The Survivor Newsletter: Spring 2006

AGM PROGRAMME
“CREATING NEW HORIZONS FOR POLIO SURVIVORS”

Date: Saturday 13th May 2006
Location: Clarion Hotel, Lapps Quay, Cork.

Programme:

11:30 hrs. Prayers of Remembrance and Thanksgiving
14:00 hrs. Annual General Meeting
15:00 hrs. Presentation: – Dr. Brian Sweeney, Consultant Neurologist
16:00 hrs. Tea Break
16:30 hrs. Presentation: Disability in Architecture – Ms. Fionnuala Rogerson, Architect
17:30 hrs. Concludes

The Post Polio Support Group is holding its Annual General Meeting, on Saturday 13th May in the Clarion Hotel, Lapps Quay, Cork. It is being held in Cork as the Group’s contribution to mark the 50th anniversary of the major Polio epidemic, which particularly affected Cork city and county in 1956. An opportunity will be provided for a short while in the morning to reflect on the past and remember those who are not still with us, as well as giving thanks to those who have assisted Polio Survivors throughout the last 50 years.

In the afternoon, the theme will be "CREATING NEW HORIZONS FOR POLIO SURVIVORS" and will include forward-looking, expert treatment of issues, which are of current interest. The first talk will be given by Mr. Brian Sweeney, Consultant Neurologist, and the second will be by Fionuala Rogerson, an architect with experience of house design with disabled living in mind. the full programme is set out on the front page of this newsletter.

The Clarion Hotel is extremely comfortable and wheelchair friendly. Instead of offering a travel subsidy to the AGM, this year The Post Polio Support Group can offer members and accompanying family/friends the following very reasonable subsidised rates at the hotel:

Double/twin room for 2 nights with dinner on one night (for two persons) €150
Single Room for 2 nights with dinner on one night €100
Double or single room for one night (dinner not included) €50

There is a very good Spa and swimming pool in the hotel, which is available free of charge to residents.

The hotel is in the centre of Cork city and is 10 minutes walk from the railway station. Car parking is provided at the hotel and is available free of charge to residents only.

There is a regular train service from Dublin/Cork, and members travelling from the North and the West, can pick up the train at Castlerea.

So please do come and join us in the southern capital for what is shaping up to be a most enjoyable weekend. If you wish to book accommodation, please do so by filling in the booking form below and send it to the PPSG office as soon as possible, as we need to have some idea of room numbers.

NEWS UPDATE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Moving Forward

Photo of Jim The Group’s increased funding made it necessary for many changes, and we are no longer a small voluntary organisation, but are now classed in the category of a Small Business Enterprise. As the Health Services Executive (HSE) now provides the majority of our funding, it is incumbent on us to be fully accountable.

This has meant the introduction of new systems and procedures are necessary and the review and revision of existing ones as required. This is, an extremely difficult and pressurised task as most of the funding did not arrive until the second half of the year.

The Chief Executive, Eamonn, and Services & Information Co-ordinator, Karen, have been in place for some six months, and together with Ursula, our bookkeeper/admin assistant, the Group is extremely lucky to have such a dedicated team.

Joan Bradley, in her role as Funding Allocations Committee (FAC) Chair, has worked tirelessly with the team in the allocation of our Services and Aids & Appliances funding. All are to be congratulated on a job well done.

Thankfully, we have been able to assist many more of our members in 2005 and will continue to do so in years to come.

Our Annual Questionnaire, a very important tool in the work of our Group, has been circulated. The importance to each individual member, and to the overall work of our Group of returning this questionnaire, cannot be overstated.

It greatly assists us in allocating our resources equitably and to the members most in need. It also allows us to petition Government and the HSE for continued funding, as well as extra money the Group requires to continue its work in meeting members needs.

Our Information & Awareness project was agreed by the HSE. We have already completed a nationwide distribution of our Leaflet & Poster to all General Hospitals, HSE Health Centres and around 800 GPs surgeries.

A writing team of volunteer professionals has been brought together to compile a publication on the Late Effects of Polio. This will be suitable for circulation to medical professionals on whom Polio Survivors rely for care. Following completion of this publication, and using its content, we will examine other projects in this area.

Most of our Social Support groups are having a rest over the winter.

Some had Christmas outings, which by all accounts were a great success. Thanks are due to the Social Support Committee and the dedicated Convenors for their work regarding these meetings. Fundraising, overseen by Hugh Hamilton has continued, concentrating mainly on Mini Marathons and Christmas Cards. The Mini Marathons were well supported and thanks are due to Ann and Vanessa, Evelyn, Noel and Tom and all who participated or helped, and to all those who sponsored runners or took part. The income from any fundraising efforts is very important for the Group, as this can be used for any Services etc. not covered under HSE regulations.

