Radio package produced for BBC Radio Lancashire looking at the impact which fasting has on students, especially those preparing for or taking exams
Monday, 6 June 2016
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Tuesday, 24 May 2016
TheBlindJournalist: Penny Coin Future
Your glovebox, at the back of the sofa and in your grandmas house… These are all places you’re likely to find the forgotten about one penny coin.You’ve probably forgotten about it thanks to inflation because the 1p coin is now worth less than the 1/2p was when it was abolished in 1984.
Although there are no plans to phase out the penny, our reporter Mohammed Salim Patel went out to explore if people think it should be.
Although there are no plans to phase out the penny, our reporter Mohammed Salim Patel went out to explore if people think it should be.
Saturday, 23 January 2016
TheBlindJournalist: A Dogged Campaign For A Doggy Cause
A Dogged Campaign For A Doggy Cause
TheBlindJournalist reports from Herefordshire.
Blind man seeks legal change to involve police in guide dog access issues.
Stephen Anderson BA, 25, a politics graduate from Harrow has launched a campaign, in the form of an online petition, to improve legal protection for guide dogs and other service dogs.
Pending the success of the campaign, Stephen hopes to give the police the powers to instantly sanction businesses, buildings and taxi companies/ddrivers whom do not provide access to guide dogs and their owners.
Although, the current legislative provision works in theory, the practice is very different. As seen by a recent report carried out by the Guide Dogs Organisation, which stated that three quarters of all guide dog owners have been denied access somewhere.
Mr. Anderson BA feels that the government should implement the example of countries like France and the Republic of Ireland.
Stephen was galvanised to take action after continuously coming across incidents of guide dogs being refused at point blank.
Stephen said:
"If you go onto Google or YouTube and search ‘guide dog refused’, the numbers are pretty constant and all follow a similar pattern – bouncers and/or business owners claim that they didn’t know guide dogs had to be allowed in. If the police were involved, nobody would dare try their luck."
Other countries like the Republic of Ireland and France have made this simple change and in both countries guide dog owners have seen a real difference.
People who experience discrimination can currently take those who refuse a service dog to county court under the Equality Act, often at their own expense, which can be a long and stressful process.
Mr. Anderson wants the police to become involved when a guide dog owner is denied access to a public place or business, issuing on the spot fines which rise for repeat offences.
"If I could have one hope for this campaign it is to shine a light on the constant discrimination that guide dog owners face on a daily basis. The status quo doesn’t work and the Equality Act doesn’t do what it says on the tin. It’s time to make a simple legislative change to give blind and partially sighted people more piece of mind when going outside, trying to live life like everyone else. Parliament has nothing to lose by making this change, but we have so much to gain from it." furthered Stephen.
The petition is published on HM Government’s petition website and can be signed here - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/119134
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
TheBlindJournalist: Letter To My MP
Dear Ms Hollern.
My name is Mohammed Salim Patel. I am a 21-year-old, Blind journalist from Blackburn and have interviewed Mr Jack Straw in the past.
I am writing to you today because Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are designed to make a contribution towards the extra costs caused by long term health conditions and disabilities. They are very important to blind and partially sighted people who face a wide range of additional daily living costs. These include, for example, payments to a reader, higher food bills due to difficulties cooking, higher heating costs, the cost of house cleaning and maintenance and the purchase of a wide range of aids and appliances. The help provided by DLA and PIP towards these additional costs makes a real difference to people's independence and quality of life.
Unfortunately this looks set to change. The proposals in the current DWP Consultation on PIP eligibility, if implemented, would mean a dramatic reduction in the amount of help provided or, in some cases, no help at all.
The DWP’s consultation is specifically seeking views on whether to make changes to the current policy on aids and appliances, in the context of the PIP daily living component. If any one of the five proposals go through it will put at risk the support blind and partially sighted people receive to tackle the additional costs faced as a result of their disability.
To make matters worse, the loss of PIP could impact on entitlement to other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance or benefits that have premiums if you get PIP.
This cannot be right. I am writing to ask you to contact the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to ask him to re-examine the proposals in light of this significant impact on blind people. The consultation (Cm 9171) closes on 29 January.
I rely heavily on these components of benefit and my independence and quality of life would be taken Away if legislation was to change. As you are my MP I urge you to please do something about this and contact Mr Smith.
