify people who are most suitable for
the programme. Local integration boards will need to be set up in each local authority area (or
possibly one for Bolsover, Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales).
Making City Regions work for disadvantaged people.
Was at a useful presentation/consultation event this week looking at the Sheffield City Region
which is likely to be central for future employment support projects/funding etc. The short
presentation is here.
Being a better work coach etc.
This was the training session delivered at the end of April. Here is the material provided at the
event and here is the summary of the research with details of how to obtain a copy of the final
report.
Economic inequality.
In case you are interested, here is the text of a presentation I attended recently.
More difficult labour market or just fears about the EU referendum?
The Learning and Work Institute commentary and the employment figures from 20 April are
less than positive:
•
Employment levels are slowing while unemployment is rising.
•
JSA claimants are remaining on benefits for longer.
•
Vacancies are falling.
•
More (58%) unemployed people are not claiming JSA or UC: 961,000 are apparently not
working and not claiming – in line with the change in sanctions in October 2012.
Factors that may impact in future months:
•
National Living Wage – only came in to play at the start of April so these higher costs to
employers haven’t fully bitten yet.
•
Continuing (and escalating?) caution ahead of the referendum.
What does it mean for employment support providers over coming months?
•
Potentially more clients.
•
More difficulty helping clients get jobs.
Mobile phones accessible for all.
Google will let you navigate around your phone using just your voice. The Voice Access
feature is designed specifically to assist people with a range of disabilities, but anyone can use
it to manoeuvre inside their phone through using their voice. Voice Access is part of Google's
effort to make its phones more accessible to people with disabilities that prevent them from
using their hands or seeing the screen clearly.
Apple has its own iPhone technology called VoiceOver, which reads whatever you tap on the
screen (it makes all the difference for blind people like me – and it also has voice activation too
so you might hear me shouting at it!).
There are doubtless other smart phones with similar features. Read more here.
Landmarks Specialist College presents The Archer Training Venue.
‘Landmarks Specialist College proudly introduces a new concept in supported employment for
young people with additional needs wishing to start a career in the bar and restaurant trade.
The Archer public house in Rainworth is their first training venue that offers real bar and
restaurant work, both front of house and in the kitchen, seven days a week. This is an
opportunity for young people to gain industry recognised qualifications and experience.
If you or anyone you know may be interested in this opportunity, please contact Landmarks
Specialist College on 01246 433788 or pop into The Archer, Warsop Lane Rainworth NG21
0AG, have a drink and/or sample the menu whilst you get further information.’ Read the leaflet
here
Ready to take on employees?
Having employees isn’t just about paying wages or a salary, it’s about understanding other
employer responsibilities like paying statutory payments. Would you know what to do? From
taking on an employee to tax and National Insurance, PAYE payroll reporting to paying HMRC,
it’s all in this flexible, free online guide. Whether you’re a new employer or just need a
refresher, get clear guidance and support from HMRC’s ‘Becoming an Employer’ e-learning
product. Or why not take a couple of moments to watch their ‘PAYE and your business’ video
on HMRC’s YouTube channel?
PIP joins Video Relay Service trial for BSL users.
DWP are extending the trial of the Video Relay Service (VRS) to include access to Personal
Independence Payment (PIP) from the 25 April 2016. The service will include the PIP enquiry
line, PIP new claims and reassessments and Special Rules for Terminally Ill cases. The
service enables British Sign Language (BSL) users to make BSL interpreted video calls via
their tablet, smartphone, computer or laptop. A professional interpreter then relays the call in
English to a member of DWP staff. Customers can access VRS from 25 April on GOV.UK and
there will also be a BSL video link which explains how to use the service.
Housing Benefit.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has submitted a written intervention in the case of
MA – about the spare room subsidy affecting a disabled person who needs an extra room for
disability-related needs. They used Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights to
argue that the changes were discriminatory and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to argue that the state has a duty to reasonably accommodate the
needs of disabled people.
