Get the most out of being disabled.

HappySad

Hi Everyone,

I have recently been registerd disabled. :wall: After getting over the disappointment of my new status.. I have now come to terms with it. I have seen that there are benefits to being registered disabled and I am finding out more and more about the things that are on offer for disabled people. I am registered mentally disabled. Actually I have severe manic depression.

This is what I get so far...
1. Free travel on bus and train pass.
2. Applying for a free cinema ticket with http://www.ceacard.co.uk
3. Support from the council in choosing a reputable builder for work in the house.
4. Extra benefits in my library. Like no fines and free loans of DVDs, video and CDs
5. I have heard that you can get help with childcare if you are on Incapacity Benefit. Is this with a normal nursery?

Do you know about any other benefits, vouchers or reductions that you can get if you are registered disabled? I have searched on the internet but can't find anything on it. what benefits do you get?:dance:

Many Thanks
HappySad

Ted_Hutchinson

Don't all rush to get "registered disabled". While it may be advantageous in some areas, most local authorities offer discounts or preferential treatment to disabled people irrespective of whether or not they are regisitered.

It's certainly worth asking your local authority if there are concessions available to registered disabled which aren't available to disabled people generally but don't get too disappointed if your authority is like mine and treats all disabled people equally irrespective of whether they are on the "Register" or not.

Ted_Hutchinson

Ian_Griffiths wrote:

Free travel through the Mersey Tunnel....

Toll concessions for Blue Badge holders generally available to Blue badge holders rather than mentally disabled registered or not, you should also be aware that for many you need to obtain the necessary exemption certification before the journed see Mersey tunnel concessions information

HappySad

Thanks for you advice the council. I will contact them.

HappySad

I have searched the internet for bluebadge and found that it is for people that are physically disabled http://www.telford.gov.uk/Living/Advice/whatisBluebadge.htm

Ted_Hutchinson

HappySad wrote:

I have searched the internet for bluebadge and found that it is for people that are physically disabled http://www.telford.gov.uk/Living/Advice/whatisBluebadge.htm

Yes it's not often someone with a mental disability can get a Blue badge, although some local authorities take a more enlightened view and allow them for particular mental disabilities such as agrophobia. If there is a particular reason why having a blue badge may enable you to do something which you could not otherwise do because of your disability then it would be worth explaining this to the office issueing the badges locally and getting your Health Professional to support your request.

s@sha

I'm a bit confused...I was under the impression that there was no such thing as being 'registered disabled' anymore, since the Disability Discrimination Act was introduced in the 1990s. I was born with a disability & was initially 'registered disabled' when I left uni and was first looking for a job, but I didn't think such a register existed any more?

HappySad

It looks like you can get registered disabled because I was registered very recently.

penrith

HappySad wrote:

Hi Everyone,

This is what I get so far...
1. Free travel on bus and train pass.
2. Applying for a free cinema ticket with http://www.ceacard.co.uk
3. Support from the council in choosing a reputable builder for work in the house.
4. Extra benefits in my library. Like no fines and free loans of DVDs, video and CDs
5. I have heard that you can get help with childcare if you are on Incapacity Benefit. Is this with a normal nursery?

Are these just things you can get because of where you live? I mean, are these things that your local council offer but similar poeple in other areas wouldn't be able to get the same things?

I'm pretty sure where i am you cannot get free travel (but half fare may be possible). You still get charged for late books, CDs etc (believe me, I know!), support from the council on employing a workman i've never heard of and i am not sure what you mean about a person on IB can get help with childcare. If they can then i'd like to know about it!!!

I am wondering whether this is regional. I'd ask you what county you are in but i don't want to appear too nosey.

Trix

The money saving for carers thread (click HERE) has got 8 pages of 'benefits' to both carers and people with disabilities listed.

s@sha

s&#64 wrote: »

I'm a bit confused...I was under the impression that there was no such thing as being 'registered disabled' anymore, since the Disability Discrimination Act was introduced in the 1990s. I was born with a disability & was initially 'registered disabled' when I left uni and was first looking for a job, but I didn't think such a register existed any more?

I knew I wasn't imagining this. Did some searching on the web & apparently I was correct in that for the purposes of employment, there is no longer a disabled persons register...the old 'green card' scheme. I remember having a green card & this is what I was thinking of when HappySad talked of being 'registered disabled'

The 1996 Disability Discrimination Act removed the process of registration. Registration as disabled and the employment quota scheme ended 3.12.96, although people registered as disabled on or before 2.12.96 counted as such for the next three years. Since the Act came into force, as long as a person meets the definitions of disability under the DDA, they are classed as disabled.

However, people can still 'register' as disabled with their local Social Services or Council which then may put them in line for various concessions, etc.

Sorry if I confused anyone!