Disabled man lost computer that enables him to talk

Michael Marks: ‘I cannot believe the way they treat disabled people’

A DISABLED man is accusing Town Hall bosses of ignoring his claim for compensation and leaving him voiceless after faulty council work destroyed computer equipment that enables him to talk.
Council tenant Michael Marks, 43, says shoddy work by a council plumber resulted in his flat in Belsize Avenue, Belsize Park, becoming flooded in May, 2002.
As well as destroying much of his furniture, the water damaged a computer that Mr Marks, who is paralysed on the right side of his body, relies on to communicate.
The sophisticated machine is similar to one used by wheelchair-bound academic Professor Stephen Hawking and “talks” messages after they are typed into it.
The council has admitted responsibility for the damage to the flat but is disputing damage to the computer. Two- and-a-half years after the flood, Mr Marks is still waiting for compensation.
Speaking through friends and a series of notes, Mr Marks said the council had taken two years to admit liability and had then offered £5,000.
He added: “The computer alone costs nearly £6,000, which my parents and friends in the community helped me buy. I spent three months in the Royal Free Hospital learning to use it.
“I cannot believe the way they treat disabled people. I have been fighting for justice for over two years now.”
A Town Hall official said the council “was making every endeavour to reach a settlement as soon as possible”.
He added: “We believe the financial settlement is an accurate reflection of the financial loss that Mr Marks has suffered. However, giving consideration to Mr Marks’ personal circumstances, the council has approached its insurers and hopes his claim will be settled as soon as possible.
“Our insurer has made an offer to review the claim, specifically the voice-activated computer, to determine if it could be repaired or if a replacement would be a more cost-effective settlement.”