Is there an 'official' disabled status? How do we get a disability recognised?

born_again

To echo the above about mobility scooter.
My Mrs can not walk far, so despite complaints took her to Care Co to look round. Got her to sit on one & try (shes a confirmed non driver) Realised how easy it was & we came away with one.
Then there are cases where the likes of hospitals they are not very easy to use in. So had to use hospital wheelchairs, despite protests. Have now ended up with own wheel chair & now enjoys being pushed around...

Spoonie_Turtle

born_again said:

To echo the above about mobility scooter.
My Mrs can not walk far, so despite complaints took her to Care Co to look round. Got her to sit on one & try (shes a confirmed non driver) Realised how easy it was & we came away with one.
Then there are cases where the likes of hospitals they are not very easy to use in. So had to use hospital wheelchairs, despite protests. Have now ended up with own wheel chair & now enjoys being pushed around...

Even better, powered wheelchair - all the freedom and independence of a scooter with the footprint and maneouvrability of a wheelchair.  (But more expensive than a manual though, obviously.)

born_again

Spoonie_Turtle said:

born_again said:

To echo the above about mobility scooter.
My Mrs can not walk far, so despite complaints took her to Care Co to look round. Got her to sit on one & try (shes a confirmed non driver) Realised how easy it was & we came away with one.
Then there are cases where the likes of hospitals they are not very easy to use in. So had to use hospital wheelchairs, despite protests. Have now ended up with own wheel chair & now enjoys being pushed around...

Even better, powered wheelchair - all the freedom and independence of a scooter with the footprint and maneouvrability of a wheelchair.  (But more expensive than a manual though, obviously.)

Nice idea, sadly well out of price range given already got the scooter. As it has to go in the back of car.

Spoonie_Turtle

born_again said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

born_again said:

To echo the above about mobility scooter.
My Mrs can not walk far, so despite complaints took her to Care Co to look round. Got her to sit on one & try (shes a confirmed non driver) Realised how easy it was & we came away with one.
Then there are cases where the likes of hospitals they are not very easy to use in. So had to use hospital wheelchairs, despite protests. Have now ended up with own wheel chair & now enjoys being pushed around...

Even better, powered wheelchair - all the freedom and independence of a scooter with the footprint and maneouvrability of a wheelchair.  (But more expensive than a manual though, obviously.)

Nice idea, sadly well out of price range given already got the scooter. As it has to go in the back of car.

The Pride Go-chair is one that comes apart like a scooter.  But yes I am painfully aware of budget constraints and how expensive these things can be, even secondhand

I sort of more mentioned it for the OP's wife if she would consider either type of aid.

teddysmum

It depends on what is affordable for the individual, but I was surprised to find that you can get an aluminium (Ie super light) electric wheelchair for well under £1000. A good idea for when at our caravan, in Wales, as I get annoyed at having to ask to be taken somewhere, as I can't propel my self-propel wheelchair by myself. Small scooters look rather spartan and uncomfortable, as I can't sit bolt upright for long.

EnPointe

p00hsticks said:

As someone who helps run a club that charges those with disabilities a lower membership fee, we ask to see proof  that the person is receiving PIP - it's the only 'official' way we have discovered. 

and consequently you are in breach of the Equality act  unless your fee remission policy/  constitution restricts   concessionary membership  to that group 

Muttleythefrog

EnPointe said:

p00hsticks said:

As someone who helps run a club that charges those with disabilities a lower membership fee, we ask to see proof  that the person is receiving PIP - it's the only 'official' way we have discovered. 

and consequently you are in breach of the Equality act  unless your fee remission policy/  constitution restricts   concessionary membership  to that group 

As I understand it the Equality Act has provision for private clubs (assuming this is to what we refer) to carry out positive action... which I assume is what they would argue although there's a lack of guidance examples in relation to that method being membership fees.

Quoting from the guidance
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a78f58340f0b62b22cbe26d/private-clubs.pdf

Some people with protected characteristics are disadvantaged or under-represented, or have particular needs linked to their characteristic. Positive action provisions in the Act enable private clubs and other associations to take proportionate steps to encourage membership among underrepresented groups, or to help people overcome their disadvantages, or to meet their needs. 

Murphybear

p00hsticks said:

As someone who helps run a club that charges those with disabilities a lower membership fee, we ask to see proof  that the person is receiving PIP - it's the only 'official' way we have discovered. 

What about retired people who are disabled but didn’t get PIP before they retired?  PIP is usually a working age benefit.  

poppy12345

Murphybear said:

p00hsticks said:

As someone who helps run a club that charges those with disabilities a lower membership fee, we ask to see proof  that the person is receiving PIP - it's the only 'official' way we have discovered. 

What about retired people who are disabled but didn’t get PIP before they retired?  PIP is usually a working age benefit.  

Many people continue to claim PIP and DLA after reaching state pension age. For those that don't then they can claim AA.

Bigwheels1111

PiP seems to be the criteria that universally is accepted as being disabled.

PiP is available if you are under 65 when first claimed. Continues after 65.
After 65 it’s Attendance Allowance, Less money as the motability part is not included.

We carry a copy of the Pip letter in the car and handbag.