Blue Badge Interview

I-Owe-You

I am 24 and I suffer with profound degenerative sensori neural deafness and am fully dependant on Lip-reading or for others to communicate for me. I also suffer with server tinnitus, to the point that I have often felt suicidal.

On top of that I have associated Meniere’s disease, which is a condition/disability which effects the inner ear and my balance – making me susceptible to drop attacks and effects my mobility with transfers and stairs and preventing me from walking for long periods of time without feeling vertigo or the need to sit down at regular intervals.

I don’t particularly walk any slower, just at times after an attack or if there are uneven/patterned pavements and struggle greatly on escalators etc…(although I am always supported – holding my partners arm etc)

I was grateful to be awarded DLA for this which assists with the cost of RNID equipment and adaptations (flashing door bell, grab rails at home ect). I cannot travel alone due to susceptibility (& anxiousness) of falling if unaided as well as my communication problems. I am always escorted where ever I go. We take taxi’s everywhere (even short journeys) which is costing a small fortune. My partner has suggested we get a cheap car to assist with this as unfortunately my deafness is degenerative.
I have therefore applied for a blue badge and now have an interview with an independent OT next week.

I wondered if anyone could give me any advice, or whenever you have attended a similar interview and what I should expect?

I am nervous because I am not dizzy or suffering symptoms 24 hours a day, but they can and do just come on without warning. I have much difficulty with transfers and stairs but can climb them just with great caution, anxiousness and needing much support. Being deaf does not have any instant visual aid to being a “disability” apart from my aids which I vainly hide with my hair! (…unlike say, someone with walking aids or in a chair) Although – understandably - the fact that I am deaf will probably not be considered in my blue badge claim.

I have piles of paperwork for various clinics and organisations I am in liaison with which I am planning on taking with me, but am worried I will be penalised because I am generally able to walk 50 metres with support unless I am having “a bad day”

I also work full time (am escorted to and from work and am desk based with reasonable adjustments and dealings with DWP “Access to work” scheme) Will this further penalise me? Sorry I am a bit naive.

Any advice would be very helpful.

Thank you in advance.

geoff11

i have never heard of anyone having an interview for a blue badge, normally you apply with proof of the dla award which has to be the higher rate or you cant get the badge, you go to the office, they take the letter of proof photocopy it take your picture for the badge and thats that. are you sure its an interview for the blue badge?

cqdaniels

Please don't be nervous. I had a Blue Badge assessment just before Christmas and was, like you, very apprehensive as my disability is also not visible and I do have days when my mobility is slighter better.

I was met by two very nice, understanding ladies (one of whom was disabled herself) and was asked to walk a short distance whilst they observed, I was having one of my 'better' days but they understood that this was not the norm for me. We then just had a chat about how I managed to get about day to day.

If you did not send in any supporting letters from your medical people with the original application, I would definitely take it in with you. It all helps them to build up a picture of how your mobility is affected.

I was fortunate in that they decided within 10 minutes to issue me with a Blue Badge, which I received two days later. It's changed my life and I am now not so dependent on others to take me out.

Good luck.

jazabelle

geoff11 wrote: »

i have never heard of anyone having an interview for a blue badge, normally you apply with proof of the dla award which has to be the higher rate or you cant get the badge, you go to the office, they take the letter of proof photocopy it take your picture for the badge and thats that. are you sure its an interview for the blue badge?

It entirely depends on the issuing body. You don't have to get DLA at my local social services - you can also use medical evidence from your consultant/GP.

Bobl

I applied for one for my FIL, and all it took was a letter from his doctor to get it approved.

Loopy_Girl

I would echo cqdaniels. I don't get DLA so had to go for an assessment. Whilst the syndrome I suffer from has a visible disability, there are also many non visible ones.

I also work full time.

I saw 1 doctor who was lovely. Watched me walk and asked about how my condition affected me.

He told me there and then that I would get the badge. I was in and out in 10 minutes and had no letters from anyone - I just gave an honest account of my daily life.

Please don't fret. It's not a 'test' to see how disabled you are, it's just procedure that has to be followed

Good luck

Loopy_Girl

geoff11 wrote: »

i have never heard of anyone having an interview for a blue badge, normally you apply with proof of the dla award which has to be the higher rate or you cant get the badge, you go to the office, they take the letter of proof photocopy it take your picture for the badge and thats that. are you sure its an interview for the blue badge?

You don't have to be on DLA to get a blue badge.

savemoney

That is true my daughter didnt but she was assessed and turned down appealed and won. Same with DLA she now gets higher rate mobility

Loopy_Girl wrote: »

You don't have to be on DLA to get a blue badge.

savemoney

Not sure on your location but in my town we have a disability place that can help you with forms and also going with you for moral support