Should I be getting higher rate mobility / does this count as a disability orientation device?

Bhavv

I currently get 10 points for overwhelming distress under planning journeys, and the first time I've left my house since 2018 was yesterday for my first vaccine jab.

I have a lot of hearing loss and only just realized I need to use my hearing aids / in ear bluetooth earpiece to hear my GPS.

Does needing hearing aids to hear GPS instructions count as a disability orientation device?

I will not be trying a change of circumstance as I cannot risk losing my PIP, but I can try mention this in my next reassessment in 2023.

poppy12345

This doesn't count. As you've only left your house once since 2018 then 10 points for mobility 1E (can't undertake any journey) is correct. https://pipinfo.net/activities/planning-and-following-journeys

Bhavv

poppy12345 said:

This doesn't count. As you've only left your house once since 2018 then 10 points for mobility 1E (can't undertake any journey) is correct. https://pipinfo.net/activities/planning-and-following-journeys

But if I do need to take a journey for medical emergencies, I need hearing adaptations on navigation. This seems unfair to ignore if a person has a need for the 12 points category but also qualifies for the 10 points. It would definitely be far too risky to challenge this, so I will gather what information and evidences I can in advance of my next reassessment, I have tried asking RNID for advice on the PIP, and a hearing loss equipment provider for if there are GPS / Navigation tools adapted for hearing loss.

poppy12345

A GPS is not classed as an aid unless specifically designed or modified to assist a disabled person. Please read the link i posted.

poppy12345

If you don't leave the house for the majority of the time then you won't score 12 points here. This link may help you understand the criteria. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#mobility-activities

Bhavv

poppy12345 said:

A GPS is not classed as an aid unless specifically designed or modified to assist a disabled person. Please read the link i posted.

That's right, hence if any exist with adaptation for hearing loss built into them, then they would qualify, so if they are t loop compatible, have speech to text, even just a louder speaker and if you buy as such from any hearing loss equipment provider. I've read all the available information, and what it requires is for the disability adjustment to be built into the navigation tool.

So if any GPS exists with hearing loss adaptations built into it, then it would qualify.

poppy12345

but if for the majority of the time if you don't leave the house then you won't score 12 points.

Alice_Holt

Here are the points descriptors: 
1. Planning and following journeys.
a. Can plan and follow the route of a journey unaided.  0 points.
b. Needs prompting to be able to undertake any journey to avoid overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant.  4 points.
c. Cannot plan the route of a journey.  8 points.
d. Cannot follow the route of an unfamiliar journey without another person, assistance dog or orientation aid.  10 points.
e. Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant.  10 points.
f.  Cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person, an assistance dog or an orientation aid.  12 points.

If you read them carefully, you will see that the descriptor you have been placed into already covers the use of an orientation aid.  
The difference between 1d (10 points), and 1f (12 points) concerns whether the journey is familiar or not.

From what you have written 1e would seem to be the descriptor that best fits your situation - also 10 points.


So the answer to your question is No.
You wouldn't move from 10 points to 12 points due to the use of an orientation aid. 

Bhavv

Oh right never mind at all, I missed that point. I qualify for either 10 points, I thought the 12 points applied to unfamiliar journeys. 

ohdrar

I think before your next assessment you should go to an advice service and see what they think. I only mention this because of the repeatedly, reliably, safely and acceptable standards also apply. In addition whether or not the GPS linked hearing aid counts for orientation might be considered a special aid. You could not use a GPS on a mobile phone otherwise without the hearing aid. 
In the past what has classed as an aid has ended up case law and you can read a list here https://cpag.org.uk/welfare-rights/resources/article/pip-aids-appliances-and-caselaw
You might find the answer here. But I agree dont' bother with it until the renewal happens. 

calcotti

ohdrar said:

I think before your next assessment you should go to an advice service and see what they think. I only mention this because of the repeatedly, reliably, safely and acceptable standards also apply. In addition whether or not the GPS linked hearing aid counts for orientation might be considered a special aid. You could not use a GPS on a mobile phone otherwise without the hearing aid. 

It is an irrelevant issue. If OP has not left the house since 2018 it clear that on the majority of days they cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress. They therefore meet descriptor e). A claimant who meets descriptor e) cannot meet descriptor f).