Many Polio Survivors throughout Ireland will have been saddened by news of the death of John Boyd Dunlop towards the end of last year. Those who were fortunate enough to come under his care know that they benefited from his extremely competent orthopaedic expertise. He was working with those who contracted paralytic polio in what was then an evolving discipline and he showed himself an inspirational leader to his surgical colleagues and all

those in the medical teams who cared for polio patients. Above all he showed a kindness to children and young adults whose treatment and rehabilitation was an overriding concern for him. I am sure that I can offer the condolence of all in the Group to his wife and family.

As stated elsewhere in edition of “The Survivor”, our Annual General Meeting is on Saturday 13th May next.

It will be held in the Clarion Hotel, in the centre of Cork city. This is the 50th Anniversary of Ireland's largest Polio epidemic in Cork in 1956; we intend to make it a special occasion to remember. I would encourage all members who possibly can attend, to do so, be enlightened by the invited speakers, and enjoy, what promises to be, the social occasion of the Group’s year.

Hope to see you there!

Jim.

Photo of Paula Lahiff Hello Everyone

There is so much to fit into this newsletter I am having difficulty in finding room. I am grateful for the assistance of Karen in it’s compilation and also Peter for his help in the design and layout.

Wasn’t Jim just marvellous on the “Would You Believe” programme? (See page 15). Plans for the AGM in Cork on 13th May are wel in hand (see left). We have great news re funding for our Ring Ring – Phone Project (see page 15), and we also have an article on budget changes which would affect our members (see pages 6&7). Karen gives us some interesting information on Disabled Parking (see page 12), and also the Disabled Persons House Grant (pages 10&11). I was saddened to hear of the death of John Boyd Dunlop in December at the great age of 92. (see page 14), and if you have any memories of him, please send them in to us and we will print them in the next edition. Have a good read!

PAULA LAHIFF
EDITOR

FUND-RAISING NEWS...

The Fundraising Committee would like to thank all our members, their families and friends for their help and generosity with our achievements in 2005. We will, with your support, be able to continue to raise much-needed funds in 2006 for the benefit of our members.

Thank you for your support with our successful recent Christmas card campaign and to those members who helped with the selling of our cards and with cash collections at various shopping centres and other outlets around the country over the past few months. In particular in this connection, the Fundraising Committee wishes to accord special thanks to Evelyn Wainwright for a busy and successful fundraising campaign at various Shopping Centres in Cork, to all those who helped her and to the management and staff of the Shopping Centres concerned, namely, Douglas Court S.C., Centra Tower in Blarney, Super Valu in Togher, Blackpool S.C., Supervalu in Glanmire and Ballyvolane S.C.

Evelyn is already planning cash collections in Cork this year and hopes to have such a collection on 13th April (Holy Thursday) and 15th April (Easter Saturday) at Ballincollig Shopping Centre. If you, family members or friends can help with this collection details can be had from Evelyn at phone nos. 021 4847313 or 086 8829267 or email evelyn99911@hotmail.com

The Fundraising Committee wishes to thank Tom Clifford for his hard work in relation to our participation in the Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon on 9 October last and to all who took part and contributed sponsorship to the PPSG.

The PPSG’s participation in 2005 in the various marathons around the country generated over 20,000 euro in sponsorship. WELL DONE TO YOU ALL.

We intend this year to continue our involvement in the marathons, the first of which is the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon, (in association with the “Evening Herald”), which will be held in Dublin on the June Bank Holiday Monday 5th June, commencing at 3.00pm. Free T-Shirts and sponsorship cards will be provided.

Entry forms will appear in the “Evening Herald” on Thursdays and Saturdays from 2nd March. The closing date is 25th April for receipt of entries in the Marathon Office. WE ENCOURAGE YOU, FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS TO TAKE PART AND SUPPORT THE PPSG IN THE MARATHON WHICH IN THE PAST HAS BEEN ENJOYED BY PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS ALIKE.

More details can be had from Anne Burns, 31 Boyne Court, Harold’s Cross Road, Dublin 6W, phone no. 01 4534150, email boyneabu@eircom.net and from the Marathon website www.womensminimarathon. ie Even if you cannot be involved in the marathon you can still ask family or friends to give sponsorship for the PPSG or if this not possible any donation no matter how small will be gratefully

appreciated. Any new ideas you can suggest for fundraising can be passed onto a member of the Board, the Fundraising Committee or through the Office.

How the Budget changes are going to affect you

by John McFarlane

In the view of most in the disability sector Budget 2006 was below expectations, creating a concern that 2005 was a one year wonder rather than the first instalment of a long term and sustained investment package.

