P725 CJEFAX 725 Thu 14 Oct 21:11/34 I INVALIDITY BENEFIT FAR FROM LENIENT Recent claims that the Invalidity Benefit (IVB) allocation system is too lenient have been dismissed by the Disability Benefits Consortium. In a new report entitled WORRIED SICK the Consortium finds that IVB controls are actually too harsh. The report suggests that medical and non-medical factors affecting many claimants are being ignored by Benefits Agency staff, so that those people with the least visible disabilities stand to lose most. Contacts on page 729 1/6 Volunteer Info Diary NewsP725 CEJFAX 725 Thu 14 Oct 21:13/44 NATIONAL LIBRBRZ FOR THE BLIND The National Library for the Blind is the UK's principal source of general reading matter in Braille. It exists to provide a comprehensive library service for blind and partially sighted people. The library also produces its own braille and large print books and supplies books in Moon type - all the library's services are free, including free posting to registered blind people. Contacts on page 729 2/6 Volunteer Info Diary NewsP725 CEEFAX 725 Thu 14 Oct 21:18/20 T CLAIM YOU5 ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE Attendance Allowance is a weekly cash benefit (£30-£45) for ill or disabled people over 65. Note that this benefit is not djpjndjnt on National Insurance Contributions, not affected by any savings or (usually) bz any income you or your partner may have, and it is usually ignored as income for income support claims. To get the allowance you must normally have needed help with personal care for six months. Contacts on page 729 3/6 Volunteer Info Diary NewsP725 CEEFAX 725 Thu 14 Oct 21:15/22 I MOBILJTZ AWARDS: FIRST PRIZE £1000 Do you know an individual or organisation that's invented or improved a piece of equipment to assist disabled people's mobility? Then why not nominate them for the sixth Ratcliff Mobility Awards - as well as recognising equipment innovbtions the Awards focus on any new or improved services or public awareness drives that benefit people with a mobility handicap. Individuals and groups may nominate themselves for the Award. Contacts on page 729 4/6 Volunteer Info Diary NewsP725 CEEFAX 725 Thu 14 Oct 21:19/25 HELP WITH HOLIDAYS IN ISRBEL $5 A new Israeli travel organisation has been formed to arrange touring holidays in Israel for groups of disabled people. The holidays put particular emphasis on the culture and history of the country - groups are supplied with guides and attendants to suit their requirements, and meanwhile appropriate transport and accommodation are provided. The Golden Heart Project in Israel is contactable by letter or 'phone. Contacts on page 729 5/6 Volunteer Info Diary NewsP725 CEEFAX 725 Thu 14 Oct 21:91/14 I COMPUTER AIDS EXHIBITION/WORKSHOP Camden, London is the vjnuj for a conference and exhibition run bz the Compaid Trust on 9-10 November. The 'Try IT for yourself' conference offers manufacturers of adaptive technology a chance to demonstrate and explain their wares, while visitors get to try out their products first hand. The event is aimed at public users, technical advisers, therapists and educationalists - British Computer Society members pay a reduced fee. Contacts on page 729 6/6 Volunteer Info Diary News