Page 11 - Issue 112 May-June 2021

SEN news M&S try out autism- friendly shopping The Worcester branch of Marks & Spencer recently held a sensory-friendly hour for customers with autism who may find busy shopping environments overwhelming. Advised by Dimensions UK, the store made a number of adjustments, including dimmed store lighting, no music, phones on silent, tills not being rung, and any fragrances or smells being minimised. M&S staff were also advised on how to minimise sensory overload for customers, including by refraining from moving stock around during the hour and being on hand to open extra tills so as to shorten queues. Shopping can be a challenging experience for people living with autism, who may become overstimulated by the noise, bright lights, and strong smells of the retail environment. Supporting the wellbeing of dads of disabled children A group of Coventry and Warwickshire dads have created a set of online videos to help fathers of disabled children be the best dads that they can be. The dads worked with Emma Langley, a family researcher at the University of Warwick, to capture their experiences and create a resource aimed at supporting the wellbeing of other fathers raising a disabled child. In the videos the dads speak openly about their lives, including their initial reactions to first being told their child had disabilities, and how they felt about having to change their expectations of family life. They share their tips on adapting parenting skills to support a child with additional needs and were keen to speak about the positive experiences they have enjoyed with their children. Dr Langley said: “We know from research that parents of disabled children are more likely to experience high levels of stress, often linked to lack of support. But fathers of disabled children are rarely involved in research into family wellbeing, which means that we know little about their experiences and the kinds of support that would be helpful. So we very much hope that these resources will help other dads to feel more supported and to explore ways to look after their own health as well as their children’s.” More information, including links to the videos on YouTube, can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/cedar/familyresearch/ fatheradvisorygroup join us on facebook.com/senmagazine Muscular dystrophy survey Muscular Dystrophy UK has launched a survey for users of Changing Places toilets, in what is the biggest consultation to date for those who need these specialist facilities. MDUK co-chairs the Changing Places Consortium and campaigns for the 250,000 people across the UK who cannot use standard accessible toilets. Changing Places toilets differ from standard accessible toilets, in that they’re more spacious and include a hoist and a changing bench, making it easier for people with severe disabilities to use public toilets. Local authorities are being invited to opt in to receive a proportion of the available funding. Lockdown may be easing, but many disabled people and carers are no closer to freedom As lockdown eases it would be easy to forget that there are many people across the country unable to participate in the general sense of relief. Respite care providers Revitalise know that the pandemic has hit disabled people and their carers particularly hard, and many are forced to continue isolating having struggled greatly during lockdown. A survey from the Disability Benefits Consortium revealed that two thirds have gone without food, heat and medication. Revitalise have been taking calls from disabled people and carers in desperate situations, some talking of self-harm, an inability to cope, and even suicide. Many carers have been providing round the clock care, without any form of break, for almost a year. 11 senmagazine.co.uk SEN112