Thanking you in advance
Kindest Regards:
TheBlindJournalist
Mohammed Salim Patel
theblindjournalist.blogspot.co.uk
My name is Mohammed Salim Patel. I am a 21-year-old, Blind journalist from Blackburn and have interviewed Mr Jack Straw in the past.
I am writing to you today because Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are designed to make a contribution towards the extra costs caused by long term health conditions and disabilities. They are very important to blind and partially sighted people who face a wide range of additional daily living costs. These include, for example, payments to a reader, higher food bills due to difficulties cooking, higher heating costs, the cost of house cleaning and maintenance and the purchase of a wide range of aids and appliances. The help provided by DLA and PIP towards these additional costs makes a real difference to people's independence and quality of life.
Unfortunately this looks set to change. The proposals in the current DWP Consultation on PIP eligibility, if implemented, would mean a dramatic reduction in the amount of help provided or, in some cases, no help at all.
The DWP’s consultation is specifically seeking views on whether to make changes to the current policy on aids and appliances, in the context of the PIP daily living component. If any one of the five proposals go through it will put at risk the support blind and partially sighted people receive to tackle the additional costs faced as a result of their disability.
To make matters worse, the loss of PIP could impact on entitlement to other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance or benefits that have premiums if you get PIP.
This cannot be right. I am writing to ask you to contact the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to ask him to re-examine the proposals in light of this significant impact on blind people. The consultation (Cm 9171) closes on 29 January.
I rely heavily on these components of benefit and my independence and quality of life would be taken Away if legislation was to change. As you are my MP I urge you to please do something about this and contact Mr Smith.
Thanking you in advance
Kindest Regards:
TheBlindJournalist
Mohammed Salim Patel
theblindjournalist.blogspot.co.uk
Tuesday, 20 October 2015
TheBlindJournalist: Seable Disabled Holidays - Active Accessible Holidays
Seable Disabled Holidays – Accessible Active Holidays.
TheBlindJournalist reports from Sicily.
In 2011 an Italian man set up an organisation which would go on to change the lives of all its users.
Damiano La Rocca, 29, from Catanya, Italy came up with the idea to provide accessible active holidays, to those with physical or sensorial disabilities, because he wanted to fulfil a life-long dream.
Damiano said:
“My Dad is a scuba-diving instructor. He taught me that in life, you have to accept the challenge. It was that sentiment that drove me to set up Seable Disabled Holidays. Seable is an award winning social enterprise organising accessible and active holidays for individuals, couples, families and small groups. We enable people with limited mobility, impaired vision or deafness to easily participate in life-changing experiences through sporting, cultural and gastronomic activities in new and interesting destinations.
Our holidays are tailored for each person and we guarantee a stress-free booking process while providing local knowledge that you need in order to enjoy the holiday to the fullest.”
Rosie Johnston, 27, a blind lady from Epson, London said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday in Sicily. It was a fantastic experience. The Seable staff were very helpful, friendly and informative. I will definitely go on a holiday with Seable again and highly recommend them.”
One of Damiano’s visions was to work with various organisations.
Damiano furthered:
“We collaborate with local and international charities to guarantee the maximum level of knowledge and experience. Our partners, aim to make a difference in the world by catering exclusively for people with disabilities. “
One charity that Seable work with on a regular base is VICTA, who are based in Milton Keens, England.
Mohammed Salim Patel, 21, a blind man From Blackburn, Lancashire said:
“I cannot put into words how good the service is provided by Seable Disabled Holidays. I went to Sicily with them, and VICTA, in October 2015 and I was extremely satisfied with the five star service that was provided. Damiano and his staff ensured I was completely comfortable at all times. Damiano went out of his way on many occasions to help me and meet my requirements. Seable Disabled Holidays are always prepared to Taylor your holiday to suit you and your needs. All the staff are very friendly and understanding. You do not feel as if you're disabled because they make sure you are treated as normal and that you get to do what you want. They will fulfil any dietary or religious requirements you have and do everything in their power to make sure you have the best time with no stress. I recommend Seable Disabled Holidays highly. Every excursion that is offered is worth every penny and provides the most authentic experience possible that you wouldn’t get through any other travel agency or tour operator.”