Support with childcare costs
To help parents and carers to understand the new childcare support available, a new web page
is now available on GOV.UK. This brings together all the current information in one place.
IT can change the lives of disabled people – for better (or worse).
Keep in touch with the latest developments from Braille tablets and sensory bus alerts to
accessible gaming and low cost prosthetic printing! And lots more from this free newsletter
which covers national and international advances. Use the sign up page at
http://lists.headstar.com.
Want help with discrimination, harassment and victimisation?
The Equality Advice and Support Service YouTube channel has a video which gives a
description of their ‘Advice Basket’ function on their website. The video explains how this
function works and how, when completed, the information enables callers to the Helpline keep
a permanent record of the areas of the Equality Act relevant to their issue.
Armed Forces Covenant Funding.
Close to my heart being ex-Navy: for funding priorities for 2016-17 have recently been
announced:
1. Veterans’ Gateway
2. Families in Stress
3. Improving local covenant delivery (for Local Authorities)
4. Community integration / delivery of local services
If you are interested in applying, it is worth checking out if your proposed project might be
eligible – contact: covenant-grantteammailbox@mod.uk
Find out more here and look for the ‘Covenant Fund 2016 to 2017 priorities’ document.
Benefits newsletter.
Keep up-to-date with what is going on – see newsletter here.
Equality Advice and Support Service.
Check out who are raising most concerns about what issues:
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/ci/fattach/get/26086/1456746304/redirect/1/filename/2
016%2002%20Full%20Newsletter.pdf
For the accessible word version please visit:
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/app/answers/list and search Newsletter February
Word
Reaching everyone?
Whatever your organisation, you probably want to promote services, activities and successes
to anyone and everyone – and e-communications can seem the quickest way. But e-shots, on-
line and pdf documents can exclude many people who find it difficult to use IT. But you can
make your e-communications better and easier for very little cost or effort.
The e-access bulletin is worth the free subscription for ideas: sign-up page
The latest version talks about how many people simply click away from websites that are not
easy enough to use - and is an example of an accessible e-shot.
Easy Read.
Is your web site and literature accessible for people with learning difficulties and the 1-in-10 of
the population with dyslexia? Have a look at www.pikaeasyread.co.uk to see what your site
could look like to reach more people. They are offering other help and information plus a free
Easy read image for you to download.
Disability Action Alliance.
Joining the Alliance costs nothing, promotes your disability-friendliness and can keep you in
touch with current initiatives. See the latest newsletter here
Benefits poster.
Some core information provided by Neil Arnott, Social Welfare Training Limited here. The
Benefit rates, including the Benefit Cap are not finalised yet and may vary slightly. Main
changes:
• Many rates of benefit remain frozen due to the Welfare Cap and negative inflation rate in
September 2015 (which dictates some of the changes in rates for disability benefits).
• Pensioner benefits to rise in line with the 'triple lock'.
• Universal Childcare costs to rise from 70% to 85% and there are also increases in the total
amount allowable.
• Decreases in the Benefit Cap in all areas and the introduction of an even lower rate for areas
outside London.
• A reduction in the income increase disregard under Tax Credits.
• The Housing Benefit family premium will not be paid to new claimants and those who start a
family from April 2016.
You can sign up for their free newsletters and find out about their training courses:
info@socialwelfaretraining.co.uk www.socialwelfaretraining.co.uk Tel. 0117 9514 337
Keep in touch with employment figures, news and activities.
“Inclusion” has been replaced by the Learning and Work Institute – worth signing up for their
free weekly newsletter.
Specialist Employability Support (SES)
There is now additional nationwide help available for people with long-term health
conditions/disabilities to get back to work. More details here. Referrals are made by
Jobcentres and details of where each organisation operates should be available via their
respective websites (The Remploy site probably gives the best outline of their provision).
Need advice and support on an equality issue?
The Equality Advice and Support Service offers free help and can be contacted via:
Telephone 0808 800 0082
Textphone 0808 800 0084
Email via website
Post to FREEPOST Equality Advisory Support Service FPN4431
Webchat Available via website
BSL provided through our partner Royal Association for Deaf People. More information on their
homepage.
