I talk a lot about IT inclusion ....Its really important more so than ever...

If you are struggling with getting a smartphone for cost, as I was as the Galaxy died, and i was then using an HTC Hero. 


I needed a phone that did more than the Hero, it being VERY old.The Galaxy phone before it stopped working, the hero was a liming interim.  I do have I.T experience, but i'm on ESA and was short of a workable phone. 


So I decided to try something and sourced a chinese off net phone. 

Dont baulk... ITS ENABLEMENT. 

I can do this particular blog because im aware that many people miss out on the even basic of internet access AND cant gain contracts or super technical expensive smartfones. And many see WALLS they cant climb to see the other side.

The one I got was below 50 quid... 

called Swees 5.0'' 3g on a kitkat android version . 

Dont worry if youve never looked at smartfones. The user friendliness is phenomenal on most these days.


Now i ask a lot of stuff of anything I have because VFM is really ingrained. I can say this evening that I'd recommend it as a very workable phone for a lot of people . 

You can get the one I have now tested and know its limits and capabilities, on ebay . 

As i Say for most people this phone would be adequately functional, and is an absolute bargain.


Im NOT being paid to do ANYTHING. I hope you could MAYBE get smartfone confidence for yourself or someone you know? Why not gift an excluded person this phone? Or venture yourself to it? 



Where you can get the phone I spoke of CLICK HERE


You'll need a sim, but theres many PAY as you go providers.


For tech or enabled people reading this, Ive tried to help you promote inclusion here.

For those looking for options I hope this helps.

A Sad Cross Posting ....

Rolling with the Punches

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice saying 'I will try again tomorrow'

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

An Unfond Farewell to Disability Activism

Almost five years ago I had to give up the career that I loved. It was a devastating and life changing time. It provoked a period of deep depression for the first time in my life, something which my illness and resulting significant impairments and disability had failed to do.

After picking myself up from this I observed that the government was threatening serious cuts to the very support which had enabled me to embark on my career in the first place. I hated the idea that current young disabled people would be denied the opportunities I had enjoyed and so I became more involved in disability activism. It gave me a sense of purpose and I felt I was doing something worthwhile which would help others.

This took off in a big way in January 2012 when I researched and wrote what became known as the Spartacus Report. While others helped and others were in charge of the superb campaign, I was the main author.
This report clearly showed for the first time, with the government's own data, that they were lying about both the need and disabled people's support for reform to DLA. This report was on the whole met with great support by disabled people, bringing many people together on social media. It was used to try to influence voting on the welfare reform act and eventually provoked much media interest after surprise government defeats in the House of Lords.

After a long period of recovery I continued campaigning on the issues I cared most about, ie the enabling benefits like DLA, DSA and social care. While I would have liked to campaign about everything my health no longer permitted it and my involvement has got less and less each year as my illness worsens.
I tried to prevent a cap on community social care being implemented in Worcestershire, was very involved in fighting the creation and evolution of PIP, particularly the 20 metre rule, and recently helped combat plans to water down DSA.
Among all this I helped and supported fellow disabled people and called out politicians whenever I caught them lying in the press, for instance about disability benefits being exempt from benefit uprating and freeze.

Today though all this comes to an abrupt end. I discover I am not wanted. Why? I am a "Sparty", and a "traitor".
Why again? Sue Marsh, who was the most prominent "member" of Spartacus decided in January to go and work for Maximus, the company taking over the controversial WCA "fit for work"assessments from the infamous ATOS.
Apparently this makes me a traitor too and makes all my previous work invalid, no matter that I have not worked with Sue for a couple of years (not that it should matter anyway).

How did I discover this? Just before the election, fed up of the infighting between disabled groups and people, I wrote a post calling for for union. Some decided to do just that and create a "union" or similar organisation. I eagerly wanted to help, health permitting, along with others who had been involved with various reports for Spartacus in the past.
Sadly things rapidly descended into conspiracy theories, with "Sparties" trying to take over and get their "leader" (huh?!) in power. Long discussions were also had over which disabled people should NOT be allowed to join. So much for unity.

