Head of Development: Helen Cable

Address: 6 Market Road N7 9PW

Phone:  +44 (8)08 800 3333

9 August, 2011 

(4th Interview)

Company Motto:

“A world where disabled people have the same opportunities to fulfill their life ambitions as non-disabled people”

Mission Statement:

Set no limit on potential! – The disabled have the right to live their life and work towards their goals without being limited by other peoples expectations or prejudices

Freedom to choose! – Right to exercise choice and control over all decisions that shape their future including the products, services and support programs that are offered to them

Offered Community Support:

Care at home, Fostering, Nursery Care, Day Support, Early years training with assistive devices

Target Audience: Those with disabilities and their families. 

Overall Design Mantra: Firmness, Commodity & Delight

Publications: Disability Now Magazine

PER OUR CONVERSATION...

Can you tell me about the term Scope created, “Disablism”?

Scope started using that term within 4 years of  being founded and has been used in several awareness campaigns. One of which has been with the London Police Authority with their training.

Scope describes "Disablism" as - "discriminatory, oppressive or abusive behaviour arising from the belief that disabled people are inferior to others".

What do you think is the main difference between US and UK programs for the disabled?

I think the UK has more personalization. In the UK the individual has more control through government programs because the individual really  is key. There is more allowance to those with disabilities.

What are some of the services that Scope will be offering in the future?

“Our Strategy to 2018” is geared around principle services and care homes.  

Housing Associations and organizations are funded through the government and really, the state would rather not fund such programs. Each year they spend around 75 million pounds in funding.

We are trying to create our own services where disabled tenants have more rights and where the building property is made ultra-accessible for a range of needs.

It seems like most organizations and programs are aimed at either young children and/or adults. Very few services are offered to teens and young adults. How does Scope address these concerns?

We have created a few programs that are geared towards these groups. The most popular being the Befriending Support Group and the Special Youth Clubs. With both, staff and volunteers are paired with young disabled people where they then provide friendship and emotional support. (Similar to Best Buddies in the US)

Disabled youngsters between the ages of 16-20 years old get the most out of this program. This particular demographic is particularly vulnerable since they often times find themselves nearing the end of their formal education and are not yet in college. In addition, the Special Youth Clubs help prepare individuals with getting a job and find accessible housing.

There is a housing Transition Unit for those between the ages of 18-25 years old. All of those within the units have access to nurses and mentors who provide support for those who have finished school. Here they develop additional life skills like independence, how to connect with their peers and  how to simply, enjoy life!

Lastly, it is very important to Scope to offer support to our patrons after their programs have ended.

As a charity that also supports universal design, what do you find is missing from the market?

Wheelchair devices that gives independence back to the young and disabled. A merge of dignity and privacy.  Young kids adapt quickly and are more flexible to new situations. They are a key progressive design group.

WORDS OF WISDOM!

“ Removing barriers with terminology. The disabled community is not a collection of medical labels.”