More info on independent living
ASBAH's comprehensive Make It Happen pack published last year is to be expanded with the addition of a new Travel section.
The pack, aimed at helping anyone wishing to become more independent, move home, or manage their life with or without assistance, has already proved its worth.
Produced in a loose-leaf format, its sections include information about preparing for independent living, housing options and direct payments, as well as two questionnaires to help the user decide what they actually want and think about their specific needs.
The leaflets were written by members of the “Living in London Forum”, a group of people with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, who have first hand experience of living independently.
The new Travel section which will be completed before the end of the year, will give vital pointers to ASBAH service users planning new journeys.
Jo Francis, ASBAH South East regional manager, is one of the people behind the Make It Happen pack.
She explained: “When the handbook was written, we were aware that there were more sections that we needed to include. The forum met and discussed the various topics and the area felt to be the most important was travel.
Many disabled people find it difficult to get out and about which adds to their feelings of isolation. Confidence is also an issue and members of the group felt that their own experiences would enable them to write a leaflet, which would provide the basics and signpost people to the appropriate service.”
Jo added: “The handbook is in demand because it is written by people who know what the issues are and know what is needed. Thus with the transport leaflet, there is a checklist of what you need to consider before you set off as well as basic information on various forms of transport.
More information about Make It Happen can be viewed on the ASBAH website at www.asbah.org
You can obtain a copy from your local advisor or by contacting Gill Winfield, information section, Telephone: 01733 555988, gillw@asbah.org