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ASK VERA Newsletter
Ability, not disability
April 2010
Vicky Cole, Project Manager for Ask Vera
Hello, and welcome to the „Ask Vera‟
newsletter!
Over the past few months „Ask Vera‟ has
been continuing our work to help people
with disabilities.
We have hosted some training workshops
with members of our team with disabilities
or support needs taking leading trainer
roles.
We held a Disability Awareness workshop
last October, and two Easy Read
workshops in January and March, they
went really well and the feedback was
very good. We have another Easy Read
workshop coming up in May. Get in touch
to book a place or find out more.
We have worked with many organisations
including NHS trusts, Thurrock Council,
Essex Cares, Linked Employment,
Bradford Metropolitan District Council,
Anglia Ruskin University, Essex Police
and Paramount Support Services among
others. We are making more connections
all the time.
Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010
Volume 1, Issue 2
We have also worked hard to get Ask
Vera‟s message out there. We
attended the Ways 2 Work
Conference held at the Charter Hall,
Colchester on 12th February 2010.
Ways 2 Work help disabled people in
Essex find jobs.
Fiona Reynolds (left) and Sam Sanders
(right) smile for the camera!
Ask Vera gave a presentation
describing our mission to make
information more accessible and
promote equality for disabled people.
Some people who came said it was
“inspiring”.
Ask Vera‟s team has been getting
bigger and we want to grow and do
even more in 2010. Find out about
the people who work with „Ask Vera‟
in the „Meet the Team‟ section, and
maybe also find out what Vera can
do for you!
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By Stuart Peacock, Easy Read Coordinator for Ask Vera

Back in June 2009, to coincide with the Learning Disability

Week, Mencap launched a campaign to get more „Changing
Places‟ toilets in the UK—these toilets have special facilities
to help people with profound physical and/or learning
disabilities—otherwise in normal toilets, carers are forced to
change their disabled loved-ones on dirty floors; which I‟m
sure you will agree is not acceptable.
These toilets could make life so much easier for people with profound disabilities,
as well as people with spinal injuries, muscular
dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or other conditions. They
have changing benches and hoists that normal
disabled toilets usually lack, and can make life and
days out possible for the people who need them.
The problem is there simply aren‟t enough of the
„Changing Places‟ toilets in the UK. However, the
Changing Places Consortium has set out to try to put this right. The campaign is
also supported by celebrities, including Craig Kelly of Coronation Street and
Strictly Come Dancing fame. He helped put together a petition and presented it
to Members of Parliament in London. It is hoped this will lead to installation of the
toilets being made compulsory in Westminster and Holyrod.
The campaign has encouraged people in the UK to write to their local MP and
bring this issue to their attention; many people did this through Mencap‟s website
during Learning Disability Week. It is hoped that MP‟s around the country will
take action and make the installation of Changing Places toilets a compulsory
part of new public building projects.
Our nearest Changing places accessible toilets are in Thurrock, Southend and
Cambridge... That‟s not good enough for the East of England. Ask Vera would
like to see one in every major town!
Find out more and see how you can get involved in campaigning for a truly
accessible toilet near you checking out:
www.changing-places.org

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Is Disability being misrepresented on TV?

By Jack Stevenson, Easy Read Assistant for Ask Vera

Nicky Clark, the mother of an actress with Asperger Syndrome has

recently launched a campaign to stop actors from “playing disabled”
Her daughter, Lizzy Clark, starred in the BBC film Dustbin Baby
(broadcast in 2008, based on Jacqueline Wilson‟s novel of the same
name). Lizzy‟s character is Poppy, who has Asperger Syndrome: just
like Lizzy herself. The BBC purposefully searched for an actress with
Asperger Syndrome to play this part . Clark auditioned for the after
Lizzy Clark her mother spotted an advert on an autism website.
Her mother Nicky believes that the disabled are not portrayed accurately when
played by people who do not suffer from any impairment related to the part.
“There are so many good, disabled actors who are ready and willing to take on
these roles”
Because of this she started the „Don‟t Play Me, Pay Me‟,
campaign in late 2009. Targets of the campaign include
setting up a forum for learning disabled actors, and "to see
disabled actors playing parts where the least interesting
thing about them is their disability."[ She also hopes that
through the campaign that disabled people will be depicted David Proud plays
more frequently in brochures and advertising material. Adam Best in
More television shows are beginning to see Nicky‟s aims Eastenders
realised. Slowly but surely, disability is being represented more by actors that
actually have the impairment their character does.
For example, David Proud who stars in Eastenders has Spina Bifida which requires
him to use a wheelchair. His character Adam Best also has the same condition.
Hopefully the campaign will put an end to actors “playing disabled” and lead to
disability being represented more positively on television in general!