The extra E41m for disability services was announced by Brian Cowen in the annual estimates a few weeks ago, on top of the ?59m for 2006 which had already been committed to as part of the multiannual funding package announced last year; ?26.2m of this funding is for mental health services. While the ?100m is very welcome and necessary, it has to be divided up among physical and sensory services, intellectual disability services and mental health services. When these divisions are made across the whole country it becomes very obvious that this is just a fraction of the resources required and promised to fund the implementation of the National Disability Strategy.

However some moves were made to address the income and living needs of people with disabilities, i.e. Disability Allowance, Respite, Carers’ and Fuel Allowances. In many areas other concessions regarding allowances, i.e. PAYE and PRSI allowances were hidden in the detail.

INCOME FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Minister announced an increase of €17 per week in the Disability Allowance and the other lowest social welfare payment.

He also announced that the Government has followed through on its commitments in the National Poverty Strategy to benchmark these social welfare rates to 30% of the average industrial wage by 2007 (watch this space in November 2006). However despite many submissions from the disability sector no announcement or mention was made regarding the introduction, or consideration, of a Cost of Disability Payment; despite the fact that this was a central plank of the report of the Commission on the Status of People Disabilities published in 1996.

INFRASTRUCTURE OF CARE

Disabled Persons’ Housing Grant (DPG) There had been calls on the Government to amend the DPG scheme and to make a significant investment in the allocation to DPG of €35m in this Budget.
While the Government did provide extra funding for social housing, as in last year’s Budget, the Government took no action to resolve the major problems many people with disabilities are encountering in applying for and receiving funding under the DPG scheme in some parts of the country.

Whist efforts have been made to ensure accuracy neither the author nor the PPSG can be held responsible for errors or omissions. Consult the relevant department, or a qualified professional.

INCOME TAX

Employee Tax Credits (previously known as PAYE allowance) increased by €220 to €1,490
Personal Tax Credits are being increased by E50 to E1,630 per annum for a single person and by E100 to E3,260 per annum for married couples.
The Standard Rate Tax Bands, i.e. 20% are being increased from 1 January as follows (all income over and above is taxed at 42%):
- - Single / Widowed persons by €2,600 to €32,000
- - Married Couples – One Income by €2,600 to €41,000
- - Married Couples – Two Income by €5,200 to €64,000
The Income Tax Exemption levels for persons aged 65 and over are increased by €500 to €17,000 for single / widowed persons and by €1,000 to €34,000 for married couples. Those levels for those under 65 years old remain at €5,210 and €10,420 respectively.
The Age Credit is being increased from €205 to €250 for single persons and from €410 to €450 for married couples. The additional Credit for Widowed Persons is being increased from €400 to E500 per annum
Employees earning €300 per week or less will be exempt from PRSI and those earning €440 per week or less, will be exempt from the Health Contribution of 2%. For those earning more that E300 per week the first €127 per week will continue to be free of PRSI. All changes to Tax Credits are applicable from 1 January 2006 although it should be noted that in reality there will be a delay in implementation of some 4 – 6 weeks.

SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTS OF RELEVANCE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES & THEIR FAMILIES

The Respite Care Grant will be increased by €200 to €1,200 from June 2006. It is important to note that this Grant is NOT means tested.
From January 1st 2006 the tax credit for an incapacitated child is being increased from €1,000 to €1,500.
The Blind Persons Tax Credit for single and married people is being increased from €1000 and €2000 to €1500 to €3,000 respectively.
From April 2006 the weekly income disregard for means assessment for the Carer’s Allowance will be increased from €270(single) / €540 (couple) to €290/?580 respectively. The number of hours that can be worked before losing the Allowance will be increased from 10 to 15 per week from April 2006.
- Additional special increases to bring the Carer’s Allowance rate to €200 per week for recipients aged 66 and over and to ?180.70 per week for those under 66, with effect from the first week in January 2006.
- The €270 (single) / €540( couple) weekly income disregard for means assessment for the Carer’s Allowance scheme will be increased to ?290/?580 respectively, from April 2006.
- Carer’s Benefit will be payable for up to two years, an increase of nine months, with effect from May 2006.
- A tax allowance can be claimed at an individual’s marginal tax rate for the cost of employing a person to care for a family member who is incapacitated. The ceiling on the amount that can be claimed under this relief is being increased from ?30,000 to ?50,000 per annum.
- The Fuel Allowance will increase by €5 per week, to €14, from the first week of January 2006.
- Additional funding will be provided for Comhairle for the further development of a personal advocacy service for persons with disabilities.
- Improvements to the Disability Allowance and Blind Pension Schemes where a recipient engages in employment of a rehabilitative nature, effective from June 2006.
OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTS
Contributory Od Age Pensions are increased by €14 to €193.30 per week for a single person and by €24.80 to €342.60 for a person with a qualified dependent aged 66 years or over (€322.10 per week where the qualified adult dependent is under 66 years)
The corresponding figures for persons aged 80 years and over are €203.80 per week for single persons and €352.60 for a person with a qualified adult dependent aged 66 years or over (€332.10 where the person is under 66 years)
The Widow’s / Widower’s Contributory Pension is being increased by €17 per week to €171.30 for persons less than 66 years, by ?14 to ?193.30 for persons over 66 and fewer than 80 years and by €17.60 to €203.30 for those over 80 years old. All Social Welfare increases have been in force since January 2006.

