Information, help and advice
Accessibility and equalities unit
Part of the Department for Transport. Information about what they are doing to make public transport more accessible is on their website. It has links to other useful sources of information.
Department for Transport
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR
Tel: 020 7944 8300
www.dft.gov.uk/access
British Healthcare Trades Association
The BHTA is a trade association that represents the companies that provide products and other specialist healthcare for disabled people. Most of the manufacturers of wheelchairs are members. They have a Code of Practice which covers standards of service.
The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA)
New Loom House
Suite 4.06
101 Back Church Lane
London E1 1LU
Tel: 020 7702 2141
Fax: 020 7680 4048
bhta@bhta.com
www.bhta.com
Community Transport Association UK
The Community Transport Association UK is the national representative body of the voluntary sector organisations that provide community and local accessible transport, including dial-a-ride services, minibus transport, the hire of vehicles and private car schemes. For further information about any of these, contact:
Highbank
Halton Street
Hyde
Cheshire SK14 2NY
Tel: 0870 774 3586
Fax: 0870 774 3581
info@ctauk.org
www.ctauk.org
Wales
Tel: 0870 774 3593
Scotland
Tel: 08707 743591
Northern Ireland
Tel: 08707 743594
DISABLEDGO
This website gives details of accessible buildings, sites and areas including stations. All places are inspected by disabled people.
Disabled Living Foundationn
The DLF provides comprehensive information about equipment and services for disabled people, and on much else. They have free factsheets on wheelchairs and scooters in print and downloadable from their website.
380 - 384 Harrow Road
London W9 2HU
Local rate Helpline: 0845 130 9177 (10am to 4pm)
Textphone: 020 7432 8009
advice@dlf.org.uk
www.dlf.org.uk
DLF have a bathing products website:
www.bathingmadeeasy.com
The helpline operates 10-4pm weekdays, calls are charged at local rate.
'Door to Door'
The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) have a transport and travel advice website for disabled people, which has useful information on all forms of transport:
Mobility centres
Mobility centres give practical advice and carry out assessments. There are 17 centres in the UK and they are well informed on most mobility and disability issues. Each centre has expert staff and they are independent. They may be able to advise on using a wheelchair on public transport and may have information about local transport schemes for wheelchair users. To find the nearest to you contact
The Forum of Mobility Centres
Tel: 0800 559 3636
www.mobility-centres.org.uk
Shopmobility
You can borrow a manual or powered wheelchair or scooter from a Shopmobility scheme. These can be found in various places up and down the country. Most are based in shopping centres.
You may have to pay a membership fee or a small one-off charge for the hire of the vehicle. You may have to book in advance. Some schemes may be able to arrange for an escort if you need one. They will train you on how to use the vehicle. For more information, about what's available, charges and opening times get in touch with the individual scheme. To fine them see the on-line directory at www.shopmobilityuk.org or get in touch with NFSUK:
The National Federation of Shopmobility UK (NFSUK)
PO Box 6641
Christchurch
BH23 9DQ
Tel: 08456 442 446 (24hr answerphone service)
Fax: 08456 444 442
info@shopmobilityuk.org.uk
www.shopmobility.org
Tourism for all UK
Provides information to help disabled and older people and their carers to make independent holiday and travel arrangements. They can help with information on accessible accommodation, visitor attractions, transport, activity and childrens' holiday. They also have details of places that offer respite care, sources of holiday funding and accessible overseas destinations.
Tourism for All UK
c/o Vitalise
Shap Road Industrial Estate
Kendal,Cumbria
LA9 6NZ
Tel: 0845 124 9971 (Information),
0845 124 973 (Reservations)
Fax: 01539 735 567
info@tourismforall.org.uk
www.tourismforall.org.uk
Return to: Wheels within Wheels