AJ Ottaway
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ajottaway.bsky.social
AJ Ottaway
@ajottaway.bsky.social
Meaningful progress happens when we challenge perspectives, engage in dialogue, and push for better standards.
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
Bluesky tax legal folk:

If an item is designed and used solely by disabled people, does that make it exempt from import tax? (My understanding is that it is).

Item: wheelchair rugby ball

Any tips on challenging the import tax demanded by HMRC to have the item released?
November 17, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Routes of Remembrance VI Service from Paddington Station www.youtube.com/live/PBoWS5J...
Poppies to Paddington LIVE 2025
YouTube video by GWR
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
The big question that the VMF (and society at large) appears to shy away from is defining “mobility” in a physical mobility sense

If anyone knows of a definitive explanation or academic paper on the topic, I’d love to hear about it!
October 24, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
Video help - limited-slip differential, development of, tutorial

I remember a wonderful video showing the transference from car engine to the wheel shafts

It was a series of modelled videos. Basic starting point, through iterations to complex today.

Anyone know and got link to such a video?
October 7, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
Groundbreaking! The UK Armed Forces has sworn in its first-ever humanist pastoral carer – Dr Neil Weddell. This means thousands of non-religious service personnel will have access to like-minded pastoral support that genuinely reflects their values and worldview. 🧵
October 7, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
A friend just sent this photo from County Mayo, Ireland (Achill island, to be precise)

Anyone got UK examples of cycle bays reserved for those with a disability?

#cycling #disability
October 7, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
Veterans Mobility Fund #VMF

Anyone had success, since 2024, applying for sports equipment you require because of your service-attributable injury?

I'm getting quotes from RMA and RGK for a wheelchair rugby chair.

#veteran #military #UK #disability #servicepersonnel
August 19, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
@whatdotheyknow.bsky.social is it possible to upload FOI responses received not through the WDTK system?

MOD sent me FOI reply in response to question raised in formal complaint

Otherwise I need I prob need to resubmit the #FOI request via WDTK system to have reply publicly available
August 8, 2025 at 6:17 AM
New study highlights the unique health challenges for ex-Service personnel

www.fim-trust.org/news-policy-...
New study highlights the unique health challenges for ex-Service personnel - Forces in Mind Trust
Comparing veterans and non-veterans physical and mental health disorders.
www.fim-trust.org
August 8, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
MOD pays out in Lariam malaria drug case.

The Ministry of Defence has settled a nine-year legal case relating to the controversial use of the anti-malaria drug Lariam out of court, awarding a "substantial sum" to hundreds of claimants.

Read more🔗⬇️
MOD pays out in Lariam malaria drug case after hundreds of troops had severe side effects
Lariam was routinely prescribed to prevent malaria, a deadly disease, but the drug can have devastating side effects
www.forcesnews.com
July 25, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
#Afghanistan #DataLeak and super-injunction chaos is totally unacceptable.

People need to be held to account.

Maryam Moshiri BBC News we need answers and accountability - and that’s exactly what the Defence Committee will be pushing for and investigating.

youtube.com
BBC News Interview: Afghanistan Data Leak
YouTube video by Tan Dhesi MP
youtube.com
July 17, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
Wheelchair advice please @rhysolwyn.bsky.social. I'm incomplete SCI (L1) walker, good core muscles. Live independently.

Any of these stand out as good/bad for someone like me?

TiLite ZRA
Aria Ultra
Progeo Joker R2

(I've removed RGK Octane/Tig Sub4 bcos, as you said, min weight isn't everything)
Wheelchair supply companies in Devon/South West England: Recommendations please.

Looking to replace my 20 year old Quickie TI.

Looking for:
- super lightweight wheelchair
- manual (i.e. no electric propulsion)
- backrest able to fold down to seat
- removable wheels

#disability #wheelchair #UK
July 16, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
Wheelchair supply companies in Devon/South West England: Recommendations please.

Looking to replace my 20 year old Quickie TI.

Looking for:
- super lightweight wheelchair
- manual (i.e. no electric propulsion)
- backrest able to fold down to seat
- removable wheels

#disability #wheelchair #UK
July 15, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Military personnel, their families & veterans are to have their unique circumstances legally protected by central government for the first time under new plans announced by the Prime Minister.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Pledge to protect Armed Forces community as government delivers on manifesto commitment
Military personnel, their families and veterans are to have their unique circumstances legally protected by central government for the first time under new plans announced by the Prime Minister.
www.gov.uk
June 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
Legal question re benefit overpayments + recovery of by gov

Every veteran getting a military pension today received a letter misrepresenting, I believe, the law of pension and benefit overpayment recovery

#AFPS #military #veterans #UK #pension
June 28, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
Tributes pour in for Royal Marines musician Sophie Ward, described as "an example to us all" following her death.

A talented performer and dedicated Marine, Sophie's legacy is being honoured by those who served alongside her.
'An example to us all': Tributes mount for Royal Marines musician Sophie Ward
Sophie died following an 18-month battle with Motor Neurone Disease, during which she inspired an extraordinary fundraising campaign
www.forcesnews.com
June 24, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
Looking for the ultimate family day out? 🎪👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 On Sunday 29th June, Rock Park becomes a playground of colour!

🎨 Splash through colour clouds
🪖 Take on our exciting military-style course
🏰 Jump on giant inflatables
🎧 Dance to live DJ sets

🎟️ Book now: lnkd.in/eUjgrH3U
📍 Fun starts 11AM
June 18, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Please take a look, this webapp could be a game-changer
June 13, 2025 at 12:41 PM
The Armed Forces Commissioner Bill is currently in that part of the process known as 'Parliamentary Ping-pong', or formally as ‘consideration of the Lords/Commons amendments’.

publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbi...
June 12, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
If the NHS had a million regular donors this would help keep stocks healthy and by donating blood you would truly be one in a million - So please Book an appointment or register today - it’s so easy to do
❤️🙏👇
blood.co.uk
June 9, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
For those wanting to learn about a more recent cohort of service personnel and veterans being let down by the Ministry of Defence

I recommend the File on 4 programme: “The Final Battle: Veterans fighting for compensation”

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...

#Radio4 #FileOn4
BBC Radio 4 - File on 4 Investigates, The Final Battle: Veterans fighting for compensation
Veterans who have suffered injury from service can face years fighting for compensation.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 3, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Reposted by AJ Ottaway
This is a reminder that the May Black Dog Walking Club 🚶‍♂️ 🚶‍♂️ 🐕 meets up this Sunday.

We meet in the car park of The Rockpool Bar car park at Gwithian, Nr Hayle, Cornwall at 0930hrs.
May 14, 2025 at 9:36 PM
UK Civil Service job opportunity - Head of Valour. www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cg...
May 11, 2025 at 11:49 AM