What was said was nasty.
I no longer feel welcome and don't think I ever will again.
I fail to understand how anyone can have an issue with the work I have done (other than fundamental differences of opinion).
I fail to understand how work which was hailed as good at the time becomes bad simply because someone I worked with 3 years ago has done something they disapprove of.
I fail to understand how that makes me guilty and unwelcome.

I have been attacked in the past before. Ironically it has been for not doing more about ESA and the WCA and on the other for not caring about inclusion, when in fact most of my campaigning surrounds "enabling" support.
People have always jumped to conclusions and made assumptions.
So maybe I shouldn't be surprised.
Disability activism has always been made harder by "fellow" disabled people than by the people we are supposed to be "fighting".

So now I am stopping. I don't have the physical strength to put up with this.
I feel like I did when I lost my career all over again.
I thought I had found something which helped replace that but it has been snatched away from me. I didn't think I would feel this bad again.
And the sad thing is that some people reading this are probably rejoicing.
How will we ever unite when this is the case? I wish all you disability campaigners luck but I don't hold out much hope.

-------- Cross posted fron Spoonydoc 

Heres a thing I WILL EXPLAIN

I am on ESA

I help with whoever asks , "if i were you i would..." WHICH IS USUALLY BRILLIANT, as id advise but thats more complicated legally

I help directly also with no liability to local engagements .

Im not funded.

So i could do far more if i was.

Im involved with things and am called upon often for helpy words or direct involvement -involves being places


I cant do this , oh i can do this.

Depends as my esa money stretches short distance.

And on ESA IM NOT ABLE TO WORK FULL TIME .

But my brain isnt dead. Ive solved many problems.

I dont scrounge for what i get because im SICK and entitled.

I WILL THINK AND SAY  'if i were you '" AS MANY TIMES AS PEOPLE NEED.


I dont know if you can see that validity, but wth GIFT OF ASSISTANCE it helps me do more (bus fares and far more needs for people etc that i can send them )

Does this make sense to anyone?

The button on my blog isnt for me. I can say that wholeheartedly its for me to help others . If it helps me it helps others.

Sometimes im limted on what  can do. If you help you are part of helping other people.

Where I wrote to my councillors over Banning Homeless from Libraries

"it is now more imperative for any help to be able to access assistance on line. 

The ban on homeless people from libraries sounds ridiculous on the basis that internet access is free in libraries, and essential for people with no other recourse. 

Can you investigate this shocking news that homeless people are being denied access to essential tools? 

The article was published by manchester evening news. Please dig in and see whether this is a draconian measure that can be explained or reversed? or theres any deeper issue. The deeper issue could be prejudicial to helping the homeless. " 

Brief blog. But banning homeless from libraries ....... something is very wrong with that .


The Guardian referenced it > http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/the-northerner/2015/may/06/manchester-council-bans-homeless-people-from-using-library


Manchester City Council Statement "ITS UNTRUE" > Manchester city council statement. Allegations false http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200109/council_news/6952/response_to_claims_homeless_people_have_been_banned_from_central_library

Regarding UN Investigation into UK

 Here we go.

Question raised

and its reply , REGARDING S.O'Brien appointment to UN / UN Human Rights Abuse investigation. 

For clarity , I thought. 

 

To My Mp: 

 

Hi Gerald,

I hope you dont this this is abject tilting at you for failure of you - because it isnt.

As a tenant of social housing on benefits and all this welfare reform as abject distain for social protection, i'd like to draw you to this point:

The PM of this nation PRAISED Steven O'Brien MP as a good appointment to the UN.

S O'B known as extremely vociferous over EACH person responsible for self, hardly a socially based representative to government.

You and I both know there is an investigation the UN is *supposedly* doing on the human rights abuses enacted by this current govt. I wont expunge further thoughts on this as i feel govt implicitly they are in breach of social contract and there is a lot being hidden in plain sight by these incumbents? And many self steered self interest fulfilling changes of law are occurring to the detriment of the people of this country.