Find out more about the “Don‟t Play Me, Pay Me”
campaign by going to www.dontplaymepayme.com

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Who is Vera Blogs and What Does She Do?

By Terri Sawkins, volunteer for Ask Vera

This is a question absolutely nobody has ever asked me and therefore I

thought it the perfect time and place to air my views and give a few
answers! At present I am working hard at trying to get the RNIB React
System up and working in Colchester using Ask Vera as a fantastic
baseboard. This great system is an audible signpost which is activated
by fobs held by visually impaired, print disabled or even foreign tourists!
Our belief in this project and its benefit to Colchester‟s disabled
community as well as its great tourist trade would enable freedom of
travel and guidance to many people hitherto kept at a disadvantage.
For further information on this please either contact Ask Vera direct or go to
http://www.rnib.org.uk/

I can also highly recommend the Ask Vera website as a great way to spend your tea
break, why not go to www.askvera.org and view their Services and aims or to brush
up on your knowledge of the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act). After this and
activating „ze little grey cells‟ I can (for personal reasons) fully recommend the Vera
Blogs which are aimed at being thought provoking, tantalizing and dare I say it . . .
even humorous, indeed the perfect way to end a relaxing and informative tea break
whilst looking for all the world to the boss as though you are doing something
productive! Yes fans (fanfare) . . . I am the Vera Blogger! (unless of course you don‟t
like them!) In which case I am just a poor helpless volunteer for Ask Vera with great
delusions of grandeur.

Take care guys and don‟t forget . . . when in doubt . . . Ask Vera!

Have a read of our blog: www.askvera.org/blog

Ask Vera is now also on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/askvera

You can also follow us on Twitter!

www.twitter.com/AskVera

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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The Ask Vera Easy Read Dictionary

By Lee Bone, Easy Read Assistant for Ask Vera

I want to tell you about something that me and

Stuart Peacock have been working on: it‟s called the
Ask Vera Easy Read Dictionary.
I made it because I want to help people with
learning disabilities and people who have trouble
reading the words. I am getting fed up with the
jargon and the big long words, for example I‟ve seen them in documents for
the NHS and other health services. I try and put them into Easy Read so I
try and find easier words and get rid of the
jargon.
I feel confused and a little bit annoyed when I can‟t
understand certain words. With the dictionary, we are
trying to point out the jargon and the bad words you
shouldn‟t use. The dictionary has pictures that explain
the words for people who cannot read very well.
The dictionary also has easier words that you can use
instead of the
jargon. We did the complicated words in red and the easier words in green.
We are going to keep adding to the dictionary as time goes on, and you
can look at it on the internet through Ask Vera‟s Facebook group.
Please do go online and take a look at the dictionary, we hope you‟ll find it
useful.
Just go to the Ask Vera Facebook page on www.facebook.com/askvera
and then look for the Dictionary in the „Links‟ section.
Thanks for reading, and one more thing:

Stop using jargon, and start using easier words!

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Disability Hate Crime—An unrecognised crime?

By Jack Stevenson, Easy Read Assistant

There is some debate as to how Disability Hate crime is defined,

many people simply see it as bullying or picking on others that
they see as weaker than themselves.
Many claim that it is an unrecorded problem that is much more
prevalent than we think.
Depending on the impairment, the discrimination can vary such as
a wheelchair user being accused of “faking it” disabled people can
end up being targeted like the case with David Askew.

He was targeted by youths for over 17 years and sadly died of a

heart attack in September 2009 due to the stress it caused him.
The Manchester Police made attempts to resolve the issue but
were criticised for not making a stronger response to the incident.
David Askew

3 years ago, a similar incident also

happened with Fiona Pilkington and her
daughter Francesca Hardwick, living in
Leceistershirewho were also suffering abuse
from a gang of youths.
Unfortunately they too were killed after Fiona
and her daughter committed suicide in their
car. Fiona Pilkington and Francesca Hardwick
Both of these incidents have seen police in
the UK get a lot of criticism over how they handle issues like these.

An interesting and informative Panorama special has also been aired on the BBC
around the issue of Disability Hate Crime, and is still available to watch on BBC
iPlayer.:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00qykm2/Panorama_Why_Do_You_Hate_Me/

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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What can we do about it?

Ask Vera wants more people to be aware of the suffering that

some disabled people
are forced to endure , and for abuse and bullying of disabled
people to be fully recognised as a hate crime.

The Crown Prosecution service have recently stated that they

will try and do more to help disabled people. However, hate
crimes concerning race, religion and sexuality have arguably
Simon Green, who shared
been given more attention and the police and prosecution
his experiences in the
services have been more successful in combating these
moving BBC Panorama crimes, but this is not always so in the case of disabled
special. people.

