2010 Peace, Hope, Yes We Can

Wyclef "Wyclectric" Jean
Norway, Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2009


PEACE, HOPE, YES WE CAN

Worried about adapted facilities when you rent a holiday home?

  

Then look no further, deep in the Andalucian countryside, El Reguelo a semi-detached holiday home is available to rent with adapted facilities for wheelchair users.

The house has private garden, patio, roof terrace and dip pool.
Sleeps from 2-6 people with the option of a folding bed or cot if required.

This area is very peaceful, Casa Rural El Reguelo is situated on a quiet country road between Fuensanta de Martos and Castillo de Locubin, there are no bars or shops here!

Peace reigns along with bird song, cockerel calls, croaking frogs and roaming goats.


• The ground floor with the double bedroom and en-suite wheelchair adapted shower-room,
a standard wheelchair of 60cm will enter the bathroom door entrance.


• No ramp needed to the patio and dip pool –
there is no access chair for the pool, just standard steps.


• There is a step at the front door, for which we have portable ramp


• Kitchen has worktops are 91 cm high and the space between them is 95cm.


• The garden has too many steps to get a wheelchair down to it.

For more information:


Contact Rachel or Nick Webb on (0034) 953 564211
or use the form on the link below
http://www.andalucia-for-holidays.com/Casa-Rural-El-Reguelo.html

Casa Rural El Reguelo
23610 Fuensanta de Martos
Jaen
Andalucia
Spain

GOOGLE MAPS
http://maps.google.es/maps?hl=es&q=El+Reguelo+andalucia&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=El+Reguelo,+Fuensanta+de+Martos,+Ja%C3%A9n,+Andaluc%C3%ADa&ll=37.617215,-3.917177&spn=0.510168,0.917358&t=h&z=10

Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in Casa Rural El Reguelo, nor have I personally visited this venue. Specialneedsandalucia always recommends that you make full enquiries regarding facilities and prices beforehand.

Finally I've found one !

Wide side walks, perfect for wheel users, on right is a bicycle lane

Hoist chair
Midday view from Pool Area

Yes an adapted hotel which provides true accessibility for wheelchair users here on the Costa del Sol, in the wonderful town of Fuengirola. Hotel Confortel offers ramps, lifts, adapted bedrooms, adapted bath rooms with wheel-in-showers, lowered sink units, swimming pool with a hoist, shaded area next to the pool plus an accessible toilet.

Fuengirola also offers an adapted beach approx. 10 mins. walk/push from the hotel Confortel. 164 new wheel user ramps in the town to help with accessibility.

Hotel Confortel, Fuengirola, Spain

Tel.: +34 952 92 10 00

Fax.: +34 952 92 10 01

http://www.confortelhoteles.com/en/hotels-in-malaga/hotel-confortel-fuengirola.html

At the bottom of the page there's an interactive map

Information and Reservations: 902 42 42 42

TWO vital COMPONENTS

I’ve been asked to find a selection of adapted hotels for a special needs UK group wishing to visit in 2010. This will be for 2 wheel chair users, 4 walkers with slight mobility difficulties and their carers. Initially I thought, yes no problem, I’ll “google” it.

I found a couple of what I thought perfect hotels in Benalmadena. By coincidence I happened to be in that area so I took the opportunity to see at first hand what was on offer.

Why oh why do hotels go to all the trouble of putting wonderful, non-slip, slightly graded user friendly ramps all over there hotel and then cannot provide one room that has an adapted wheel in shower? It just does not make sense to me. For any wheel chair user these two components in any hotel are absolutely vital and go hand in hand.

Stay tuned for a real report, I’ll be continuing my investigation with plenty more hotels in Benalmadena and Fuengirola and post up all my findings.

FUENGIROLA making life easier for WHEEL USERS

FUENGIROLA town hall aims to make life easier for people using wheels, whether it be delivery trolleys, pushchairs or wheelchairs.

This is part of the Plan for the Elimination of Architectural Barriers which is to be carried out by the town planning council.

This project will allow 164 spots that make access difficult for anyone using wheels to be removed and improved by making ramps. Out of the 164 planned, 27 have already been completed and the rest should be finished by the end of this year.
Super news, well done Fuengirola.
News Article from http://www.euroweeklynews.com/ 17-23/09/2009

Google SketchUp7 in Spanish, plus Project Spectrum

Excellent news ........................