I am not assuming here, i know you feel this.

I want to know UN investigation, and whether o'Brien can Hamper, delay , and avoid blame to current incumbents for their distain and mistreatment of citizens they feel are below them and simply not worth looking after.

The key part of any government is to look after its citizens, isnt it? I see every day Voted in people serving their own interests.

Do I include you in that? NO. Because you always recognise my voice, reply, and try your utmost for your people in the constituency.

I would like you in any way you can to find out what the UN investigation is about the Abuse Of Human Rights that this govt are engaged in , and I express my concern that a Member Or The Crew Doing This is now suddenly appointed to UN.

Can you please clarify this for me?

Many Thanks

Jules

And My MP, interim said I shall certainly look into this. 

He Did. 

His letter Transcribed :

7th april

...Following my letter to you 10th March i did, as you know, follow the matter up. I now attach a letter received from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Yours etc...

And heres Transcription of FCO letter from Phillip Hammond to my MP . 

 

27thMarch 

Thank you for your letter of 10th March on behalf of your constiuent (Redacted) about the appointment of Mr Steven O'Brien to the UN .

Mr O'Brien has been appointed to replace Baroness Amos as the Under Secretary General For Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator with effect from MAY 2015. An Under Secretary General role at the UN is a key humanitarian role internationally and a vital position for the UK. It provides leadershipfor the uN, Red Cross, non-governmental organisations and governments during humanitarian crises. It also convenes humanitarian actors during "peace-time" to ensure the system is effective, prepared to respond, offers good value for money and has strong links to the development sector. 

The role is entirely separate from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which monitors human rights throughout the world. The UK is a strong supporter of the work and independence of operation of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Special Procedures. They represent an impressive body of expertise on which states can draw to improve implimentation of their international human rights obligations. . They also provide an independent assessment  of states' human rights records and are an effective means of focusing international attention on violations of human rights. Maqintaining this independenceof operation is a UK priority, as is maintaining country focus for those states with the most egregious human rights records. The UN Special Procedures ( which tend to be in the form of Special Rspporteurs or working groups) are human rights experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to focus on the most serious country human rights situations or specific thematic human rights issues. 

(Redacted) mentions a UN investigation. The UK has a standing invitation to UN Special Procedures, several of whom have visited the UK in recent years. It may be he his referring to one of their reports. The appointment of Mr O'Brien will not compromise the independence of the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights in any way. -The RT HON PHILLIP HAMMOND MP

---------

Notes: 

There was disdain shown at Special Rapporteur for Housing

The Tory Manifesto proposes removing Human Rights Act in UK, negating all importance that the respondent incumbent sent to my MP .

Now can you see the duplicity? I can.

Also , again, the well mooted/thought about/ known about UN investigation into human rights abuse in UK was brushed aside as "possibly one of their reports"

Regarding MH c/w physical illness - long term and the Treatments path

Lunacy of the Tory Compulsory Treatment Ruminations:

Regarding Compulsory Illness Treatment proposals Tories have lain on the table...

When I see my consultant later we will discuss MH associated with Long term illness thats quite regular chat.

 Informal as part of illness management.

So without it being recognised as a thing in its own dept/ treatment etc, but part and parcel of my long term understanding of me as a patient, with consultant willing to be manager of concern/ mh as well as phys, I severely wouldnt want that valid thing changed by Govt intervention and Compulsory treatment WHATEVER that may entail.

Its abhorrent proposal the tories have made.