Although Seable has only been running for a few years, the organisation has achieved a lot. Seable has a portfolio of achievement that includes two Guinness World Records. Both were in deep-sea diving. The first was in 2007 when a Paraplegic man reached 59 metres underwater. The second was in 2009 when a blind girl reached 41 metres underwater.
On this topic, Damiano said:
“Our aim is to improve confidence and skills for life, challenging perceptions of disabilities and blindness. Our emphasis is always on high quality, multi-sensory experiences.”
Aside from scuba-diving, 4x4 off road driving, going to the top of Europe’s highest active volcano; Mount Etna, Mediterranean olive oil making and tactile museum visits; Seable have a whole list of activities they offer, all of which are completely accessible and competitively priced.
To find out more about Seable Disabled Holidays, visit their website on:
http://seable.co.uk/
For more information about VICTA and what they provide, visit:
http://www.victa.org.uk/
To learn more about, and view more work of TheBlindJournalist, visit:
http://theblindjournalist.blogspot.co.uk/
TheBlindJournalist reports from Sicily.
In 2011 an Italian man set up an organisation which would go on to change the lives of all its users.
Damiano La Rocca, 29, from Catanya, Italy came up with the idea to provide accessible active holidays, to those with physical or sensorial disabilities, because he wanted to fulfil a life-long dream.
Damiano said:
“My Dad is a scuba-diving instructor. He taught me that in life, you have to accept the challenge. It was that sentiment that drove me to set up Seable Disabled Holidays. Seable is an award winning social enterprise organising accessible and active holidays for individuals, couples, families and small groups. We enable people with limited mobility, impaired vision or deafness to easily participate in life-changing experiences through sporting, cultural and gastronomic activities in new and interesting destinations.
Our holidays are tailored for each person and we guarantee a stress-free booking process while providing local knowledge that you need in order to enjoy the holiday to the fullest.”
Rosie Johnston, 27, a blind lady from Epson, London said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday in Sicily. It was a fantastic experience. The Seable staff were very helpful, friendly and informative. I will definitely go on a holiday with Seable again and highly recommend them.”
One of Damiano’s visions was to work with various organisations.
Damiano furthered:
“We collaborate with local and international charities to guarantee the maximum level of knowledge and experience. Our partners, aim to make a difference in the world by catering exclusively for people with disabilities. “
One charity that Seable work with on a regular base is VICTA, who are based in Milton Keens, England.
Mohammed Salim Patel, 21, a blind man From Blackburn, Lancashire said:
“I cannot put into words how good the service is provided by Seable Disabled Holidays. I went to Sicily with them, and VICTA, in October 2015 and I was extremely satisfied with the five star service that was provided. Damiano and his staff ensured I was completely comfortable at all times. Damiano went out of his way on many occasions to help me and meet my requirements. Seable Disabled Holidays are always prepared to Taylor your holiday to suit you and your needs. All the staff are very friendly and understanding. You do not feel as if you're disabled because they make sure you are treated as normal and that you get to do what you want. They will fulfil any dietary or religious requirements you have and do everything in their power to make sure you have the best time with no stress. I recommend Seable Disabled Holidays highly. Every excursion that is offered is worth every penny and provides the most authentic experience possible that you wouldn’t get through any other travel agency or tour operator.”
Although Seable has only been running for a few years, the organisation has achieved a lot. Seable has a portfolio of achievement that includes two Guinness World Records. Both were in deep-sea diving. The first was in 2007 when a Paraplegic man reached 59 metres underwater. The second was in 2009 when a blind girl reached 41 metres underwater.
On this topic, Damiano said:
“Our aim is to improve confidence and skills for life, challenging perceptions of disabilities and blindness. Our emphasis is always on high quality, multi-sensory experiences.”
Aside from scuba-diving, 4x4 off road driving, going to the top of Europe’s highest active volcano; Mount Etna, Mediterranean olive oil making and tactile museum visits; Seable have a whole list of activities they offer, all of which are completely accessible and competitively priced.
To find out more about Seable Disabled Holidays, visit their website on:
http://seable.co.uk/
For more information about VICTA and what they provide, visit:
http://www.victa.org.uk/
To learn more about, and view more work of TheBlindJournalist, visit:
http://theblindjournalist.blogspot.co.uk/
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