Google SketchUp 7 (free and Pro) is now available in French, Italian, German and Spanish .

Project Spectrum - Strengths of autism shine through in 3D
Project Spectrum was created to give people with autism the opportunity to express their creativity and develop a life skill using Google SketchUp 3D modeling software.

THE QUEST TO INCREASE PUBLIC MOBILITY

Approved Decree:

From 2019 all buildings of more than two storeys must have lifts

I recently picked up this news from our local press www.surinenglish.com and http://www.diariosur.es the original article was written by Antonio Montilla.

The Andalusian government this week approved a decree declaring that from 2019 all buildings of more than two floors in the region must install lifts. Micaela Navarro, head of the Equality department explained that the new regulations are not only a matter of modernising architecture in the region, but also of wiping from the public conscience long-held prejudices about the way disabled people live.

Breaching the decree would incur fines of up to 300,000 euros. The mandate seeks to benefit not only people with disabilities, but also older citizens, pregnant women and people with restricted mobility, amongst others, which implicates around 40% of the population of Andalucia.

Navarro commented that the decree marks a new era in the quest to increase public mobility, and that it attempts to adapt the environment to its citizens, and not the reverse scenario. In addition, open air spaces with a recreational, educational or cultural capacity must also provide alternative accessible routes for those with reduced mobility.

The regions’s beaches are included within this requirement, and must provide amphibious chairs or similar technical aids wherever beach rescue teams are found. As regards public transport, each bus company will have to provide 10-15% more accessible buses with respect to fleets of ten or more vehicles.
Tourist accommodation will also have to increase the proportion of accessible rooms.

It is wonderful news and truly brings joy to my heart, for many sufferers it has been long overdue, but let us all agree this is finally a positive step in the right direction.

Charity Gala at Aloha Golf - July 4, 2009

What's happening ...... This Saturday we are raising funds for the local Autistic Association www.autismoaar.org

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2009
Time: 21:30 hrs.
Place: Restaurant of Aloha Golf Club (exterior open terrace)
Tickets: 100€ per person (Charity event)
Extras: There will be live music from Punta Negra, Beautiful food. raffles, prizes and lots more fun.

S T A R G A Z I N G *****

Early risers are in for a treat this week, just before sunrise at 07.00 hrs. There are a total of seven planets in the early morning sky. Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, (Uranus and Neptune beyond the range of amateur telescopes) and Pluto (technically is not classed as a planet anymore).

Astronomical Society
Octagon bar, can be found on the Fuengirola to Mijas road next to the Valparaiso restaurant and Splash Pools.
If you would like to be kept up to date or take part in any of the events then go to www.kencampbell.info

AUTISMO MARBELLA

http://www.autismoaaar.blogspot.com/


I’ve been busy setting up a blog for our local Autistic Association in Marbella. Incorporated is a Google translator facility for anyone who is not 100% sure with Spanish. For some reason I think this is going to be slow start as I need to explain to the other mothers how blogger works, for me it’s user friendly, however for those that are not computer orientated, then initially it will be daunting.

The aim of the blog is to share typical information that would not normally be included in our main association website. For example I spoke to one father the other week and he said “I want to know a good dentist but more importantly one that can handle our kids?” or “where can I find good gluten free bread?”. So we will be adding questions, answers, experiences along our journey. Plus any other information that parents wish to share, maybe tips on hair washing, or the dreaded teens and hormonal stage, how do you cope or could be an inspiring story etc.

http://www.autismoaaar.blogspot.com/

Waiting for the Decking

San Pedro de Alcántara

(Marbella) Andalucia
The beach in San Pedro, Marbella, has two ramps offering access for wheelchair users. These photographs were taken two weeks ago. The usual wooden decking leading down to the sea shore from the cement ramp has not yet been installed.

I will be keeping a keen eye on this zone and will update this blog as soon as I see any changes, otherwise the Town Hall will be notified. There is plenty of parking space right next to the beach.

Here is the link for the official website on beaches.

