UK Accessible Travel

For disabled people wishing to travel around the UK, there's some fantastic resources at the Thurrock POINT blog. These include the brilliant Traveline, Changing Places, Direct Enquiries and some top inclusive communication links.

Universal Sling

A while back I had a grumble about the lack of hoisting standard in the UK, somewhat hindering the accessibility of public changing places, and hoists in general.

From that post, Alastair Gibbs of TPG DisableAids Ltd kindly sent me information of a part-solution. The Minivator sling loop converter set (pictured top - code MVS174) threads through the loops of Oxford compatible slings, enabling use on Arjo style 'clip' carry bar or tilting frame hoists. They come as a set of four and retail at £19.80 + VAT + £3.95 p&p.

I've been told by someone in the know that the ratio of hoists out in public use are around 90% Oxford style to 10% Arjo. I suggest that Arjo would be doing the right thing by phasing out their system with a dual-hook up method. Wish they'd consider that a "reasonable adjustment" for the overall benefits it would bring.

Arjo vs. Oxford Hoists = Annoying and Disabling

In the UK at least, there are two different and incompatible systems for hoisting people in and out of their wheelchairs. This is immensely frustrating for people wanting to use public facilities such as swimming pools and Changing Places accessible toilets. I think it stinks that Oxford (owned by Joerns Healthcare) and Arjo have been building hoisting solutions for 50+ years and neither have found a solution to this problem for people. Business getting in the way of what is right?