Issues that were raised with them during the last couple of months included the problems wheel
chair users have in accessing routine health services due to lack of hoists, people being
refused admittance to nightclubs due to their skin colour and transgender people having
difficulty establishing their identity for financial services by phone when customer service staff
seem to make judgements based on voice tone rather than the information provided.
In October, most issues raised with EASS from England were about work (nearly 50%); most
contacts continued to be from disabled people (about 60% with race at 15% and all others in
low single figures or less). So it is good that disabled people are raising their concerns but
disappointing that we still need to!
Guide for delivering employment support.
Although this guide is writing for the Big Lottery “Building Better Opportunities” funding, it has
lots of useful and highly recognisable elements that will help you deliver even better and
stronger services. So worth a read even if you are not bidding for this money.
Supporting homeless jobseekers
Last year the domestic emergency rules were changed to allow people who had recently been
made homeless time out from actively seeking work to focus on finding suitable
accommodation. Work Coaches can only consider applying this easement if they know about
the claimant’s housing status. If you are supporting homeless people, or those at risk, please
encourage claimants to declare their housing status. This will enable Work Coaches to discuss
with claimants the range of flexibilities available when agreeing a Claimant Commitment.
Universal Jobmatch and SAFERjobs
Since July 2015 DWP has been actively promoting SAFERjobs within the Universal Jobmatch
service. SAFERjobs is designed to help people identify job scams and fake jobs. The
SAFERjobs website has news about current job scams and a free service for job seekers to
report suspected (or actual) fraud. It also features advice on what people can do to stay safe
online.
Vacancies for disabled people.
I mentioned Evenbreak previously – they run a listing of vacancies for employers who are
positive about employing disabled people. Their entry will shortly be uploaded on to the Help to
Work directory – check it out and see what other support is available locally:
www.helptowork.org.uk and click on Organisations.
Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payments.
If you receive, have applied for or been rejected for either of these payments that are aimed to
cover some of the extra costs of living with a disability, please take part in this research study.
They are interested in how people are affected by the benefits system and changes to it, and
what it means to them and their household to receive (or not receive) these benefits. The
research will hopefully raise awareness and understanding about how changes to benefits
affect disabled people and people with long-term health conditions over time. Small payment
for taking part.
Contact: CXM257@student.bham.ac.uk or visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/social-security-and-
family-life.
Access to Work.
There is a campaign underway to ask the Government to stop changes that may disadvantage
disabled people. You can read more and take part in their survey or contact
stopchanges2atw@gmail.com
Specialist support for unemployed disabled people.
Specialist Employability Support (SES) is a new tailored support service for unemployed
disabled people that will help them move closer to the labour market. This new service began
last month and is being delivered by six national SES providers. Four of them - Shaw Trust,
Remploy, Kennedy Scott and Steps to Employment - will cater for people with a range of
disabilities. People with a visual impairment will be supported by the Royal National College for
the Blind and those with a hearing impairment, by Doncaster Deaf Trust. More details are
available from local Jobcentres
Worried about discrimination?
The Equality Advice and Support Service is free and covers all sorts of discrimination and
human rights issues (including work, customer service and much more). They can help resolve
concerns informally, including writing to the organisation in issue. Contact them:
Telephone 0808 800 0082
Textphone 0808 800 0084
Email via website www.equalityadvisoryservice.com
Post to FREEPOST Equality Advisory Support Service FPN4431
Webchat Available via website
BSL provided through partner Royal Association for Deaf People. More information on
homepage.
Know your rights.
The Equality Act became law in 2010. It protects everyone in Britain from discrimination,
harassment and/or victimisation.
The 'Your rights' guidance has information to help you understand if you have been treated
unlawfully. The advice explains:
- Who is protected by the Equality Act?
- What are your rights?
- What is discrimination?
- Who can I contact for help and advice?
Find out more about your right to equality.
.
Click below for older stories.