Great 'What discounts can I get when I'm disabled' Hunt

adoreholidays

tatmadpink wrote: »

hi,can you tell me how to apply for the merlin discount card,or for the disability award

You can do them at most of the attractions you will need evidence of disability i.e. DLA award letter and maybe diagnosis evidence we done ours at madame tausauds they kept our details on file so easier to renew but depends on where you live and where it is easier. Initial cost is £150 but they always do good renewal prices i.e. £100 but remember this is for 2, you willl be issued with one for disabled with another also with the picture of the disabled but says carer of. So I use this when we go and my husband bought his with tesco rewards vouchers for £37.50 these you have to redo every year you don't get renewal rates using tesco vouchers. You also need evidence from a doctor that you are unable to que to use the bands etc at attracions. You can find more details on Merlin Annual Pass site sorry not techno to post links

portlandboy

21Twinkle wrote: »

What about "Automatic" cars as opposed to "Manual" cars - is this a great enough adaption ?
I drive an automatic rather than a manual - I doubt very much whether I could return to a manual...

If you are registered as disabled and the use of an automatic car (which is not classed as an adaption but an "option") is related to your disability, then yes it does. Otherwise no.
For example, if you have only the right leg, or loss of feeling in your left foot etc. and cannot use the clutch pedal safely, you can apply for the VAT relief but if your disability was maybe heart-related, making it difficult to walk any distance, then this is unlikely to qualify. But do ask the dealer, it is them who have to be sure that the application for relief is valid as well as the claimant.
We chose a small 4x4 because it is easy to get out of and has room in the back for my wheelchair and this qualified, without any adaptions, as it suited my disability.
Hope that helps.

lisa110rry

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Care and repair offer a handyman scheme in my area for over 60's or disabled persons, it's free but a small donation is nice.

Gosh, really????? I wonder if that's just Blackpool or elsewhere in Lancashire? I have to say it really riles me that because I've not learned to be "handy" now that my husband is ill and receiving DLA I have to get workmen in to do the smallest things at great cost!

My first priority would be to get the ground floor lavatory back in working order!!!! It would save him struggling to get up the stairs.

BambinoBee

First ever post...Being a young person who's disabled I think I have some good knowledge to share!! Firstly I go to loads of gigs and they all seem to offer either a discount rate for you and a carer, or a carer can go for free. Wembley Arena/Stadium, the 02 and even the big festivals all do this and generally have great access - you usually get a great viewing spot!

I've been to Wimbledon a couple of times and again you can get a carer for free either by queing on the day (which i did last week and managed to nab brilliant court 1 disabled seats for £47 for me and my carer) or by applying before December in the disabled ballot. Simply google wimbledon disabled ballot for more info.

If you want free stuff, you can go and watch TV shows being filmed for free such as X Factor, QI or other programmes and you get to jump the que and again, get really good seats. Applause store is a great source for loads of different shows, or the BBC and the access is always good for disabled people. I managed to get tickets for X Factor last year and they were very helpful.

Also, i'm not sure if this has been mentioned but Access to Work are a government source who help with any needs for work; such as help with travel expenses or any specialised equipment you may need. For example I have help with taxi expenses as I'm not able to use public transport so I pay £0.87 per journey. They run across the country and they will be able to assess your needs.

My general mantra is: don't ask, don't get as nowadays most places offer discounts of some sort for disabled people. Hope these help!

lazyoldbag

lisa110rry wrote: »

Gosh, really????? I wonder if that's just Blackpool or elsewhere in Lancashire? I have to say it really riles me that because I've not learned to be "handy" now that my husband is ill and receiving DLA I have to get workmen in to do the smallest things at great cost!

My first priority would be to get the ground floor lavatory back in working order!!!! It would save him struggling to get up the stairs.

Try your local borough council. Subject to certain criteria they have money available to help pay for some repairs and even the installation of a new toilet from scratch if its needed. Worth a chat to find out!

SuzySF

very interesting stuff - repeatedly it says take proof of disability - well I am classed disabled but have no visible disability, and having been repeatedly challenged of my use of disabled parking, and asking if Disabled get concessions at various places, and trying to explain my illness, the last time I renewed my Blue Badge the lady at the council solved the problem. This may be peculiar to Powys County Council in Wales, but they issued me with their acceditation and gave me a small credit card type card stating I was physically disabled, a registration number, and contact numbers for them so they could be contacted to confirm the holder is who they say they are etc. This has proved incredibly useful, and saves showing DLA entitlement as this states how much money you get too, other ppl dont have to show their wage slips for things as proof !
ask you council if they have such a scheme

ruffian

We have benefitted at Haydock and Aintree Racecourses from carers going free. It doesn't work for the Grand National Meeting but that's a bit busy anyway.

Our son, who is in a wheelchair, is under 16 so gets in free but his carer does as well so helps to contribute to the sick horses fund, except that we don't know that they are sick when we back them.

sair69

book any seat for a disabled visitor (wheelchair or not) and that you require a second seat for their carer and the carer goes free - great for comedy, music, panto etc etc. You have to be exact and say the second seat is for their carer or they charge you for 2 seats!! They are also helpful in finding seats near lifts or without steps etc.

home-ed2

the disabled person and their carer can get 50% off at cheddar caves, they just took a letter showing we received d.l.a.

sair69

carers go free at the albert hall in London too!!