School Garden Workshop for the Autistic Children

http://www.lavozdigital.es/jerez/20090421/local/cadiz/proyecto-jardinaria-asociacion-autistas-200904211051.html (original text in Spanish)

El proyecto de jardinaría de la Asociación de Autistas cuenta ya con aula propia
21.04.09 - 10:52 -
N.A. Cádiz

This is a wonderful idea set up in Cadiz, Andalucia

The autistic children of Cádiz now have a new space to carry out the project of gardening. The school Gadir inaugurated yesterday some new installations, that have been built for the City Hall of Cadiz and whose act included the presence of lieutenant of mayoress of Mercedes Colombo Family Area, and the councilman of Urban Maintenance, Juan Antonio Guerrero.

This project is being carried out during the present school course, integrating the autistic students with students of grade five, Primary School, under the supervision of the teacher of Autism Mª del Carmen Eslava Rodríguez and the narrow contribution of the tutor of 5º grade of Primary School and the Autistic Educator.

In this workshop activities are carried out as to work the land, to plant trees and seeds, to paint, to devise placards relating to the theme in English and Spanish and a great quantity of activities. In the project they have been invested more than 28,000 euros that have permitted the restructuring of the classroom encloses upon citing school. With this budget different works through the Municipal Delegation of Urban Maintenance have been carried out.

Interesting local events

ESTEPONA BOOK FAIR There's an open air book fair situated in the town's Calle Real. Various booksellers will be present and the Fair which opens on the 14th April will run until the 3rd of May 2009.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND SELF EMPLOYED FAIR 21-23 April 2009
Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella
As you know, training has become one of the most effective tools for improving opportunities in work and business. Information about 25 professional degrees will be presented and with various business presentations, seminars and lectures by experts in areas such as training, contracts, entrepreneurial talent, academic and corporate direction, etc.

The Sharks Exposed

Yesterday I picked up a copy of a very interesting magazine called Costa del Sol Action Group, issue no. 3, headed The Sharks Exposed. On one side I congratulate the team behind this excellent and extremely informative magazine. On the other side of the fence, it unfortunately reminds me of the blacker side of our society, yes those damn sharks, greed, fraud, financial disaster and the heart breaking stories from the countless victims who have been sucked into their hungry razor sharp mouths.

CDSAG lists all licensed and unlicensed Financial Advisors;
Court action taken against various companies that are accused of trading unlawfully in Spain without Licences, and mis-selling;
The Dangers of Equity Release;
How to find a Registered Lawyer;
Financial Advisors to stay well clear of, etc..

PLEASE PLEASE reflect very carefully before you embark on any financial investment. Think beyond the carrot, Take your time, Do your homework, ASK questions, Do not presume, Contact CDSAG for sound advice and give yourself and your family peace of mind.

Remember this Chinese proverb ..........
A man who asks a question is a fool for 5 minutes
A man who asks no question is a fool for life.

I will place a direct link (see Right Column links)
to CDSAG website www.costa-action.co.uk.
Contact:
John Parsons: 952 884 261
JohnP@costa-action.co.uk
Sharon Macnish: 952 868 873
Sharon@costa-action.co.uk
Ian Selley: 952 882 324

Semana Santa - Holy Week

A week of emotion and devotion with processions, prays and other religious activities.


If it is your first visit I will fill you in with some hints for any specials in your group. There will be crowds of people, loud noises from the accompanying bands, especially banging drums and many roads being blocked.

However, it is also a very special time of sharing, reflection, love, spirit, patience and hope, something that should not be missed if you are in the area.

Inspiring People - The Gift of Dyslexia - The Gift of Learning

As previously mentioned, I wanted to share with you a little insight into the inspiring life and work of Ronald D. Davis (Author of The Gift of Dyslexia and The Gift of Learning).



RONALD D. DAVIS
Even though he failed in the school system, he took technical courses that enabled him to succeed in various ventures. Ron did not learn to speak in sentences until the age of 17. He was functionally illiterate until age thirty-eight, when he discovered how to mentally orient his perceptions, and learned how to read, write, and spell with ease.

Dedicating his life to helping people Ronald D. Davis founded the Reading Research Council in 1981 and Davis Dyslexia Association International in 1995.

