Frequently Asked Questions

1.1 What is Ecas and what does Ecas do?

Ecas is an Edinburgh based charity (number SCO102790), established in 1902 to help those who have a physical disability. We provide grants, run activities and classes, conduct research and campaigning and run a befriending project.

1.2 How do you define 'those who have a physical disability?'

We mean any person who is long-term and significantly disabled through a physical impairment of the musclo-skeletal, neurological or cardio-respiratory system of the body.

We regret that the following conditions, on their own, do not meet our criteria: psychiatric disorders, learning difficulties, behavioural disorders, developmental delay, Down's syndrome, autism, visual or hearing impairment, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, HIV and back pain.

1.3 Where must I live to receive help from Ecas?

You must be resident in Edinburgh or the Lothians.

1.4 What forms require to be completed?

We currently have 3 forms:

i. One covering grants

ii. One covering classes and financial support for classes.

iii. A referral form for potential befriendees.

1.5 How can I get a form or find out more?

You can get a copy of the form you need, or get more information, by:

i. Going to www.ecas-edinburgh.org

ii. Phoning the office on 0131 475 2344

iii. Visiting the office at Norton Park, 57 Albion Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5QY

1.6 Do you have appropriate data protection procedures?

Yes. We are registered with the Information Commissioner and we have clear data protection policies and procedures. If you need more information about this please contact the office.

end faq

2.1 Who can attend classes?

Anyone who lives in the City of Edinburgh or Lothians and who is physically disabled (see FAQ 1.2 for definition). You should normally be unable to access other classes in the community but, subject to space, consideration will be given to allowing those who meet the criteria at FAQ 1.2 and who could access other classes in the community to attend.

2.2 What classes and activities are there?

Art, craft, swimming, yoga and computing are all run by qualified and experienced Group Leaders. These classes operate for 43 weeks per year.

There are also special short courses in specific computing skills (such as animation, digital photography, desktop publishing) and film afternoons.

We also have an internet cafe which is available to those who can use it without support from the staff.

2.3 Where are the classes and activities run?

Locations do change occasionally, so check with the office (0131 475 2344) for an up to date list. As at February 2011:

Yoga takes place at Norton Park, Albion Road (off Easter Road) and at Firrhill Day Centre.

Art classes are held at Norton Park and Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre.

Craft, computing, computer art and the internet cafe are all at Norton Park.

Swimming is at Capability Scotland in Ellersly Road.

2.4 Do you charge a fee?

We charge a fee for classes which is payable termly in advance. It is currently £4.60 (for 2 hour classes) and £6.90 (for 3 hour classes)  per week and is only refundable if Ecas cancels a class or if a client is in hospital for 3 weeks or more.

Clients who provide evidence that they are in receipt of Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit AND DLA (Mobility Component) or a taxi card are not charged class fees. This does not count as an Access grant application for the 2 year rule referred to in 3.12.

2.5 Are there any concessionary fees?

Yes. See FAQ 2.4.

2.6 Can I attend more than one class?

Ecas classes are heavily subsidised. Clients can normally attend 1 class from each of the following groups:

Group 1: Swimming, yoga.

Group 2: Art, craft, computer art.

Group 3: Computing

Attendance at an additional class will be subject to availability of a space and may be reviewed should attendance be preventing a new client from joining. Transport will only be provided for one class in each group.

2.7 Will you assist with transport costs?

Ecas appreciates that transport can be a very significant problem for those with a physical disability. The following arrangements are currently applicable for those who live within the City of Edinburgh who do not have access to their own transport:

• Transport will be provided both to and from classes for those who meet the criteria in FAQ 2.4 for one class in each group at FAQ 2.6
• Clients who do not meet the criteria in FAQ 2.4 will be expected to make their own way to classes and Ecas will pay for transport to take them back home for one class in each group at FAQ 2.6. On up to 6 occasions per term if the client's normal mode of transport is not available Ecas will provide transport into the class as well.

For all transport, if there is a choice of location for an activity Ecas will only provide free transport to the location nearest to the client's home.

2.8 Will Ecas provide physical support and personal care?

Ecas staff are not trained to provide personal care, nor can they provide physical support (such as support for mobility impaired clients). Clients are welcome to bring their personal assistants, and Ecas may provide a grant to assist in the cost of having a personal assistant for classes. Clients must bring appropriate mobility aids to allow them to move between their transport, the classroom and other facilities unaided. Staff can provide only limited (and not intimate) assistance. Staff have no training in moving and handling.

2.9 What if I require personal assistance?

Ecas does not provide personal assistants, but would welcome a personal assistant if you bring your own. Ecas is not registered with the Care Commission to provide intimate care. More details are given in FAQ 2.7, 2.8 and 2.10.

2.10 Is financial assistance available for a personal assistant?

If you need to employ a personal assistant to attend Ecas classes then Ecas may be able to help you identify funding from another source or, in exceptional cases and following consultation between Ecas and your care manager, provide funding for a set number of hours at a rate acceptable to Ecas which will be within the range of social care and ILF rates.

2.11 How long can I attend a class?

Ecas is building up a database of other organisations who would welcome people with mobility problems. This will help clients to move on to community groups. Group Leaders will monitor clients and we reserve the right to ensure our services are well targeted by asking you to leave if your ability and/or confidence have reached a level where you could use other community services. To remain in the classes you must continue to meet the criteria in FAQ 1.2.

