Category: Disability

#health, Back Pain, CHRONIC PAIN, Disability, Disability Benefits, FIBROMYALGIA, HEALTH

GET THE DISABILITY BENEFITS WHICH ARE RIGHTFULLY YOURS…

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As we all know over the past few years there have been substantial changes to the benefits and support available to disabled people in the UK and their carers. Keeping up with what is rightfully yours can be a bit of a minefield and if you don’t make a claim you won’t get the benefit.

Which benefit to claim for is also difficult especially as there are so many to choose from. In fact, according to the Money Magpie website, there are at least 15 disability benefits available.

Another great website for all benefits details is Scope which also has support and information and an online community which they say ‘is a place where disabled people, parents, carers and those who work with disabled children and adults can come to discuss all topics relating to disability. You can ask questions, share your experiences and get much needed support with any issues you currently face.’

One particular inspiring article which was shared in the community section was from Janet Richards the President of Wheels and Wheelchairs, a charity which takes wheelchair users rollerskating. Their support and information section is ideal for anyone whether you, your child or those you work with have a physical impairment, learning disability or any other condition, information is there for you on the website.

 

The Money Saving Expert has an excellent calculator which will only take 10 mins to calculate what you are entitled to. Another website The Money Advice Service has a great article on Benefit Changes in the UK.

A recent article in the Independent Newspaper states that 70,000 disabled people are owed thousands in benefits due to government error, and some they say will never be paid back. They say ‘the DWP will pay £340m back in underpayments, but estimates there may be up to £150m more which cannot be paid back because arrears will only be accounted for as far back as 21 October 2014, the date of a legal tribunal ruling.’

 

Back Pain, CHRONIC PAIN, Diet and Weight Loss, Disability, FIBROMYALGIA, HEALTH, pain

STAYING INDEPENDENT WITH REDUCED MOBILITY…

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When you suffer from an injury or a long-term illness which leaves you less mobile, it can feel as if you are losing your independence and your ability to do what you want in life. Not being able to move as you used to can put a strain on your relationships and even leave you feeling introverted and shy. However, there are ways you can still feel happy and confident even if you are unable to move in the same way.

Get Moving

Although the single most prominent issue with being disabled is the struggle to move around, it does not mean that you should give up the idea of staying fit and healthy completely. With initiatives such as the Blue Badge Mobility Hire you can still go out alone and have the chance to live your life as you did before. Sure, you won’t necessarily be able to lift many weights in the gym anymore, but you can find different forms of activity to keep you fit. For example, you can take the time every weekend to go out into the countryside for a walk. You might not be able to walk too far, but it will still give you some fresh air and strengthen your muscles.

Use Water

The beauty of water is that it allows you to move around without putting that extra strain on your muscles. If you cannot leave weight on your hips or your knees, aqua aerobics could be the perfect way to keep fit and strengthen your muscles. It can allow you to stay fit, strong and have fun without hurting yourself. It is not too physically demanding for you and will always be available to you at your local pool. You can even ask your GP to refer you to an aquatic trainer.

Stretching and Dancing

Sometimes feeling independent and in control of your own life is more than just physical, it can also be mental. It has been proven that exercises like Yoga and dancing can be great for confidence building and for the soul. If you are having a difficult week and you aren’t sure what to do, you can go dancing and have some fun while meeting new friends, or perform gentle stretches and clear your mind. It is important to remember to take time out for yourself during the week because it will make you feel more in control. It will allow you to focus on your health and happiness, and in turn, you will feel more independent.

Eat Well

Remember that what you put into your body will have an effect on your health and how you feel moving around, it is simple science and means that if you do struggle to move around, you must take a little more care to add foods into your diet which will keep your joints healthy. For example oily fish contain amazing oils which will help keep your muscles lubricated and aid movement, so by eating at least one portion of oily fish a week, you will gain more independence.

#blog award, #Spoonie, Back Pain, CHRONIC PAIN, Disability, FIBROMYALGIA, HEALTH, pain

HIRING DISABLED WORKERS AS REMOTE EMPLOYEES…

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This is an amazing infographic from Distant Job on the topic of “Hiring Disabled Workers as Remote Employees” for the purpose of breaking the mold traditional recruitment and emphasizing the importance of participation of disabled people in the workplace.

If you can’t read the infographic you will be surprised by some of the statements which say that Technology innovations have removed the barriers for the disabled participation in the workforce. 81% of workers with disabilities would like to telecommute, at least part-time. 17% need to telecommute because of disability.

Workers with disabilities stay in their jobs longer and have fewer absences. Workers with disabilities telecommute because 37.1% are given permission by their employer, 21% say the office is far from home and 17.1% say because of the accommodation for their disability.

Remote workers find it easier as there are ways to cope with their disability like they can take a walk around without disturbing others if say they are suffering from back pain. People with social anxiety problems by using chat and email. and other chronic conditions like ADHD and IBS are treated much better remotely.

For more information and details on Hiring Disabled Workers as Remote Employees take a look at the Distant Job website.