FUNDING FOR VOLUNTARY DISABILITY ORGANISATIONS

As of now it is unclear as to the provisions made in the estimates to support and build the capacity of voluntary organisations. The estimates do provide for an additional ?10m for core funding and core staffing issues in the voluntary sector. However it appears that how this money will be allocated is subject to further discussions.

Fortunately the PPSG managed to secure its funding in this area with necessary agreement earlier in 2005. The subject is subject to review due to the increasing needs and demands of members through the late effects of polio as well as the natural ageing process.

RENT RELIEF

The maximum level of rent paid for private rented accommodation on which tax relief can be claimed, at standard rate, i.e. 20%, is being increased to €1,650 per annum for single persons under 55 years old and to €3,300 for those aged 55 and over. The figures for widowed persons or married couples are €3,300 and €6,600.

Whist efforts have been made to ensure accuracy neither the author nor the PPSG can be held responsible for errors or omissions. Consult the relevant department, or a qualified professional.

REGIONAL ROUND-UP

CORK GROUP

Convenor: Evelyn Wainwright
Tel/Fax: 021 4847313
Mobile: 086 8829267
Email:evelyn99911@hotmail.com
Venue: Vienna Woods Hotel
Area: Cork (City and County) and Kerry
Meetings: Meets 2nd Wednesday of every second month.
Meeting Dates:
8th March 2006
10th May 2006
12th July 2006
13th September 2006
8th November 2006
The Cork Group had a great night at the Greyhound Track for their Christmas Dinner (see photos on the back page). Nicola From TipTop Shoes came and scanned feet for special shoes at the January meeting. This was very well attended with over 30 people there – they were delighted as so many people had problems getting shoes to fit. They are planning a summer outing to Fota. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Evelyn a call.

MULLINGAR / ATHLONE GROUP

Convenor: Sean Mulligan
Mobile: 087 2053821
Venue: Creggan Court Hotel
Area: Westmeath, Roscommon
Next Meeting:
Meets twice yearly.
Next Meeting Date:
10th March 2006

TThe Mullingar/Athlone Group hopes to have a physiotherapist attend their next meeting on 10th March. So if you live in this area and would like to get some advice from a physiotherapy point of view you would be more than welcome. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Sean a call.

BRAY GROUP

Convenor: Belinda Redmond
Tel/Fax: 01 2860251
Email: redmond286@eircom.net
Venue: Esplanade Hotel, Bray.
Areas: North Wicklow, South Dublin.
Meetings: Meets first Tuesday of every month from March to October.
Meeting Dates:
7th March 2006
4th April 2006
2nd May 2006
6th June 2006
4th July 2006
1st August 2006
5th September 2006
3rd October 2006

The Bray Group had a very enjoyable Christmas Party and are all set for their 2006 meetings, starting in March. They take it in turns to organize the events and this spreads the responsibility. They have some interesting things lined up.

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Belinda a call.

LIMERICK GROUP

Convenor: Tom Clifford
Tel: 061 375115
Email: tomclifford1@eircom.net
Venue: Kilmurray Lodge Hotel, Limerick.
Areas: Limerick; Clare; N. Tipperary
Meetings: Three meetings planned as follows
Meeting Dates:
5th April 2006
7th June 2006
6th September 2006

They are hoping to plan a summer outing for members in this area. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Tom a call.

GALWAY GROUP

Convenor: Bridie McMahon
Tel: 094 9540285
Mobile: 087 9580567
Email: sbmcmahon70@eircom.net
Venue: Menlo Park Hotel, Galway
Meetings: Meets on the first Wednesday of every second month from March to September
Next Meeting Dates:
1st March 2006
3rd May 2006
5th July 2006
6th September 2006

The Galway Group had a great night at the ‘Dogs’ for the Christmas Party (see photos on the back page). They plan to have a speaker come along to their March meeting. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Bridie a call.

LETTERKENNY GROUP

Convenor: John Mangan
Tel: 074 9137465
Venue: Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny
Area: Donegal, Derry
Meetings: Meets twice yearly.
Meeting Dates: Spring 2006. To be announced.

