Sesame Access are not only a disabled access lift manufacturer but we are also advocates for an accessible and inclusive society. We create products which change peoples lives and ensure they can access the buildings and places they WANT to go to and not just because it is accessible.

The news stories below demonstrate the struggles and obstacles the disability community face everyday. Raising awareness is essential to combat the issues and make a change. Educating society on these problems is the least we can do and implementing products which benefit the lives of wheelchair users is our passion.

Tokyo Paralympics: The lowdown on being disabled in Japan

Tokyo is a fast-paced city full of high rise buildings and a public transport system to envy. Some people call it futuristic - but how does the home of the delayed 2020 Paralympics shape-up for disabled people? We talk to three disabled residents to get the lowdown.

Moon Rider

Mizuki Hsu, 35, calls herself a moon rider, a term she coined to represent adventurous wheelchair-users who like to travel and explore.

While she says cities are busy and reasonably accessible she finds people in the country have more time to stop and help if she needs a hand.

Japan has focused on creating a "barrier-free" country for disabled people since it was awarded the Games in 2013.

But Mizuki believes stigma is still a problem. "I feel it's very common that people gaze at me in public and some strangers tell me how pitiful I am.

"Inclusion of people within the community still has a long way to go."

Full article here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/dis...

Social care charges: Disabled and vulnerable adults hit by steep rises

Disabled and vulnerable adults in England are being hit by a steep rise in the amount they have to pay towards their care, BBC News research reveals.

Some adults with learning disabilities are paying thousands of pounds extra a year, with six councils doubling the amount of money collected in charges.

In half of 83 areas that responded to a BBC request, bills across all users have risen at least 10% over two years.

Directors of council care services blame years of government funding cuts.

Really upset

Saskia Granville was shocked when, earlier this year, her care charges increased more than 400% - from £92 to £515 a month.

She has a learning disability and lives in supported accommodation in Worthing, West Sussex, but fears the charges will curtail her independence.

"When Mum told me, she just burst out into tears," Saskia says.

"It makes me really upset."

Full article here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-...

Carlisle coach Paul Allen to launch disability coaching plan

A Carlisle father-of-four who turned his life around and set up a disability football team for his son, who has cerebral palsy, is hoping to launch a football coach training programme for people with disabilities.

Paul Allen, who set up Carlisle Reivers Inclusive Football with the help of the Cumberland FA, is now waiting to be given the green light by the FA to launch the new football coaching programme.

Four iPads and a Mac Book have already been secured with £2,021 from the ClubsInCrisis Fund to support the programme should it go ahead.

Full article here https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/...

Attendance Allowance to be replaced by new disability payment with no face-to-face assessments

The Pension Age Disability Payment is a new benefit that will be delivered by Social Security Scotland and eventually replace Attendance Allowance for Scottish claimants.

The new benefit will support older people, of State Pension age, who have a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe. The Scottish Government plans to launch a number of new payments in the future to replace existing UK Government benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.

Full article here https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/...

Should Long Covid be recognised as a disability?

A teacher is calling for Long Covid to be classified as a disability after fearing that her job could become at risk if she needs more time off work.

Heather Jones, from Clifton, contracted Covid-19 in November 2020 but, four weeks after testing positive, she began to develop other symptoms including extreme fatigue and confusion.

At its height she often struggled to walk, and even forgot she had siblings or friends.

Full article here https://www.itv.com/news/grana...

Disclaimer- We do not own/write any of these article extracts, we are simply sharing to our audience in order to raise awareness and increase coverage. Credit is always given.