Who can help? - key sources of information for older and disabled people (view report contents)
Getting around outside
Q. I don’t have a car, can’t get onto buses and can’t afford taxis - what other services are there?
Special transport services
Dial-a-rides are like taxis in that you book them to take you from door-to-door; fares are usually low. They are all wheelchair accessible, but are for anyone who has difficulty with public transport. Who is eligible to use them, the kind of journeys you can make and fares vary from place to place. Some places have more services than others and there are few in rural areas. To check if there is a dial-a-ride in your area contact the social services department at your local authority or look in your local phone book.
Community transport services provide local transport of various types. They may run door-to-door transport, regular trips to shopping centres, have transport that you can book - services and rules about who can use them vary a lot. Contact the social services department at your local authority.
Shopmobility lend or hire powered wheelchairs and scooters
to anybody who needs them to travel in town centres and large shopping
areas. There may be a free car park at the place where you pick up the
wheelchair. There are over 200 schemes in the UK. To find a Shopmobility
scheme near you contact
The National Federation of Shopmobility UK (NFSUK)
PO Box 6641
Christchurch
BH23 9DQ
Tel: 08456 442 446
Fax: 08456 444 442
Email: info@shopmobilityuk.org.uk
www.justmobility.co.uk/shop
Door to door: a guide to transport for people with disabilities
is available online at the website of DPTAC (Disabled Persons Transport
Advisory Committee) click
here for Door
to Door.
DPTAC advises the Government on the transport needs of disabled people,
including air travel, buses, ferries, motoring, rail, taxis and walking.
The website also includes a section on the built environment, where DPTAC
also advises the Government.
Q. How do I keep my hospital appointment if I can’t afford to get there?
Help with the cost of travel to and from hospital
If you are being treated at a NHS hospital under a consultant, or receive a disability service, and are on a low income, you can get help with travel costs. Some other categories of patients may also qualify. Help can cover the costs of anyone you need to help you get to the hospital. Eligibility and the arrangements for claiming payment are quite complicated. Details are in free leaflet HC11 Help with Health Costs - from main post offices, job centres and NHS hospitals. Or from the Department of Health, call NHS Response Line 0870 155 5455.
Q. Where do I get advice on adapting my car or hiring an adapted car? Do I need an assessment to see if I can drive?
Cars and adaptations
Buying a car is likely to be a major item in anyone’s budget. Mistakes can be expensive and can have serious practical consequences for anyone with a disability.
Mobility Centres are independent organisations which give advice about cars, adaptations and other subjects to do with mobility such as wheelchairs. They will assess your abilities and make recommendations about what adaptations you may need. Some can arrange for driving lessons. They differ in size and in the services they offer. For details of your nearest contact Forum of Mobility Centres 0800 559 3636.
Ins and Outs of Choosing a Car - is an guide for older and disabled people and has details of what to look for, tips and where to go for further information.
Q. Can I get financial help to get a car?
Motability
If you get the higher component of the Disability Living Allowance, or
the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, you can use these to lease
or buy a car through Motability. Details from the Motability Customer
Information Service
Warwick House
Roydon Road
Harlow
Essex
CM19 5PX
Tel: 01279 635999
Fax: 01279 632000
Textphone: 01279 632213
Customer Helpline: 0845 456 4566
www.motability.co.uk
Q. I need something to help me walk - where do I find something suitable?
Mobility aids
Health authorities and social service departments supply mobility aids.
These range from walking sticks to wheelchairs. If you qualify they can
arrange for an assessment - a physiotherapist or other expert will assess
your needs and, if they recommend a mobility aid they will usually supply
it. There may be a waiting list for an assessment. Contact your health
authority or social services department.
Impartial advice is also available from one of the many Disabled Living Centres around the country. To find your nearest centre contact
Assist UK
Redbank House
4 St Chad’s Street
Manchester M8 8QA
Tel: 0870 770 2866
Text 0870 770 5813
Fax: 0870 770 2867
e-mail: general.info@assist-uk.org
www.assist-uk.org
The Disabled Living Foundation have a factsheet Choosing walking equipment available free from :
Disabled Living Foundation
380-384 Harrow Road
London W9 2HU
Local rate Helpline: 0845 130 9177
(10am to 4pm)
Fax: 020 7266 2922
Textphone: 020 7432 8009
Email: advice@dlf.org.uk
www.dlf.org.uk
DLF have a bathing products website: www.bathingmadeeasy.com
Page updated: July 2007
Report contents
Introduction
Communication
Caring for someone
Getting
around outside
Holidays
and clubs
Legal
advice
Making
your home easier to live in
Money
More
information and advice