If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give John a call.

ENNISCORTHY GROUP

Convenor: Ann O’Kelly Guerin
Tel: 053 32633
Email: aguerin914@hotmail.com
Venue: Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy
Areas: South Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford.
Meetings: First Monday of every month
Meeting Dates:
6th March 2006
3rd April 2006
2nd May (Tues) 2006
6th June (Tues) 2006
3rd July 2006
7th August 2006
4th September 2006

The Enniscorthy Group had a very enjoyable Christmas Party, and are looking forward to resuming their meetings on 6th March. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Ann a call.

PORTLAOISE GROUP

Convenor: Paddy Fitzpatrick
Tel: 0502 27204
Mobile: 087 4169372
Venue: Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise
Areas: Offaly, Laois, Kilkenny.
Meetings: First Tuesday of every second month
Meeting Dates:
7th March 2006
2nd May 2006
4th July 2006
5th September 2006
7th November 2006
The Portlaoise Group had a good meeting in November with Evelyn Wainwright from the Cork Group who gave them lots of tips. They are planning their weekend away later in the summer. If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Tim a call.

NEWBRIDGE GROUP

Convenor: Paddy Moyles
Tel: 059 9141283
Venue: The Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge
Areas: Carlow Kildare.
Meetings: Meets quarterly.
Next Meeting Date:
28th February 2006
30th May 2006
24th October 2006
If you live in this area and would like to attend these social meetings, please give Paddy a call.

TRAINING WEEKEND

This training weekend for Board Members, Regional Reps and Convenors took place 27-29th January in the Claregalway Hotel.

The focus was on Communications, homing in on how to give talks to groups, and how to improve our listening skills, which we need in so many situations.

The sessions were given by Eamonn and Karen, who shared their knowledge with us and made us work hard! Hopefully the skills we learned can be put to good use in assisting our members.

THE PPSG NEEDS YOUR HELP

We are badly in need of people who would agree to be nominated to help us out in the following positions:

Board Members
Sub-Committee Members:
Social Support, Fund-raising ...
Regional Representatives
Social Support Convenors
Ring Ring Phone Project
Convenors

If you think you could make a contribution to any of these positions, or if any of your family members would be in a position to do so, or if you know of someone who would like to assist us, please let us know. It doesn’t matter what part of the country you are in, and you don’t need to have any special qualifications, just to be a caring person, a good listener, be able to see a job done well, and help us to put the Mission Statement of the PPSG into practice. The work is voluntary but the satisfaction is great! So ask yourself: Could I be of any help? If so, please let us know.

ACCESS WATCH

THUMBS UP:

Bewley’s Hotel, Leopardstown. Very accessible, friendly and has very helpful staff.
McIlhenny’s Fashion Shop, Ballybofey. Very accessible. Lift and ramps to all floors, Stair lift to restaurant. Friendly and helpful staff.
Helix Theatre, Dublin. Lift to all floors.
National Concert Hall. Partial access.

THUMBS DOWN:

Tower Records, Wicklow St., Dublin. No lift to first floor.

Need to adapt your home?

The low-down on the Disabled Persons Grant

Karen Holmes, Services and Information Co-ordinator, PPSG.

The Disabled Persons Grant (DPG) is designed to assist people who need to have their homes adapted as a result of physical disability, a mental disability or a severe mental illness for which they are receiving treatment. Grant assistance may be available for changes such as making the home wheelchair- accessible, moving light switches, door handles, installation of a ground floor bathroom and toilet, etc.

The grant may be given where an extra room or other structural changes are, in the opinion of the local authority, necessary for the accommodation of a person or a member of the household who is either: "physically handicapped and the works are necessary for his or her proper accommodation", or "suffering from severe mental handicap or severe mental illness, for which he or she is undergoing treatment, and the works are necessary for his or her proper treatment and accommodation". (Housing (Disabled and Essential Repairs Grant) Regulation 2001) Your local authority will decide if the proposed work is necessary. It must be approved by your Local Authority BEFORE the building begins.

The amount of the grant is the full cost of the work in the case of a rented local authority house or flat or 90% of the cost (up to a maximum of €20,320) for private houses. Where the house is less than one year old or where a new house is being built specifically to meet the needs of a person with a disability, a grant of up to €12,700 is available.

SECURITY MEASURES FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Grants are available from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to voluntary and community based organisations to provide security measures for people aged 65 or over living alone, or living in households made up exclusively of older people and who are unable themselves to install or buy such equipment.

The grants are made to the various organisations - such as St. Vincent de Paul, Muintir na Tire and Community Alert.

