Tel: 01473 836777
Fax: 01473 836778
Textphone: 01473 836779
Email enquiries@optua.org.uk
Tel: 01473 836777
Fax: 01473 836778
Textphone: 01473 836779
Email enquiries@optua.org.uk
Optua Annual Conference Report 2007
You can now download a report from last year's Annual Conference here.
'Is anyone really listening?' That's the question which was asked at our Annual Conference on 1st November 2007 at the Holiday Inn at Ransomes Europark in Ipswich.
This year's conference followed on from last year's which had the theme of 'Independence, Well-being and Choice - Pigs might fly!', and looked at the impact of funding cuts to the key services which disabled people rely on. The focus this year was on whether disabled people are asked what they think about changes to these services and the way in which they are delivered, and whether they are really listened to and given the opportunity to give their point of view on such issues as the choice and control they have over their lives.
Around 100 people came along to hear a series of presentations and take part in workshops to discuss the issues raised. The key speakers at the conference, all of whom are disabled themselves, were Anne Pridmore, Chair of the UK Disabled People's Council and Sue Bott, the Director of the National Centre for Independent Living, local elite disabled athlete Brian Alldis and two other disabled people, speaking about their personal experiences of choice and control.
Colin Poole, Chief Executive of Optua, said: "We had very good speakers at our conference who all gave their different accounts and experiences. It's clear that it's hard work making sure the views of disabled people are listened to by the Government, local authorities and society in general, but it's also clear that disabled people achieve a great deal if their views are listened to and they are given choice and control over their lives. We heard a very inspiring presentation from Brian Alldis who is a local disabled athlete hoping to reach the very top of his sport. Brian is an example of someone who has been able to demonstrate exceptional ability because the opportunity was there and he took it. How many other disabled people could also achieve their own personal goals if they are listened to?"
The full report from the conference will be made available in the near future. To request a copy please call Optua on 01473 836777.
The speakers at the confernece were:
In November 2006 we held our 20th Annual Conference to discuss the impact of funding cuts by Suffolk County Council and health organisations in the county on the lives of disabled people.
For more information click here.
You can download a pdf report of the event here.
Give us a break! Annual Disability Conference in Ipswich
In 2005 Optua and the Central Suffolk Locality Network for Physical and Sensory Disabilities held their annual conference on Thursday 3 November. "Give Us a Break!" was the theme and the key message to come from the conference which was held to raise the profile of respite care provision for people with physical and sensory disabilities and their family carers. It also aimed to identify the gaps in provision and consider what sort of services are needed.
The conference was attended by over 100 people, including disabled people, their family carers and representatives from voluntary organisations, Primary Care Trusts and Suffolk County Council.
The conference discussed the need for more choice and flexibility in the availability of both short breaks and longer term care. A morning of key speakers was followed by workshops in the afternoon to discuss the issues and to give people the opportunity to tell those who provide respite care what they thought needed to change.
Linda Hoggarth, Chairman of Optua, said: "We chose respite care as the theme of this year's conference as we know its availability and appropriateness are issues for many family carers and the disabled people they care for. It's vital that the family carers of severely disabled people have regular planned breaks from their caring responsibilities, whether it is to have a week away or simply be able to go to the hairdresser's, shopping or take up a computer course."
"Respite care needs to be a positive experience for both the carer and the cared-for person. Many disabled people and family carers attended this conference and a number of recommendations were agreed which will influence the future provision of respite care in Suffolk."
The main recommendations drawn from the conference were:
1. Services divided into defined age groups rather than disability
2. Facilities that are not fully accessible to all people with physical and sensory disabilities
3. A lack of understanding of the needs of people with physical disabilities and their family carers
4. A lack of timely and accurate information
5. Transport difficulties
6. Insufficient resources being made available for services which provide flexible breaks, i.e. Optua Leisure, Mid Suffolk Axis, Joint Fund administered by Primary Care Trusts.
7. A lack of ongoing and regular support for people with physical and sensory disabilities and their family carers to avoid crisis situations.
Speakers at the conference included:
Alex Winterbone, Independent Living Services Manager of East Suffolk Primary Care Trusts; Nicky McGreavy, Specialist Nurse at Suffolk West Primary Care Trust; Fiona Knott, Carer's Project Officer at Suffolk County Council; Jacqui Martin, Chief Executive of Suffolk Carers and Stephen Springer, General Manager of Grooms Holidays who are providers of accessible holidays.
