The Disabled Living Foundation offers a range of factsheets on what to look for when choosing children's daily living equipment, including personal care, beds, bathing, seating etc. The factsheets can be downloaded from their website at www.dlf.org.uk or telephone the helpline on 0845 1309177
National Express Coach Travel Discount
A concessionary fare applies to all passengers who qualify as disabled as described by the legislation in the Transport Act 2000. It is available on National Express services throughout England and Wales and also to Edinburgh or Glasgow from destinations in England and Wales. For further details contact the Disabled Persons Travel Helpline on
0121 4238479
M6 Toll Road Exemptions
Now that the new M6 Toll motorway is open there is a pass available to exempt those who are in receipt of DLA or are exempt from road tax. An application form can be obtained by telephoning 0870 8506262 or visiting website www.m6toll.co.uk. There is a £5 administration charge for the pass.
National cinema initiative
A new national card scheme is launched on 1 October 2004 in almost every UK cinema - over 500 cinemas. The Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card entitles the holder to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema. The card is valid for three years from the issue date and costs £5. To apply for the card a person must meet one (or more) of the following criteria.
a) Be in receipt of disability living allowance
b) Be a registered blind person
c) Hold a disabled person's rail card
For more information visit http://www.yourlocalcinema.com/cea.card.html or telephone 0151 348 8020
Direct Payments
The Council for Disabled Children has prepared a Parent's Guide to Direct Payments, which enables parents to buy their own services for their disabled children such as respite care, personal care etc. This is available from the Department of Health Publications by telephoning 08701 555 455 and quoting ref. 31762 or email [email protected]
Carer's Allowance
Carer's can now make a claim for the Carer's Allowance online as well as by post. The new service has been tested by Carers UK and can be found at: www.dwp.gov.uk?lifeevent/benefits/carers_allowance.asp
If you care for a disabled child you now have the right to have your own needs as well as those of your child assessed by your local social services department. The carer's assessment is described as 'your opportunity to tell social services about the things that could make caring easier for you' and covers such questions as Do you get enough sleep? Is your health affected in other ways? Do you get any time for yourself? Contact your local social services to request such an assessment.
FLEXIBLE WORKING
From April 2003 new legislation has meant that carers who want to work now have a right to request flexible working until their disabled child is 18, for other children it is up to age six. Flexible working includes an alteration of hours, working from home, term-time working etc. After an application has been made in writing an employer must arrange to meet you within 28 days and they can only refuse under certain circumstances.
Blue Badge Holders
Any Blue Badge Holders planning a trip to Europe can obtain a free copy of the booklet 'European Parking for People with Disabilities' by telephoning 020 7944 6800 in England, 02920 826501 in Wales and 0131 2440860 in Scotland.
Special Educational Needs Tribunal
www.sentribunal.gov.uk gives details of how parents of children with special educational needs can appeal to the Tribunal against decisions made by local education authorities.
London congestion charges
With effect from February 2003 all drivers entering the charging zone between 7 am and 6.30 pm Monday to Friday will have to pay a £5 fee. Blue/orange badge holders are eligible for 100% discount on registration of the vehicle. There is a one-off £10 registration fee and badge holders should contact Transport for London on 0845 900 1234 to apply for discount.
Disabled motorist stickers
GPSP have produced a range of stickers and signs to promote disability awareness, for example to politely remind people they have parked in a disabled parking bay. For more information contact GPSP on 01275 842322 or email [email protected]
Books
Jessica Kingsley Publishers publishes books on all sorts of topics relating to taking care of your child, including disability, the law, social issues and therapies. For more information telephone 020 78332307 or email [email protected]
THE DISABILITY LAW SERVICE
This is a charity providing FREE legal advice and casework for disabled people, carers and their families. Advice lines are available Mon-Fri 10.30am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.30pm. Telephone 020 7791 9800/9821 or email [email protected]
DISABILITY RIGHTS HANDBOOK
This is a guide to benefits and services in the UK to all disabled people and their families and costs £13.00. To get your copy ring 020 7247 8776
VARIETY CLUB EASY RIDERS SCHEME
The Variety Club is accepting applications for help with funding for mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and buggies under its Easy Riders Scheme on behalf of children with special needs under 19 years old and from a financially disadvantaged background. For more information telephone 020 7428 8100 or email [email protected]
RADAR NATIONAL KEY SCHEME
The National Key Scheme allows independant access to around 4,000 locked public toilets in the UK. The key price is £3.50 and the guidebook is £5.00 both available from Radar.
COUNCIL TAX DISABILITY REDUCTION SCHEME
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales you may be entitled to a disability reduction in your council tax bill if you or any other resident is 'substantially and permanently disabled.' This can be adults or children. For further information and an application form contact your local authority.
DISABLED PERSONS RAILCARD
This card entitles the holder to discounts of up to a third on tickets and is valid for 12 months. It also allows an adult to travel with the holder for the same discount. For more details call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 7484950