This funding can be used to provide small scale security measures such as window and door locks, door chains, security lighting, strengthening of doors and windows and for socially monitored alarm systems by neighbourhood or community groups. Further information on this issue is available on the internet at: www.oasis.gov.ie/housing

USEFUL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT THE DPG

Before you send in an application for the Disabled Persons Grant you should ask yourself the following questions.

WHY do you want to adapt your house?
WHO is the proposed work for?
WHAT are the particular problems that need to be addressed?
HOW MUCH money do you have available?
WHO ELSE is involved? (other family members, etc.)
WHAT OTHER options do you have (changing your home without building/rehousing)
WHAT ABOUT the future? Is your condition likely to progress?
WHO ELSE is involved?
WHAT aids need to be accommodated: walking frame, wheelchair, etc? (MS Society website)

Tip

The medical certificate which must be completed by your GP and included with your application, includes a section asking your level of disability – you must ensure that the box ‘very disabled’ is ticked, or you may find yourself on a B List, with a wait of two/three years! Other avenues

The Home Improvement Scheme for Older People is operated by the HSE and directed by the Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly to improve the living conditions of older people living alone or in unfit or unsanitary conditions.

The type of work carried out includes essential repairs, provision of heating/ water/sanitary facilities and security devices. It does not normally cover major structural works.

The Essential Repairs Grant is administered by Local Authorities, and is intended to be used to improve dwellings which are not fit for habitation, thereby preventing the move of the occupant, often elderly, to local authority housing. Two thirds of the amount of the Essential Repairs grant is paid to a maximum of €9,530.

THE BAD NEWS

There are inconsistencies in the way in which the scheme is administered by local authorities, resulting in delays of between 7-20 months dependent on where the applicant is living. It is a once-off grant.
The amount of 90% may be downgraded depending on the number of applications and the amount of money available to the local authorities.
The grant ceiling of €20,320 is often inadequate for major structural alterations.

THE GOOD NEWS

The DPG is not means tested. It may cover all or up to 90% of building costs, dependent on your living situation.
The PPSG is lobbying, along with other voluntary groups, to have this 35 year-old grant reviewed.
The PPSG may assist members to meet costs when they have been approved for the DPG (see latest questionnaire)

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE DPG

You need to apply to the Housing Department of your local authority.
Applications for this grant must be accompanied by a detailed itemised estimate of the cost of the work from the contractor (i.e. the person carrying out the work).
Your application should also include specifications of the proposed work and you must include the contractor's income tax number and VAT number.
The application will also include a medical certificate, which must be signed by your GP. When your local authority receives your application it will contact your HSE Area to arrange a call to your home by an occupational therapist who will be required to provide a report back to the local authority.
You will get a letter from the local authority that the grant has been approved – THEN – AND ONLY THEN – CAN YOU COMMENCE THE WORK (The local authority will NOT PAY for work done in retrospection).

Parking permit abuse

Due to the ongoing abuse of disabled parking permits, Dublin City Council is proposing to start charging disabled people for parking. The Council is attempting to stop what it describes as "wholesale abuse" of the disabled parking permits system.

An ongoing concern is the significant number of family and friends misusing free parking permits. Evidence has also emerged that permits are being stolen by able-bodied drivers and in the event of a disabled person’s death, their next-ofkin often does not surrender the permit but continues to use it.

Furthermore, the Council has criticised doctors regarding the abuse of the system. To qualify for a permit, an applicant must have a medical certificate signed by their GP confirming their disability. According to the Council, GPs are signing forms for people who are not disabled and are being “overly generous” in their assessments of the patient’s condition. The system is impossible to enforce because permits are not restricted to a particular registration number but can be used in any vehicle in which the holder is travelling. The Council may look at a concession where a disabled person pays for on-street parking (usually 3 hours maximum) but continue to park in the space for the rest of the day.

The Irish Wheelchair Association would like to see the introduction of an independent medical assessment system for issuing the cards. It has 25,000 parking permits in circulation and is issuing them at a rate of around 5,000 a year. The Disabled Drivers’ Association has some 40,000 such cards in circulation.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A DISABLED PARKING CARD:

You should apply in writing to either the Disabled Drivers Association (DDA) or the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Your application must be completed and certified by your GP and must be countersigned by a Garda. This should be returned to the DDA or the IWA along with a passport photo and a cheque for €25, and you should get your card within 10 days. Cards must be renewed every two years. The card may be transferred to any car in which the disabled person is travelling, and is valid in all EU countries.

You automatically qualify for a parking card if you hold a Primary Medical Certificate however you must still formally apply for the card. (Does your card need to be renewed? It is easy to forget – so have a look at the date on your card, and if it is out of date, get it renewed! Ed.)