Davis revolutionary techniques programs are available in twenty-two nations and fifteen languages.
International website: www.dyslexia.com
UK website: www.davislearningfoundation.org.uk

Horse Racing

Stuck what to do at the weekend for the family ..... Spend a fabulous day at the races.

http://www.hipodromocostadelsol.es/

I emailed the venue regarding wheelchair facilities and they assured me that on the ground level at the racetrack there are facilities but not on level one at the terrace restaurant. On ground level there are other snack options.

WINTER SEASON 2009 - OPENING HOURS: 10:00 hours.

FEBRUARY: Sunday 22

MARCH: Sundays 1(MIJAS CUP), 8, 15 Y 22

APRIL: Friday 10

Entrance fee: 5 €

Free entrance for children and youngsters lest than 18 years old.

Children's area: available.

FREE PARKING

Have we been overlooking a major direction?

http://www.whytyrannosaurusbutnotif.com/

· Thinking in Pictures
· Disorientation
· Struggling with traditional academic learning
· Self-Esteem fluctuating

Does the above sound a bell? These are some of the symptoms that effect people struggling with Dyslexia and yes, you’d be right in thinking that they are also symptoms that affect many Autistic learners.

Here’s some really exciting news that I’d like to share with you all and in turn if you could forward this knowledge on to your friends, that would be wonderful ..... Thank you.

Message From Richard Whitehead - Davis Learning Foundation Director

"How do you explain to others why dyslexia is a gift...
...and how do you explain to teachers how dyslexic thinkers learn best?"

"Why 'Tyrannosaurus' But Not 'If'?" is a new 15-part mentoring course, designed for anyone who is teaching a picture thinker.

The course is absolutely free of charge. Over 15 weeks, it delivers to teachers, tutors, lecturers and home educators incisive insights and strategies - insights and strategies which can be put to use straight away, empowering bright children who have struggled with traditional academic learning.

It would be truly wonderful if you would let any of your friends, contacts and colleagues know about the course who might be interested, or who might benefit from it.

Click here ..... http://www.whytyrannosaurusbutnotif.com/

Richard Whitehead - Director
Davis Learning Foundation
PO Box 972
Canterbury CT1 9DN

Tel: +44 (0)1227 732288
Fax: +44 (0)1227 731756

http://www.whytyrannosaurusbutnotif.com/ (course site)
http://www.davislearningfoundation.org.uk/ (main site)

I am a big fan of Ronald D. Davis (founder of Davis Dyslexia Association International, author of The Gift of Dyslexia and The Gift of Learning) and next week I will be posting some information regarding this remarkable man.

Mom Song

On a lighter note, I could not resist adding this video clip.
Does it ring a bell ???

Daniel Tammet's Blog

There are less than 50 people in the world with mental abilities similar to those of Daniel Tammet.
Daniel has high-functioning Autistic Savant Syndrome.

If you have not yet visited Daniel Tammet's Blog then I'm afraid you are missing out on some amazing first hand information regarding, Perception, Intuition, Languages, Emotions, Synesthesia, Developing Instinct, Maths, Numbers, Patterns etc.

http://www.optimnem.co.uk/blog/index.php

CBC 'The Hour' Interview

Overcoming Information Overload

Read excepts from his new book "Embracing the Wide Sky"

Rancho del Rio - Horse Riding in Andalucia

I am continuously looking for new venues which cater for 'all'. Yesterday, I came across this website, http://www.horseridingandalucia.com
"Rancho del Rio", Calle Cortijo Tres Legues, Cártama Estacion, Málaga.
Telephone for more information:
Tel: +34 952 426 074
Mob: +34 659 696 535

Rancho del Rio is happy to take riders of all abilities and can even provide lead pony rides for children of 6 and under. Rancho del Rio is located in the lovely Guadalhorce valley and is owned and run by Jane, who is herself a very experienced rider and teacher. Jane has competed for Great Britain, ran her own riding school in Oxfordshire, was involved in the Riding for the Disabled scheme and relocated to Andalucia 5 years ago.

• All rides are on genuine Andalucian horses with traditional Spanish saddles.
• Accompanied treks
• Riding lessons for beginners & advanced riders
• Full livery service
• Short stay accommodation
• Bespoke riding holidays
• Disabled and special needs catered for

Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in Rancho del Rio, nor have I personally visited this venue. Specialneedsandalucia always recommends that you make full enquiries regarding facilities and prices beforehand.