I am a 59 year old SCOPE services user aand have been a service user with either SCOPE or the former Spastics Society for most of my adult life. Going away (preferably abroad) for at least one week's annual holiday is extremely important but highly expensive for me. I have only a minimal income like so many disabled individuals.
For some years now SCOPE Staff have not been allowed to go away with service users. My understanding of this policy change is that it arises from the limitations related to "Lifting and Handling". Thus, I now have to pay for an enabler to go away on holiday with me. I have been fortunate to find a very good enabler but the extra costs of making use of this facility are very considerable. I manage to cover the costs of going abroad with the private enablement service for just one week per year. Whereas in former years when SCOPE Staff could act as our enablers I was able to enjoy some short holidays in the UK throughout the year this is now prohibitive to me due to the costs of enablement. My lifestyle is therefore considerably the poorer!
My needs for lifting and handling are minimal. I am very independent. I always pay for good accessible accommodation and such accommodation is now much more available for disabled holidaymakers. The very limited personal enablement needs that I have could easily be satisfied by use of a hoist if necessary. Thus, I cannot understand why I cannot continue to have a member of SCOPE Staff go away on holiday with me.
Please will you explain to me why - given my minimal enablement needs - I should be denied the opportunity to draw upon SCOPE Staff availability instead of having to pay out for costly privately run services?
From a very frustrated SCOPE service user.

Dear David,

Firstly can I apologise for the delay in responding to your query.

Scope recognises the right of all individuals choice when thinking about a holiday.

In February 2004 we introduced a Service Users Holiday Policy to provide advice and consistency across our Services. The policy seeks to:-

1. Acknowledge choice and control.
2. Agree funding for all holidays.
3. Ensure that all stakeholders understand their responsibilities.
4. Minimise risk and plan for an enjoyable break.

Your Keyworker or Service Manager will have access to this policy at the Service and should be able to discuss all options with you.

Please come back to me should you have any further questions.

David Green - Service Support Manager - London & South East

My son is 3 and quadrapegic. we have trouble finding somewhere to go on holiday abroad that is both suitable for him and also with enough going on for our two older children. We are thinking of buying a house, possibly in Turkey and setting up so that it has the equipment we need, short transfers, no access issues etc. I would love to know if other families face similar problems and whether, in general, having somewhere like that available would be an attractive option. Any experiences or opinions would be very helpful.

Hi Benedicta,

For same reasons we always go to Denmark to stay at my mum's on holiday. She rents the equipment that my son needs. I have to adjust everything myself and sometimes it's not the right stuff for him, but it's better than nothing. It's mostly the standing frame that we need.
We have thought of buying a holiday home, but we don't have the money. I think getting a place in Turkey sounds lovely. When you don't use it you could rent it out to people like us!

There is an island in Denmark called Bornholm. It's great for kids. They have a centre where you can rent equipment. The island has beautiful sandy beaches and fun activities. I can highly recommend it http://www.bornholm.info/Turistbureauer/236we.aspx?langId=2&m=4

Hi

I don't have the answers I'm afraid but have just logged on to ask exactly the same question!

My Quadraplegic son is 16 months but he has a twin brother and 3 year old sister so like you we need to meet everyone's different needs.

If you've learned anything new then I would very much appreciate hearing from you. I'm about to start scouring the internet and special kids website so I'll let you know if I find anything.

Regards
Catherine

hello!
We use a company called accessible travel in gloucester. Their phone number is 01452 729739.
We have been to Venice with them, with my husband who is disabled and it was excellent.
This year we are going to try out a special disabled resort in Rheinsberg in Germany with them, where we will be able to do all sorts of disabled activities. They organise accommodation, flights, transfers, and equiipment for disabled people.
Happy holidays!
Helen and William

Just wanted to thank you for your feedback, I have only just checked to see if there had been any responses - will keep you posted we actually get anywhere with our plans! thanks again

Hi just thought I would like to let everybody know who is thinking about taking any holidays you can apply for a grant from the family fund, I am in the middle of applying myself. They can give you up to £1000.00 in Thomas Cook vouchers, so if anybody thinking about holidays it's worth a look.. www.Familyfund.co.uk