Where to apply:

Parking Card Section,
Disabled Drivers Association,
Ballindine,
Co Mayo
Tel: (094) 93 64054/64266

National Mobility Centre,
Irish Wheelchair Association,
Ballinagappa Road,
Clane,
Co Kildare.
Tel: (045) 861346

ENFORCEMENT

Local authorities around the country operate a strong policy of enforcement regarding spaces reserved for people with disabilities. "On the spot" parking fines of 19 euro will be issued to drivers without a valid European Parking Card who park their cars in disabled parking spaces. In areas where clamping is in operation (Dublin, Cork and Galway), cars parked illegally in these spaces will be clamped and the fee for release will be €80.

Private car park operators are responsible for policing the use of designated disabled parking bays in their own car parks and cars parked illegally in these bays may be clamped. Fees for release will vary depending on the operator. Gardai and traffic wardens will not issue tickets for cars illegally parked in disabled parking spaces in a private car park. Each accessible parking space is designated as reserved by a vertically mounted or suspended sign showing the symbol of accessibility. The Road Traffic Act 2002 provides for the replacement of the 'on the spot' parking fines with a new fixed charge system. The maximum levels of those fixed-charge fines are very significantly higher than the current 19 euro 'on the spot' fine. Fixed-charge fines for misuing disabled parking spaces are not currently in effect and specific legal regulations are required to bring the new fines into effect.

IRISH TOLL ROADS FREE TO DISABLED PEOPLE WHO HAVE A TOLL PASS

Please find enclosed with this newsletter an application form for a Toll Pass on all Irish Toll Roads. The M4 / M6 Toll Motorway was opened by the Taoiseach on December 12, 2005 and has attracted mounting criticism regarding the toll levels imposed at the Plaza near Enfield. The good news is that for people with disabilities who have a fee pass for the East Link and West Link in Dublin (that is also applicable to the tolls on the Drogheda Bypass). As for the new Eurolink Toll Plaza on the M4 / M6, they are generally waiving adapted vehicles through until they come up with a formal application form – enquiries to 046- 9540265. In other words instead of having to pay €2.50 each way its FREE. All you have to do is produce your current toll pass (not blue badge) to a cashier; they take your name and badge number and you are waved through.

Alternatively you can still use the old road leaving or joining the old section motorway at the Kilcock interchange.

APPLYING FOR A PRIMARY MEDICAL

When applying for a Primary Medical Certificate (exempting you from payment of VAT, Motor Tax and Vehicle Registration Tax), you must obtain an application form from your local HSE Area – Community Care Office. You must complete the application form and return it to the Senior Medical Officer of the HSE Area. This Officer appoints an HSE Area doctor to visit your home (or you may be asked to come in to the Community Care office) and carry out an assessment of the level of your disability. If you satisfy the requirements, you are then granted a Primary Medical Certificate. The application process and assessment procedure takes approximately 4-5 weeks but this may vary.

It is extremely important for all Polio Survivors to have a Primary Medical Certificate, because of decreased mobility due to muscle weakness/pain and fatigue, we need our cars to get us around. However, as many of our members are aware, it is very difficult for Polio Survivors to obtain this certificate, as most of us do not fit into the ‘terms of reference’ as set out below. If you have a wheelchair you are much more likely to qualify.

Terms of Reference:

Are completely or almost completely without the use of both legs
Are completely without the use of one of your legs and almost completely without the use of the other leg to the extent that you are severely restricted as regards movement in your legs
Are without both hands or both arms
Are without one or both legs
Are completely or almost completely without the use of both hands or arms and completely or almost completely without the use of one leg
Have the medical condition of dwarfism and serious difficulties of movement of the legs.

So, if you feel you fit into any the above criteria for a Primary Medical Certificate, please do apply, and if you are turned down, then apply for an appeal, and if you are still turned down, wait a few years and apply again! It is only by continuous lobbying and pressure on our TDs that this matter will be resolved. (Please let us know of your experiences in this area – Ed.

A PERSONAL TRIBUTE

JOHN BOYD DUNLOP
1913 - 2005

I was very sad to hear of the death of John Boyd Dunlop last December, at the great age of 92 years. He was the orthopaedic surgeon at Dr. Steeven's hosptial in the 1950s and was one of the founders of the Central Remedial Clinic, along with Lady Valerie Goulding and Kathleen O'Rourke. I am sure that many of our members have benefited from surgery carried out by him.