2.12 Are there any circumstances under which you would stop providing classes for a client?

We expect clients to behave in an appropriate manner, showing respect for each other, the staff and the volunteers. Should a client not adhere to these basic principles we would discuss this with them and warn them. We reserve the right, in the interests of other clients and to protect our staff and volunteers, to withdraw our services if a client does not behave appropriately. We would normally do this as follows:

a. A recorded verbal warning from the Administrator

b. A written warning by the Chief Executive

c. A panel of 3 Directors meeting to consider withdrawing or suspending Ecas services for the client.

In exceptional circumstances the Chief Executive can suspend a client with immediate effect pending a panel of 3 Directors considering the case.

It is emphasised that Ecas hopes never to use these procedures, but the Directors do have a duty to protect volunteers and staff from abuse.

2.13 Are there any circumstances in which you would stop providing transport to a client?

The same rules for behaviour (see FAQ 2.12) apply to taxis and other transport. The other area of concern with transport is waiting time. Whilst we appreciate that some waiting time can be unavoidable, clients who incur excessive bills will be asked to reimburse Ecas. If they decline to do so then Ecas may withdraw the transport service.

2.14 How does Ecas consult its clients?

We have a Client Consultation Group (CCG), chaired by an Ecas Director. Each class can appoint a representative. The CCG meets on request, and the representatives can contact the Chief Executive between meetings as required. The office staff regularly visits classes to see the staff and clients and welcomes comments from clients. They also receive feedback from the Group Leaders. The full roles and responsibilities of the CCG are readily available to clients, as are the minutes of meetings.

2.15 Is there a complaints procedure?

We have a detailed complaints procedure with problems initially handled by the Group Leader or Administrator, and if necessary being passed to the Chief Executive and ultimately the Board of Directors. Copies of the procedure are readily available to clients.

end faq

3.1 Who can apply for a grant?

Anyone who lives in the City of Edinburgh or Lothians and who is physically disabled (see FAQ 1.2 for definition).

3.2 What can a grant be for?

The grant must be for something which will enhance your life. Your sponsor (see FAQ 3.7) must sign the statement "Having looked at all options I consider that this application is an appropriate draw on charity funds".

Items approved in the past include holidays (to include carers' costs but not spending money), special equipment, white goods, furniture, laptops and household equipment.

Grants for support with maintenance and repair of powered wheelchairs or "scooters" must be accompanied by evidence of third party insurance.

3.3 Will I be reimbursed for an item or holiday I have already bought?

No, we do not provide grants for items you have already bought or holidays you have already paid for.

3.4 How much can I apply for?

Grants of up to £500 are routinely considered, or £1,000 for holidays where 2 or more carers are required. Those seeking grants above these amounts should seek advice from the chief executive.

3.5 Do we always give monetary grants?

Grants are normally paid directly to the supplier of the goods or services. In exceptional circumstances a cheque may be paid to the sponsor's organisation (a sponsor is the person supporting your application as described at FAQ 3.7). Ecas will not make cheques payable to the applicant.

3.6 Do you help with additional holiday costs?

Consideration will be given to the costs involved when a carer or personal assistant is required or when a couple wishes to holiday together (see also FAQ 3.4). Spending money will not be included.

3.7 How must my application be supported?

Our grants form requires a section to be completed by your sponsor (such as an NHS Community Health Worker, Practice Nurse, Social Worker or Health Visitor). You may also require a medical section to be completed by a GP or hospital doctor (see FAQ 3.8 for exceptions to this). If in doubt please consult the office. Ecas is not responsible for any fees incurred.

3.8 Do I have to provide a medical certificate?

Those who receive DLA (Care and/or Mobility Components), Attendance Allowance or who have a taxi card due to a physical disability (see FAQ 1.2) will be considered medically eligible without providing further evidence provided that the sponsor (see FAQ 3.7) confirms that the applicant's impairment meets Ecas' criteria and that the applicant submits a copy of their annual award letter/taxi card. Other cases will be discretionary and the applicant will be required to have the medical certificate section of the Ecas form completed.  If in doubt please consult the office. Ecas is not responsible for any fees incurred.

3.9 Do I have to provide details of my and my partner's income?

We need to try and ensure that the charity's money is spent to best effect, but we also try not to ask you too many personal details. In general, if you can provide evidence that you are in receipt of income support or pension credit then we will ask no further financial questions. If you cannot provide such evidence, or choose not to do so, then you can fill in a more detailed questionnaire and we will then look at those details.

3.10 Do I need to be assessed for specialised equipment?

Yes. Your sponsor will be able to advise you on this.

3.11 How long do applications usually take?

We ask that you apply at least 12 weeks before a holiday. We usually aim to provide an answer within 6 weeks. If it will take longer than that we will let you or your sponsor know. If your application happens to arrive, fully completed, just before a meeting then it will be processed sooner. If you need to know when meetings are then you can ask the office for advice. In extenuating circumstances a grant may be fast-tracked; please phone the office for details if required (you will still need a medical report or copy of the appropriate DLA/Attendance Allowance letter or taxi card).

3.12 How often can I apply?

There must be a gap of at least 2 years between grant applications, and a gap of at least 4 years between holiday applications.

3.13 Can I ask to have a decision reviewed?

You can request one review of a grant decision that was taken out of committee.  If you wish to ask for a review you should write to the Chief Executive who will ask the committee to review your case next time they meet.  The Committee's decision is final.  It may take up to 5 months for a case to be reviewed.

3.14 Do we ever give grants to organisations?

Not at present.

end faq