high rate mobility - registered blind

GlasweJen

Have you been assessed by an occupational therapist for aids in your home? When you mentioned running a bath and choosing clothes, there's a sensor they can attach to your bath that will beep when the water touches it so you know it's near the top (you can choose how near you want it set), there's also a scanner that you hold up to clothes and it tells you the colour, it's really accurate!

I would phone your consultants secretary and ask if they can arrange for you to get a copy of the letter reviewing your appointment that they are sending to your GP, there's no charge for this and it will hopefully hold the answer and give you evidence too.

I'd also get onto social services, the colour gadget is a luxury but a sensor for your bath and sinks is a basic adaption I would expect you to have to prevent you accidentally flooding the place!

nannytone_2

i already have a social worker ( well did .... he retired last week and im waiting to be allocated another)
i have various aids,... magnifiers, a camera that is plugged into the television... all sorts. but they are becoming less useful as my sight worsens
he had mentioned the gadget that can tell me what colour things are, but to be honest it would be a bit of a waste of money as i have a PA ( funded by social services) that stops me walking roubd looking like a clown ! just need to be careful not to annoy ger lol

the biggest issue is travel costs.
im in a rural area thats only serviced by 1 buds. it runs hourly but there isnt only 1 place that i need to go.
my PA drives, but i [ay her petrol money.
as with the fym. there are no concessions for disabled/carers so i have to pay for 2 memberships.
it soubnds so greedy to make it all about money.
but when you need so much help from other people... money is the real issue

GlasweJen

Have you approached the gym to ask if they'd consider a concessionary rate? I'm sure they'd be happy to consider this if your PA isn't working out also.

I'd write them a letter highlighting that PA doesn't use machines as she is supporting you by doing x,y and z. Ask them how they would support your right as a member to use the facilities if you didn't provide your own assistant and then go from there negotiating your discount. Our council gym doesn't charge OH when he takes me to swim because they couldn't provide someone to help me out of the pool and into my chair.

Quite often companies don't realise what PAs actually do for disabled people and change their minds about concessions when things are pointed out to them.

I'd do all this while awaiting word from your consultant, sounds to me that by being able to see that top letter you're right on the line of not qualifying but the fact you're getting nothing at all underneath it means to me that you're probably not seeing that letter very well either? The letter being blurred but just about readable would make you worse than 6/60 but how this is recorded is down to your consultant. If you get the letter and it says 6/60 best corrected vision I would try writing to your consultants secretary enclosing the section from the DMG and asking her to produce a letter confirming for sure wether or not you fall into this criteria.

GlasweJen

Actually thinking about it, if its a council gym would social work be willing to fund your PAs membership?

nannytone_2

i hadnt thought of that. i could ask my social wprker of o can [ay it out of my direct payment account.

she does use the machines though ... we do it together. partly because she wants to, but also partly because i am uncomfortable having a stranger that i cant see too close to me ( i also have mild aspergers and have picked up some really odd habits over the years. people being too close to me is one of them)
the gyn is council run and the price structuring is a bit odd.
they give 3 prices.
one for residents pf the district
one for non residents of the district
one for concessions

but the concessionary price is the same as the district residents price.
i have questioned it and all they say is 'that is the price'
it isnt run by the district council, but by the town council and their word is law!
im definately going to phone the consultants secretary and ask for a copy of the letter. i dont think it will have much detail though as she made a point of dsying she would give a detailed respons if requested by DLA