Consumer Reports

Information and advice

Wherever you live there will be information agencies that know about what's available locally. Many areas have a local disability organisation or action group. Ask at your library or council information services. It is also worth looking under disability in your local classified telephone book.

The BHTA

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is the trade association for the healthcare industry. It has a national membership of manufacturers and suppliers of mobility aids and other products. The BHTA code of practice sets out standards that its members must meet.

Shops and suppliers will display their BHTA membership if they have one.

Suite 4.06
New Loom House
101 Back Church Lane
London
E1 1LU
Tel: 020 7702 2141
Email: bhta@bhta.com, complaints@bhta.com
www.bhta.net

DIAL UK

DIAL UK is a network of some 120 local Disability Information and Advice Line services (DIALs). They are run by disabled people for disabled people. They give information and advice on anything to do with living with a disability. They can help you find a local mobility shop.

To find your nearest DIAL contact:

St Catherine's
Tickhill Road
Doncaster DN4 8QN
Tel: 01302 310123
Fax: 01302 310404
Textphone: 01302 310123 and use voice announcer
Email: informationenquiries@dialuk.org.uk
www.dialuk.info

Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)

The DLF provides comprehensive information about equipment and where to get it. Their website includes clearly written guides about a range of daily living equipment. They produce a range of factsheets and guides.
AskSARA is a very helpful online system that will tell you what kind of equipment may help you. You choose a topic (such as bathroom, gardening, hobbies or leisure or hearing) and answer a series of very simple questions. AskSARA then will give you a rundown of things that might help, things to think about and advice on what to do next.
Their helpline will give you information by phone, and they can send you printed guides and information.

380-384 Harrow Road
London W9 2HU
Local rate Helpline: 0845 130 9177
Fax: 020 7266 2922
Textphone: 020 7432 8009
Email: advice@dlf.org.uk
www.dlf.org.uk
www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk
www.asksara.org.uk

Disabled Living Centres

There are over 40 Disabled Living Centres (called independent living centres in some places) up and down the country. Most centres have displays of equipment that you can see and try out they stock and display a variety of products to meet most needs. They can advise you about the range of equipment and solutions available to meet your needs and where it is available. They will often advise you about the best way of getting equipment too, whether this be by buying privately or through the social or health services. Most DLCs operate as charities and offer impartial advice. If they do sell equipment their main consideration is to provide you with the information for specific solutions and give you a choice. If possible ring to make an appointment before you visit a DLC so they can make sure there is someone free to talk to you. To find your nearest centre contact Assist UK:

Redbank House
4 St Chad's Street
Manchester M8 8QA
Tel: 0161 834 1044
Fax: 0870 770 2867
Textphone: 0870 770 5813
Email: general.info@assist-uk.org
www.assist-uk.org

Shopmobility

Independent charity supporting shopmobility schemes throughout the UK. To find your nearest scheme contact:

P O Box 6641
Christchurch BH23 9DQ
Tel: 08456 442446
Fax: 08456 444442
Email: info@shopmobilityuk.org
www. shopmobilityuk.org

 

up to: Stepping out
previous page: Assessment
next page: Financial support