Why not come to Ask Vera’s Focus

Group to have your say about this
issue?
We are holding a focus group meeting about the issue of Disability Hate Crime on 10th
May 2010 at 1:00pm
We will have Emma Tierney from victimsupport.org talking about the issue and what
we can do about it. You will also have the chance to ask her any questions you like.
We will also have PC Simon Page from Essex Police giving a talk.

The Focus Group meeting will take place on:

Monday, 10th May 2010, 1:00pm

In the Training Room at the COLBEA Business Centre, Colchester

Please e-mail us at admin@askvera.org if you would like to attend or for more details.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Vicky Cole (Project Manager)

Hi, my name is Vicky Cole and I am the project

manager for ASK VERA.

ASK VERA wants to tackle issues for people that face barriers to
accessing services.

We believe that it‟s the people that face these obstacles that are the
experts in finding solutions to these barriers.

Much of our work involves finding solutions to accessing services and

breaking down the barriers that people face.

We are a multi skilled team of people that deliver cost- effective,

creative and meaningful ways to solve problems.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Stuart Peacock (Easy Read Coordinator)

My name is Stuart Peacock. I have been on the Ask Vera team

as an Easy Read Coordinator since November 2008.

I started my job shortly after graduating from the University of Essex with an
English Literature degree. I have always enjoyed reading, and even write a few
things of my own in my spare time (I hope to be a published author someday!)

As well as working on making information easier to read and

understand, I also support members on the team who have a
disability. I truly believe in what Ask Vera do and really hope we can make a
difference to how disabled people are seen in today‟s world.

Fiona Reynolds (Administrator)

My name is Fiona Reynolds and I joined Ask Vera as an

Administrator in October 2009.

As an administrator my role is to give secretarial support to the team and carry out
filing, typing and dealing with any assistance that is required.

Previously I have done different secretarial and administration jobs including work-
ing at an estate agents and solicitors. I have completed several courses in
Administration and Secretarial Procedures, studying at Colchester Institute and
Chelmsford College.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Phil Lee (Trainer)

My name is Phil Lee, I have a visual impairment and am a

guide dog owner. My dog‟s name is Nan.

I have had some bad experiences working for employers because of my disability.
But over time I have come out of my shell and have used my experiences to help
others.

I have also recently set up a group called “Fair Access to Colchester” which meets
up to discuss accessibility issues for disabled people in Colchester, and also to find
solutions for what we can do about it!

I have worked for the RNIB as a senior project assistant and part of my role was
being the REACT Co-ordinator. I have also worked for the NHS and was the
disability officer for the local branch of Unison and also have worked for Essex
County Council.
My hobbies are spending quality time with my family, home computing and taking
my dogs out.

Sam Sanders (Volunteer)

Hi, my name is Sam and I am a volunteer for Ask Vera.
I am here to help with the marketing of Ask Vera and to promote
our workshops.
My background is Hospital Administration but I am now trying to
gain my NVQ‟s in Healthcare so I can train to become a Mental
Health Nurse. I really want to help people who have disabilities
or high support needs.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Ben Pelham (Volunteer)

Hi my name is Ben Pelham. I am 21 years old.

I want to help more people understand about being disabled.
I also think that people should know more about the
difficulties that people face every day.

My work helps people understand more about me. I do lots of conferences

and presentations to tell others what to expect.
I feel very strongly about having information easy to read, as I cannot read words that
are too small. I need big writing please!!

I hope one day to be rich and famous. One day I also want to go to
Parliament and talk to MP‟s, and also to meet the Prime Minister at number
10 Downing Street. I also want to meet Harry Potter! (Daniel Radcliffe)

Ryan Jones (Volunteer)

I have 13 years experience of working for both the public and

voluntary sector in roles from Inclusion Worker to Service
Manager, working with people that need support.

I am an experienced trainer, person-centred planner and graphic facilitator. I am

currently working as a Personal Assistant with Brokerage functions to Ben Pelham.
Although I am not receiving support from social care, as a person with Multiple
Sclerosis I hope I can empathise with people who need support.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Colin Aldridge (Volunteer)

My name is Colin Aldridge.
I have a learning disability and can read and write, but I
struggle with hard words and small print.

I have always done my best to help other people with disabilities. I

volunteered for Royal Mencap‟s „Listening to Us‟ project and this later
became a paid job as a „Consultant Project Worker‟. I worked with other
people with a learning disability to make information easier to understand
and to help services be more focused on peoples needs.

At Ask Vera I help with putting information into Easy Read. I point out the
long and complicated words and suggest easier words that could be used
instead. It has really made me realize that there are ways of finding easier
information. It gives me something to do and something to come out for,
and I have made lots of friends.

