Dyslexia and Dyspraxia - I think I am entitled to a free bus pass but need...

Brassedoff

DannyWhoWorks wrote: »

Hello, I am 25 years old and suffer from Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. This means, along with other things, it is very hard for me to pick up a new skill and general motor skills. This has resulted in it becoming near impossible for me to learn how to drive! (I have had more than 100 lessons but nowhere near test standard and my instructor has said but not so bluntly - it may be time to give up!). I have had a little search on the internet and it seems that I may be entitled to a free bus pass for travel.

I have looked under the requirements and it says I must have a letter from my doctor.

The thing is, I have never had to see the doctor for my Dyslexia or Dyspraxia. It was all sorted out with at College and then University and I get all my support currently from University.

So what exactly should I do? Should I make an appointment and just explain this to him and hopefully he will write a letter? or is this just taking up a valuable slot, or should I write a letter to him, including my educational report as proof and ask him if he could write a quick letter? or do I not stand a chance because there's no notes on my doctors records and therefore he can't confirm that I need the bus pass?

Frustrating as I know my dyslexia and dyspraxia tutor, who knows my needs and would happily write a letter as she knows what I suffer with etc.

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

Don't take this the wrong way, although I expect the clique to jump on this, but how do you know you are suffering from these issues if you have not had them diagnosed by a medical professional?

Dyslexia and Dyspraxia are day to day manageable issues with the workforce fully integrating those people with the condition fully. As someone has said, why should it entitle anyone to a freebie because they cannot drive is beyond me?

My daughter cannot drive for her life, she panics behind the wheel, but to be honest, that's her look out, he should not be entitled to a free bus pass.

My mother works full time as a nurse, she's known to have had Dyslexia for years.

You are at Uni, so intelligence is not questioned.

It might be a case of buckling up, tighten your belt and get on with life.

M00minMama

For bus pass purposes it is likely that your dyspraxia needs are the primary reason for eligibility. I have family members with dyspraxia at differing ends of the spectrum. One is a little clumsy and found it hard to learn to ride a bike; the other regularly stumbles and falls and Isnt really safe walking by roadsides without someone there. Both were diagnosed with the same condition.

It is important for the OP to get a formal diagnosis as there are many causes for balance and coordination difficulties and whilst the practical assistance from university may be the answer for many conditions there may be the need for medical intervention if dyspraxia is not the diagnosis.

I think you are demonstrating a really positive focus on life DannyWhoWorks with your efforts at uni and driving lessons. Good luck for the future!

pmlindyloo

Having done a little research I believe different councils operate different interpretations as to what constitutes a learning disability.

Have you tried looking at concessionary bus passes on your local council website?

This council's website (http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/pages/services/disabled-people-bus-passes.aspx) particularly states that dyslexia and dyspraxia are not conditions which would entitle you to a free bus pass. Your council may have different views.

GlasweJen

In Scotland it's much less subjective and the DVLA have to have knocked you back for a licence so if you have a provisional then you're not eligible unless you meet another criteria (middle or high care, high mobility, deaf, blind or severely learning disabled).

rogerblack

jacques_chirac wrote: »

I
* a learning disability - a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning, or
* would have an application to drive a motor vehicle refused due to your disability.
<snip>
In the second, on the information given you would not be refused a licence, but rather your ability to learn is limited - the two are not the same thing.

if one cannot, through their disability learn to safely drive - solo - and they would certainly fail a driving test - this would seem a route.

Brassedoff

rogerblack wrote: »

if one cannot, through their disability learn to safely drive - solo - and they would certainly fail a driving test - this would seem a route.

Debate opens on disability then. If someone can get a bus pass due to the two conditions the country better be prepared to close some old folks homes as LA's will run out of money before you know it.

margaretclare

Dyslexia, apart from the implications of the other condition (dyspraxia) is not a bar to doing anything. There have been people who were successful in the acting profession and that involved learning lines - they found a way to do it.

I'm so proud of my eldest GD. After struggling at school with undiagnosed dyslexia, she managed to get on to a college course for painting and decorating. She achieved all 3 stages and has since been 'head-hunted' for her skills and the quality of her work. She's not very tall, you wouldn't think there was tenpence worth of muscle on her, but she's very well-thought-of, to the extent that she, not her workmates, was asked to do the 'fragging' in some student flats they'd been decorating. This involves looking for faults that can be rectified and recording them before the job is handed over.

I couldn't be prouder of her, because I have some idea of the difficulties she's had.

Richie-from-the-Boro

Info only

- fragging is .. ..snagging
- as in - First Fix Second Fix & Snagging

rogerblack

Brassedoff wrote: »

Debate opens on disability then. If someone can get a bus pass due to the two conditions the country better be prepared to close some old folks homes as LA's will run out of money before you know it.

I do not have an opinion on the OPs condition.
However, there are clearly two routes to 'would be refused a driving licence' - if one has one of the prescribed lists of conditions that preclude it, or if, on application for a test - one has no realistic hope of passing, and no hope of getting better soon due to a persistent condition.

GlasweJen

Problem is the OP has a driving licence so can't say that they would be refused one because they applied, filled out the relevant medical disclosure and was then granted a provisional drivers licence. Unless the OP goes back through medical disclosure and gets the licence revoked then they can't qualify for a bus pass on the grounds of being medically unfit to drive.

The OP can't have it both ways, they are either safe to drive and so taking lessons so that they pass the test to be allowed to drive unsupervised on the road or they are unsafe to drive and surrender their licence. You can't get a free bus pass for being medically unfit to drive to tide them over until they pass their test.