Technical Description Six

Internet and online communities I have investigated the site www.housingot.co.uk
The overall focus is in information sharing between interested parties abound housing modifications. It is like a world wide internet notice board. It is an interactive site , to contribute one must open their own blog site through yohoo.com then you are free to assess shared information. Not only OT's contribute to this community, it is open to anyone with an interest in housing modifications, or are seeking an answer to their questions.

Transforming Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services

The long awaited "Community Equipment: A Vision for the Future" has been made available by the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP).

The new national model (although not mandatory - make of that what you will), proposes that for the areas that take it up, community equipment stores will close, and instead a system whereby therapists issues prescriptions for the person to take to a local retail outlet (I presume in much the same way as a GP issues a prescription).

There's to be a new role of Independent Needs Assessor (most likely to be occupational therapists and physiotherapists).

The current system supports 1.5 - 2 million disabled people. With 11 million disabled people living in the UK, the existing state focused system falls far short. In addition to the people who also get help from social services, the new model also proposes to support people who don't meet eligibility criteria for assistance through the local council, as well as those who choose not to involve the state in their lives.

There are a number of documents laying all of this out in much more detail, all to be found at the CSIP Transforming Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services site. There's further informatrion about the new Retail Market Model and an easy read Executive Summary. You'll also find guidance about the future of more compex equipment like hoists, adjustable beds and lifts (I imagine they're making an assumption that stairlifts will be redesignated as equipment following the recent DFG consultation).

Posted @ 20:29:49 on 04 June 2007 back to top
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there is a concern regarding lack of identity and accountability and validity.
Blogging opens the information highway but leaves the notion of traditional community behind, while developing a new type of community that is less personal.
I thing blogging is like txt, it is impersonal and lacks human nuance. Never the less it is an amazing way to access unlimited information without the traditional constraints of academia.