Why? (complex. read between the lines)

Remembers the fact im two generations from the fight against fascism where LUCKILY both my granddads survived it . Remembers one of those grandads saying NO BASTARD should ever be in power. That was a strong belief he had. Since then my family fractured. My father was a cunt, even though he went military and was labour, he was a nasty man. But if i think of all the stuff thats happened , most of the bad stuff was because TORY DRIVES on a NON SOCIAL model . In this short diatribe you wont see all of whats happened to me. But when I wanted to firm my beliefs by reading of atrocities, my father beat the shit out of me for even having the books. It was a messed up time where people were learning how they should be. Unfortunately many empirical acceptances remained. And confusion reigned. Not least by the interjections of a thatcher regime. They say people arent having cards marked by the past. They are. Theres either acceptance "thats just the way it is" or "NO THIS COULD BE FAR DIFFERENT AND BETTER"
I want the latter. The evidence in THIS government of cloaked elitist fascism is there IF YOU LOOK. Thats why Im voting Labour .

People Funding their own Powerchairs. Heres one...

 So a MILLION sign a petition to save Clarkesons's job when he full on smacks someone in the face and issues unacceptable insult. 

And this HONEST person Evander (one of middle names used) [ Richard] struggles for months to get past half way on an essential enabler for them? This strikes my Social Justice Nerve, I've spared what I could to help and am now asking others to do the same. READ the story written by themselves. Very Modest. Yet LOOK at the involvement and the drive they have . I ask you to read. And to help If you can. Theres no min or max amount. And everything will help. 

Without the chair they wont complete their studies, or be able to keep up their contribution. Thats not all of it. They WONT have independence. Please read. And help if you can.

  DONATE HERE PLEASE IF YOU CAN > http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-a-lupus-warrior-fund-motorized-wheelchair/250477

The story behind the Fundraiser for @Soul_into_Hades

---

"I'm 24 years old, and I'm disabled by various conditions, particularly SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) and hypermobility. These conditions damage tissues and organs throughout the whole body, meaning I have many secondary diagnoses due to them, including scoliosis, hip impingement, joint subluxations and dislocations, peripheral neuropathy, irritable bowel syndrome, tachycardia and other cardiac issues, and others.

I currently use a manual wheelchair for most of my getting about, but due to my conditions it's extremely difficult and some days impossible for me to get around on my own. I thought the chair would restore my independence, but as it is, I need someone with me to really get the use out of it.

I'm going back to university next year to pursue my Masters in biomedical science, and for this I will need a motorized wheelchair, otherwise I will not be able to get around on my own. My twin, who is my main carer, is also pursuing higher education at the same time and won't be there every day to push my chair.

I'm also starting a new volunteering position doing admin work in a hospital 20 miles away, and with a manual chair, I struggle to get into the department and beyond that can't take a trip into the town alone.

I suffer from depression and self-harm, and being able to get out of the house more and pursue the things I love without having to rely on a carer would change my life. Currently I'm stuck at home most days of the week, sometimes not even getting out to volunteer on days I can't manage. A motorized wheelchair would give me the freedom and independence to get out on my own terms.

Please consider donating if you can, and if you can't, please share this with as many people as you can. I'm aware many people don't have a lot of money right now, so just getting the word around would be most appreciated. Thank you for reading, and if you want more information about my health and my everyday experiences, please visit my blog at lifeofalupie.wordpress.com

Thanks! "

DONATE HERE PLEASE IF YOU CAN > http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-a-lupus-warrior-fund-motorized-wheelchair/250477

Sue Jones (blogger) isnt getting any better...

Sue Jones who many know from her well researched and educated base writes commentary with truth and passion, shes increasingly writing when she can, and often cant stand the pain in fingers. Its a deteriorating condition. I dont know exact on it.
But please. Understand theres many well educated passionate people who still maintain their belief in people before profit even though unwell. And many times the mainstream just goes "theyll be gone soon" (i feel thats what they think, very often)

Heres latest from Sue.

