Disabled/over 60's ID card??

justevi

Does such a thing exist and if not why not? Many times we have paid full price for our special needs foster daughter when we know we could have had a discount just because she doesn't look special needs and it is embarrassing asking etc., especially if you are in a queue! I realise we could show DLA letter but to me that is a confidentiality issue as it as a lot of personal information on it.
Now we are over 60 we do the same with age concessions. It would be easier all round if you could get an ID card to show.
Does anyone else feel the same?

GlasweJen

I have the national entitlement card issued in Scotland which shows that i'm disabled (it doesn't say that on it but i'm far too young to have one because of my age). I bloody hate it, while i appreciate that the bus pass can't come in any other format i hate that if something were to happen and the emergency services opened my purse the first thing they'd see is that i'm disabled.

justevi

Whilst I understand your feelings, would the alternative/s be better? Paying for your fare or having to ask out loud and explain why you are entitled to travel free?
I am sure if you were in a situation where the emergency services had to open your purse, seeing your card would be the least of your worries and may even be an advantage!

daska

How about applying for a blue badge or the concessionary bus pass from your local council. That way you have something to 'show' which doesn't give as much personal info.

justevi

Unfortunately child gets middle rate DLA so isnt entitled to a blue badge. We will get around to applying for bus passes - eventually lol
I just feel that it would be much easier and less embarassing for people to just show a card.

PolishBigSpender

justevi wrote: »

I just feel that it would be much easier and less embarassing for people to just show a card.

Which would have to contain the personal details that you're so worried about.

justevi

PolishBigSpender wrote: »

Which would have to contain the personal details that you're so worried about.

Why is that necessary? I have various cards inc one which identifies me as a foster carer and only has my name and photo on it.
I am sure gov could come up with a similar card which is quite plain and doesn't shout disability or old person!
I am just interested in other peoples views on what they have to do to get discounts at e.g. theme parks, cinema etc when they take a disabled child (or adult for that matter) out. Especially those who dont have an obvious disability eg Autism

daska

I ring ahead. Then I know exactly what I need to ask for / take with me. Even if they did do a card which didn't include personal details producing it would still identify you as 'special' in some way and you always get a nosy parker in the queue behind you asking how you managed to get your discount, or the person on the till reading out exactly what you're being charged for... All in all I'm not sure that you would avoid the situations that you find embarassing.

GlasweJen

well actually the emergency services would get !!!!!! all information from the card about what my disability actually is so it's not an advantage at all, my name and date of birth are on several other cards that i have (bank card, national insurance card, pacemaker registration card, medicalert card etc).

I already said that i realise that the pass has to exist in some format and i like the free bus and cheap trains that the card entitles me to but i don't like giving ID cards to people because they are vulnerable.

flipsgirl

justevi wrote: »

Does such a thing exist and if not why not? Many times we have paid full price for our special needs foster daughter when we know we could have had a discount just because she doesn't look special needs and it is embarrassing asking etc., especially if you are in a queue! I realise we could show DLA letter but to me that is a confidentiality issue as it as a lot of personal information on it.
Now we are over 60 we do the same with age concessions. It would be easier all round if you could get an ID card to show.
Does anyone else feel the same?

Hi there justevi,

I am registered disabled and rang the local council asking for a Disability Registration card. Unfortunately their process for printing these cards is at present being reviewed and although they were unable to issue me with a card at this time, they sent me a letter which I can use until a card can be issued. This letter shows my name and address and states that I am a registered disabled person. Hope this is helpful.

GlasweJen

i didn't think you could register disabled any more?