My earliest memory of John Boyd Dunlop was when he came upon me at six years of age, in a wheelchair in the outpatients, queuing up to get my BCG vaccination. “If you don’t get that child into hospital for corrective surgery very soon, she will be in that wheelchair for the rest of her life” – I can still hear him saying it! Thence started my relationship with that great surgeon, back in 1954. He performed several tendon transplants, thus allowing the strong muscles to do the work of polio-affected ones, he carried out a sympathectomy, thereby increasing the blood flow through the veins in my legs, which have been warm and chilblain-free ever since. He undertook a pioneering surgical procedure on my hip, cutting a triangle of bone out of the femur and bending it over so that it fitted back into it’s socket, when the uneven muscle pull had dislodged it. This stood to great effect until I eventually had a hip replacement in 2001. In my teens, I got appendicitis, and when he heard about this, his reply was “if Paula needs her appendix out, then I will do it” and he did!

All through my childhood, from the early days of the Central Remedial Clinic in Pembroke Street, and later when that marvelous institution moved to larger premises in Goatstown, Mr. Dunlop was there, assessing my progress, carrying out those surgical procedures, insisting on the calipers and boots that kept my feet straight, watching me grow and overcoming my disability. He was very strict, and would stand no nonsense, and if the truth was known I was even a bit afraid of him. However, when he sent me off from the CRC, on my own two feet – no wheelchair, no crutches, no walking stick, no calipers - I was ready to take on the “big wide world’ and I knew he was proud of his achievements and of mine!

I went on to become an occupational therapist myself, I got married and worked hard and when I developed a painful bursitis from carrying around my first-born and doing too much with my ‘good’ arm, I returned to Mr. Dunlop who fixed it with one injection into the joint. Amazing! Even then, before Post Polio Syndrome had been recognized, he warned me to slow down, take it easy, don’t stand when I could sit, let others help me. I should have taken more notice of that advice!

It was only then that I got to know him as a fun-loving man with a great sense of humour, who used to cross the road in Dalkey to give me a bear hug. And when I moved to the North West, we kept in touch by the occasional letter. I was able to tell him that he was held in great affection by the many Polio survivors he had helped over the years, and he told me he still went hill-walking and played regular golf.

So it is with great honour that I salute your memory, John Boyd Dunlop, you got me out of that wheelchair and on to my feet – my boast was that I had had twenty-one operations by the time I was twenty- one years of age, all carried out by you to great effect! I will be forever grateful – THANK YOU.

BOOK OF MEMORIES

THE POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP now has a beautiful leather bound BOOK OF MEMORIES, in which is inscribed the name, details and short tribute to our members who have passed away. This book will be on display at every AGM and will serve as a fitting reminder of our members who have passed away.. If you have a name you would like to have have inscribed in the BOOK OF MEMORIES, please let us know.

PLEASE remember the Post Polio Support Group in your Will, or request donations to Post Polio Support Group in liew of funeral flowers ...

All bequests will be put to very good use.

THANK YOU

RING RING PHONE PROJECT – VERY WELCOME FUNDING

In the last newsletter, I told you that we were in the process of setting up a Circle of Friends Phone Project, where a convenor would undertake to phone 10 members who were unable to attend the social support meetings due to mobility and other difficulties, just for a chat, and with their permission put them in touch with each other.

For logistical and very good reasons, we have had to re-name our phone project, which is now called the Ring Ring Phone Project or RRPP. We have been successful in our application for funding from Vodafone, who have agreed to fund this Project for one year – providing equipment, call credit and training for four pilot projects – one in each province. This Project will commence next September.

IN THE MEANTIME, we are going ahead with a pre-pilot of this project in the Cork/Kerry area – Maureen O’Sullivan has kindly agreed to act as convenor. Members in the Cork/Kerry area will receive an application form to take part in this project in the same envelope as the Annual Questionnaire.

All this is very exciting news, and will enable us to reach out to our members and put them in touch with each other. If you would like to take part, or know of someone who would benefit from this phone contact, please fill in the application form and return it to the office along with the Questionnaire.

CLARIFICATION: WOULD YOU BELIEVE ‘IRON WILL’, RTE 1, NOV.

It seems a long time now since the 'Would You Believe' programme last November, but I'm still receiving comments, notes, e-mails etc., regarding it, particularly over the Christmas period. I was pleased that the Group got good coverage as agreed, although RTE were obviously more interested in the personal story.

The programme took four days to film, and I had no preview before it was broadcast. I was in the dark as much as anyone else about the final content of the programme - and I certainly didn’t choose the title!

I wish in particular to clarify one of the dodgy points, which was stated during the voiceover. I am one of a group of co-founders of the Post Polio Support Group, and not the founder as stated. Joan Bradley and I are the only two of the original group of founders still on the Board. A number of our co-founders are now deceased, may they rest in peace.

Finally, as they say, any publicity is good publicity, so I do hope that the programme created further awareness of the work of our Group, and of the problems being faced by Polio Survivors throughout Ireland.