If those who advocate a no vote or a spoiled ballot paper heard the archive interviews with women from the imprisoned suffrage campaign hunger strikers describing how they were pinned down and force-fed, with nasal tubes brutally forced all the way down into their stomachs, perhaps they would feel shame enough to change their mind. Or perhaps they ought to read about the Peterloo Massacre. They suffered so that we may have the right to vote. Use it.
King Henry VI of England established in 1432 that only male owners of property worth at least forty shillings, a significant sum, were entitled to vote in a county. Changes were made to the details of the system, but there was no major reform until the Reform Act 1832. It was not until 1918 that all men over 21, and wealthy women won the right to vote, and it was not until 1928 that all women over 21 won the right to vote. Suffrage in the United Kingdom was slowly changed over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries through the use of the Reform Acts and the Representation of the People Acts, culminating in universal suffrage, excluding children and convicted prisoners.
It wasn't until the Representation of the People Act 1928 that women's voting rights were made equal with men, with voting possible at 21 with no property restrictions. Universal suffrage is the result of the growth of the Labour movement coupled with the growth of unionism. Between 1888 and 1918 trade unions grew at a faster rate than at any other time in their history. Membership figure stood at roughly 750,000 at the beginning of the period, rising to six and a half million in 1918. Inspired by the successes of the women match workers' strike at the Bryant and May factory in 1888 and subsequently by the Gasworkers' and Dockers' strikes of 1889, trade unionism among unskilled, semi-skilled, white collar and professional workers spread rapidly. Led by socialists like John Burns and Tom Mann (with Eleanor Marx as secretary to the strike committee), the dockers' struggle captured the public imagination.
Women’s suffrage was a secondary issue, initially within the Labour Party, partly because the priority was universal suffrage, and suffragettes were campaigning for the ‘equal franchise’ (the vote on the same basis as men) rather than the ‘universal franchise’ . It has to be said that many working class men who were not socialists took a dim view of women organising. Prominent Labour Party members who supported votes for women were George Lansbury, Philip Snowden and Keir Hardie. By 1912, women's suffrage had become official Labour pParty policy, so long as the vote was extended to all men at the same time.
The right to vote was fought for and hard-won. Use it to vote for the party that has always championed citizen's rights, social justice and inclusion. Labour.
This is the most important GE of our lifetime, people are suffering and dying because of tory policies. Nothing matters more than getting the tories out. Now is not the time to be idealising about marxist orthodox purism. That's not "socialism" : it's simply self indulgence.
The only certain way to save our post-war democratic settlement (NHS, welfare state ect.) and people's lives is a Labour vote.

Too many Sites want Latest Flash Player... etc

Okay where do i start with this.

Do you see this far too much? >

(or similar)



Flash. A player that has universal appeal. Unless you dig deeper.

Flash doesnt work on many mobile devices.

On PUTERS: Many people are still running legacy operating systems on older kit because the KIT they have is capable of operating.

Too much obsolescence and preferential access exists.

Now.

Theres ways to view content without flash. But if you dont make that available, by frontispiece of looking at the kit / browser and saying flash you have or dont have isnt good enough - you are selecting a priviledged audience.

Flash isnt the only way to show stuff.


I know that theres an aggressive progression in kit sales/ os/ access/ etc.

Weve arrived at a time where I personally think the old model of only the new stuff is valid should be killed.

For the last few years IVE had to run older kit , as There Are Tough Choices... (its even a certain political party rhetoric, although for other reasons)

Society is enhanced, and people are enabled by access to web and sites.

So why when people struggling with NOT THE LATEST kit - THEY HAVE KIT- cant experience what others with MORE money can, then I personally think thats arrogant for an industry thats fastly becoming an essential in even the poorest peoples lives.

To ignore legacy kit older systems, and even not provide mobile android access which is growing rapidly as an access route, is wrong.

Now who will take this vision up? Im often proven right ahead of stuff when i write and a year or so, or months, whenever, it comes out later as SOMEONE ELSES idea and i'm ignored.

This is a real situation. People need to listen.

If only because it affects this writer, and a lot of people i speak to. 

Maximus work On this Scheme, in Australia.

Worth watching. Maximus has about 10% of its work in Australia.

Now. Maximus are starting the WCA delivery in UK March 2015