Opening the Door

A conference about Personal Development and Information on Services for Young People living with SMA or similar neuromuscular conditions.

THIS PAGE IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY
THE CONFERENCE WAS IN JULY 2000.

ABOUT OPENING THE DOOR

It has always been our aim at the Jennifer Trust for SMA to provide all the support and advice possible in order that people affected by SMA can set about fulfilling their aspirations. Opening the Door is just part of an on-going initiative to overcome the disadvantage of isolation and lack of information imposed by the disabling affects of restricted mobility opportunities.

This conference will create the perfect environment in which information and ideas about housing need and living independently can flourish, effectively opening the door of opportunity for people affected by neuromuscular impairment to make informed choices about where and how they live. There will be lots of information about living independently in a suitably designed environment including advice on building adaptations, arranging and managing the employment of personal assistants, and aids to daily living.

The Jennifer Trust is fortunate to have been able to attract knowledgeable and inspirational people to speak at 'Opening the Door'. From personal experience, our Speakers will relate how they successfully achieved their educational, career and lifestyle aspirations.

Attendees at 'Opening the Door' will also benefit from the presence of the Pacific Institute, a well-respected organisation, known for its skill in promoting personal development and applying positive thinking to enable people to reach their particular goals in life.

Opening the Door will:-

Offer increased awareness of educational, employment and independent living opportunities.
Advise on how to access safe, appropriate and affordable housing.
Ensure that people and families affected by SMA or other muscular conditions are aware of the options open to them regarding access to suitable adaptations, housing schemes, personal care packages and employment opportunities.
Inspire people affected by SMA or other neuromuscular conditions to pursue their choices about how and where they wish to live.

WHERE & WHEN

The Salford Suite,
North Stand,
Manchester United F.C.,
Old Trafford,
Manchester.

Saturday 1 July 2000.

TIMETABLE

Registration at the event will begin at 9:30am on Saturday with the event starting at 10:30am.
A buffet lunch will be available in the Salford Suite at 12:30pm.
The Conference will end at 5:30pm.
Dinner will be served in the Salford Suite at 8:00pm.

ACCOMODATION & VENUE INFORMATION

THE QUALITY HOTEL MANCHESTER This modern hotel opened in February 1999. It is situated only 100 yards from Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United F.C. All the rooms we shall be using have been personally checked for suitability and the hotel staff have assured us that every effort will be made to make our stay as enjoyable and trouble free as possible.

The Gary Rhodes Restaurant is attached to the hotel and this is where we shall be taking breakfast. There is also a licensed bar.

OLD TRAFFORD CONFERENCE FACILITIES
SALFORD SUITE 1 & 2 The Salford Suite is located in the newly built North Stand at Old Trafford. We have use of these facilities until 12 midnight on Saturday 1 July. There are two wheelchair accessible toilets adjoining the Salford Suite.

Situated as it is in the North Stand, the Salford Suite is very close to the Manchester United museum, the Red Café, and is the starting point for guided tours of the stadium. We have an arrangement with Manchester United that they will provide a guided tour for a group from JTSMA.

SUBSIDIES

Places for delegates who will be bringing a Personal Assistant/Carer are being partly subsidised by the JTSMA. Therefore no charge is to be made for the PA/Carer's accommodation, conference place and lunch.

For the purpose of this form a PA/Carer is defined as someone without whom the delegate would be unable to attend the event.

The Jennifer Trust will make every effort to comply with your access requirements but it is your responsibility to inform us of these. All venues have been personally checked by members of the JTSMA and are accessible to users of powered wheelchairs and people with walking difficulties.

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