Terri Sawkins (Volunteer)

I joined Ask Vera as a volunteer in April 2009.

I am currently collating and preparing information on the
RNIB React System for distribution to local Business and
charities in order to create interest and possible funding to
set up the system in Colchester.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Linda Canham (Admin and Secretarial)

My name is Linda and I have a secretarial

background and currently work with people with
learning disabilities.

I did a Sociology BA at Essex University and my link with „Ask Vera‟ cropped up
because I supported tenants at Ling Trust.
12 years ago I had mental health issues, however this has not stopped me finding a
job.

My hobbies are travel, reading, visiting Art Galleries, most types of music, socialising
and film.
I particularly enjoy my work at „Ask Vera‟ because disability is considered a strength
rather than a hindrance.

Glenn Chapman (Easy Read Assistant)

My name is Glenn Chapman
I like working at Ask Vera because they are a nice
friendly team to work with.

It is a change of scenery for me to be doing something different.

I have been helping Stuart with some of the Easy Read documents
on the computer. when Stuart shows me the pictures and the words
he asks me if the words are right for the document and if I
understand it.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Jack Stevenson (Easy Read Assistant)

I am Jack Stevenson and I have worked for Ask Vera since

November 2008.
This is my first job and my time here has helped me get
accustomed to a working environment.

I help with the Easy Read transcribing and with the research; I sometimes help out
with the technical side of things when required.
I enjoy working at Ask Vera as it gives me something to work for and somewhere to
go in the day.
Since joining Ask Vera, I have started 2 other jobs, one working for the Essex
County Council and another at the library in Witham which I will be starting soon.
I have several interests including computing, history (especially classical) and
Japanese culture, which I am currently studying.

Lee Bone (Easy Read Assistant)

My name is Lee Bone. I started at Ask Vera last year and I‟m
an Easy Read Assistant. I help Stuart with making Easy Read
documents.

I have now completed my travel training so I can come to work independently. It is

brilliant doing work that helps people with learning disabilities. I also go to Colchester
Institute to study, it is great going to college. I also go to Red House which is a day
centre in Tiptree. I had to make a phone call from the office, I was a bit nervous at
the start but then I practiced for a while and nailed it. I have started answering the
phone at Ask Vera too.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Darren Sewell (Volunteer Designer)

Hi my name is Darren Sewell and I joined Ask Vera in March

2009 as a volunteer designer.

I have a degree in Graphic Design and since graduating I have applied for many job
roles without success. I came across the chance to work for Ask Vera because of
my own disability and the support offered to me through Essex County Council‟s
employment support service.

In my time at Ask Vera I have designed an information pack for the Participation
Networks Forum based in Chelmsford. Working along with Stuart we aimed to
incorporate easy-read information with eye-catching design and make it easily
Accessible. Because of Ask Vera I have been given the chance to use my creative
skills, doing something to help people, to make the world a little bit better for people
with disabilities.

I hope to continue my work with Ask Vera and one day be a full-time member of the
team. Working for a project such as this has opened my eyes to the problems
people with disabilities face, and the help they can get. I want to help change things
for the better and champion what Ask Vera is aiming to achieve.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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By Victoria Riley, volunteer for Ask Vera

Hello my name is Victoria Riley, I am 42 years old and I live

in Colchester I have lots of friends and like going on days
out. I love going to places like the beach at Brightlingsea
and Colchester Zoo with my friends and my helpers.

In my spare time I also like to watch the news to know what

is going on in the world. I like other programmes on TV
too, like Doctor Who, Eastenders and Emmerdale. I like
acting too and have been in a few plays. I also enjoy
reading and writing, and write a lot of my own poetry and stories.
I started volunteering at Ask Vera in March 2010.

I have helped Stuart a lot with the Easy Read documents and finding
easier words to use instead of complicated ones. I also helped put
together a folder with all of Ask Vera‟s easy read work in it.
I have also done some work at the Wilson Marriage Centre, which is
an adult community college in Colchester . I had to answer the phone
and use the printer. I want to start doing this at Ask Vera too.
I love coming to Ask Vera, because I was excited to have a job in an
Office, and I really like the people here.
I hope you have enjoyed reading the newsletter!

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010

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Ask Vera Workshops

and Training

For training from Ask Vera, you can come to us, or we can come to you!
We hold regular workshop events at our centre but we also offer in-house
training if you would like the team to come to you!

We can offer training for many things Get in touch with us now
including: to find out more!
 Making information more accessible
01206 769477
 How to make reasonable adjustments to
better accommodate disabled people
 Get a better understanding of legislation www.askvera.org
such as the Disability Discrimination Act
 Attitudes towards disability and models of admin@askvera.org
disability.

Ask Vera Newsletter— April 2010