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Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) Chief to step down
14th April 2008
Nicole
Penn-Symons, who has led the Disabled Living Foundation
for nearly seven years, will step down in July 2008.
Penn-Symons’ time at the DLF has seen a dramatic upturn in the fortunes and achievements of this highly regarded charity. Commended as a model of best practice for its ability to combine the best of social enterprise with charity values, the DLF uses its own cutting edge technology to support its information and advice services for older and disabled people. Recent commendations include:
- Ask SARA commended in ICT Hub Awards 2008 in category of "Most Innovative Use of ICT
- AskSARA - Finalist in national eWell-Being Awards 2008
- EASTIN (European website) - Winner - Innovation in Healthcare – awarded by Financial Times Deutschland. Crossing Borders - New routes in the Health Industry 2008
Penn-Symons says “It has been an exhilarating time at the DLF and I shall always remain an avid supporter. Following the success of our ‘Bathing made easy’ website, I can’t wait to see the next generation of “made easy” websites which will be deployed in 2008/09.”
Penn-Symons will take a short sabbatical to travel to Australia and New Zealand to visit friends and family after which she will return to the voluntary sector. “I consider my years at the DLF to be some of the happiest and most fulfilling of my career and I thank the Trustees and a tremendous team for giving me their support.”
Further information and images
Please contact Hugh Dobie, Marketing Officer, Disabled Living Foundation on tel 020 7289 6111 ext 211 or email hugh.dobie@dlf.org.uk
Notes for editors
The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) is a national charity that has been the leading provider of impartial advice and information on equipment for older and disabled people for nearly 40 years. DLF’s information is disseminated through a wide range of services:
Healthcare professionals can benefit from DLF Data, the UK’s only comprehensive and up-to-date database of daily living equipment and assistive technology, as well as an extensive Training Programme including a variety of bespoke courses. The DLF also hosts the Moving & Handling People conference, an annual event in 3 parts comprising an exhibition, workshops and plenary sessions.
Members of the public can utilise its Helpline service, which responds to up to 25,000 enquiries a year, or try products out at its Equipment Demonstration Centre in London, one of the largest in the UK.
The DLF also provides a range of online services at www.dlf.org.uk, including:
- Free factsheets giving advice on a wide range of topics about disability and mobility products and choosing equipment for older and disabled people.
- AskSARA, (www.asksara.org.uk), an online self assessment tool that allows people to easily obtain useful advice and information on products that could help them.
- ‘Bathing made easy’, (www.bathingmadeeasy.com), a free comprehensive search and comparison website containing advice and information on bathing and showering products for older and disabled people.
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