After much planning and organising, the launch was a success! Held on Monday 6th October the evening included information stalls from local disability organisations. Live music, refreshments and speeches from Cllr Sally Mulready, Hackney Family Backup and the Deputy Speaker of Hackney. Not to mention a disability quiz which got everyone thinking. We also launched our new website www.dbu.org.uk. Over 60 people attended and there was a good mix of professionals and disabled people. A HUGE Thank you to everyone who attended and sent their support.

So, now what ?
The launch does not mean that we can all take a break now, quite the opposite! Now that we have launched Disability Backup, we need to get it running.

Therefore we will be holding our first forum meeting on
23rd October 2008 2-4pm

It will be held at:
Disability Backup's meeting room
3rd floor
Hackney Family Backup
The Print House
18 Ashwin Street
London E8 3DL

Forum News / Information The first forum meeting will be held at our meeting room in The Print House, Dalston. See full address below and contact Catherine for any transport/access issues.

This first meeting will decide how the group develops, what form it takes and what topics we cover.

You can be involved in many ways and still get your voice heard, check out www.dbu.org.uk for up today information and a questionnaire regarding what YOU want to see this forum achieve.

Please feel free to contact Catherine at any time with ideas and issues.

Notes for professionals: Please note that the forum meetings are for disabled people to air their views. Those representing organisations are asked not to attend the forum unless disabled themselves or having been invited first.

All outcomes of the forums will be made available on the website and newsletter!

Disability Backup's website Take a look at www.dbu.org.uk, our new website!

If you have a relevant website and would like a link placed on the website, please email catherine@hfbu.org.uk

Any comments/ideas are always welcome!

Other news Thousands of older and disabled Londoners to gain as Mayor introduces new Dial-a-Ride vehicles 5-9-2008

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson today announced 61 new, custom-built Dial-a-Ride minibuses will be introduced across London this year. Transport for London (TfL) has already begun replacing the ageing fleet of Dial-a-Ride vehicles, but these are the first to be purpose-built for the fleet. The £3.9 million TfL has invested in these vehicles is part of a long-term programme to improve door to door services in the Capital. Mayor Boris Johnson said: "Dial-a-Ride really is a lifeline for thousands of Londoners for whom getting around the city is a challenge, and these custom-built buses will help to change for the better the service that we offer.

Mike Weston, Operations Director for TfL Surface Transport, said: "Dial-a-Ride provides a vital service to those people who can't access mainstream public transport in London. These new vehicles should make our customers' journeys much more pleasant.

The new vehicle from Bluebird is a purpose-built, small bus with a totally flat low floor and dual access at the side and rear of the vehicle. Tip and fold seats will allow wheelchair users to manoeuvre around the vehicle much more easily; they will also provide greater flexibility for accommodating individual passengers' needs. The new bus also offers a much improved interior, including high levels of interior lighting, tinted windows and air conditioning, plus onboard CCTV for added safety and security.

Older Dial-a-Ride vehicles will be phased out as the new vehicles go into service.

For your diary Meeting of key London organisations for disabled and Deaf people, Wednesday 29 October 2008, City Hall, Committee Rooms 4 & 5, 2pm

Older peoples reference group is holding its annual event on 27th October from 10-4pm at the Petchey academy. Contact David on 020 7241 5906 for more details.

Reminder:

Next forum meeting 23rd Oct 2-4pm
at The Print House, Dalston

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