Q1 - Is the initiative strictly for Edinburgh or can it be adapted for other areas..?
A - Yes! While Edinburgh is the location outlined in the initial proposal - the initiative has been developed in a such a way to ensure that the social, creative and web based elements can be easily adapted to cover almost any area within the UK.

For example - A recent episode of BBC's Panorama programme outlined some of the issues relating to the high number of Incapacity Benefit claimants in the welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil With the region's fascinating creative, social and economic history a 'UC-Merthyr Tydfil' project could offer outstanding opportunities for those caught in the benefit trap and on a larger scale for the area's general social regeneration. (See: Panorama - Britain On The Sick)

Q2 - Is the creative and web based content outlined in the proposal really viable..?
A - Yes! Over the last few years I have been directly involved in the development of a number of creative and award winning community based projects which have been widely considered both innovative and groundbreaking (See: Background). The creative and web material contained in the proposal is based upon tried and tested elements of my own work to date.

Q3 - How will the initiative help get claimants off Incapacity Benefits..?
 A - Many disabled people on Incapacity Benefits feel socially isolated and without the skills needed to re-enter employment. The initial aim of the proposal is to provide basic computing skills across a wide range of subjects which will assist the client to find work. What makes the initiative different from other training schemes is the provision of a second phase of training where the client's newly acquired skills are put into action and further developed in a community setting. A core element of this period is to develop the client's self respect, confidence and communication skills - all of which can be seriously affected by long term periods of unemployment.

Q4 - Why copyright the material contained in the proposal..?
A - The material contained within the proposal is the result of almost a full year of research and development - based upon 20 years experience as a community worker and almost ten years experience in developing and hosting online creative events.

Sadly, while I have been refused all attempts to secure official funding since launching the Edinburgh Internet Festival in 1999, there have been a number of incidents where official agencies have supported and in one case directly funded outsiders seeking to take over commercially viable aspects of the event. As, at a personal level I hope that the UC-Edinburgh initiative will be a stepping stone to finding full time employment I feel I have no option other than to protect my own interests and defend my work from similar infringement of copyright.

Q5 - Why are you doing this...?
A - There are a number of reasons for putting together the UC-Edinburgh proposal.

Despite reports to the contrary - The majority of people on incapacity benefits are desperate to get back into work. However, to date, there has been little in the way of official support and training to assist them in finding their own ways and means to do so. Often the very last people consulted in changes made to the benefits system or involved in developing back to work proposals are the very people most deeply involved - UC-Edinburgh is intended to show that those on incapacity benefits have valuable contributions to make in the decisions being made - decisions which will directly affect their lives!

"Dole-Scum!" "Dole-Scrounger!" "Parasite!" ...Are just a few of the terms regularly used to describe those on incapacity benefits in newspapers and by a number of radio talk show presenters. While, to my knowledge, none of the aforementioned presenters have medical qualifications - they usually justify such statements by adding "Of course I don't mean the genuinely disabled."

This kind of comment has created and continues to constantly strengthen stereotypical misconceptions surrounding the disabled and in particular those on incapacity benefits. It also goes a long way to explain why disabled people feel isolated within their own communities - UC-Edinburgh would aim to combat such misconceptions and would seek to provide positive ways for disabled people to achieve greater participation within our society.

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