Disabled Drivers
Mobilise was formed a few years ago following a merger of the Disabled Drivers Association (DDA) and the Disabled Drivers Motor Club (DDMC). Since the two organisations represented a similar demographic group, it made sense for them to join rather than compete with each other.
With the merger came an opportunity to modernise the image
of the two clubs and at the same time, they expanded their remit to cover all road users – Disabled Drivers, Passengers and Blue Badge Holders.
What Does Mobilise Do?
Mobilise is a campaigning and lobbying organisation that aims to shape the policies that affect their members. They are involved with big campaigns like BayWatch, Hospital Parking as well as fighting for the rights of Blue Badge Holders and accessibility at Petrol Stations. Their website goes into detail but they state that they have categorised their campaigns under the three banners of Driving, Parking and Re-Fueling.
As well as the big campaigns, Mobilise is there to support its membership. To do this they produce a monthly magazine and a number of information leaflets. They also provide a telephone helpline and will happily advocate on behalf of individuals.
As well as advice and information, there are a number of “Club Benefits”. These range from discounted web shopping to insurance and car purchase deals. Of particular note is their ability to negotiate car ferry discounts and the club runs its own travel booking service.
Further Information
Mobilise membership costs from £16 a year, a fee that can easily be recouped from ferry fares.
Much more information can be found on their website: http://mobilise.info
Tweet this! Royal National Institute of Blind People
All of the major disability charities have a strong web presence and the RNIB are no exception to this. The aim of the RNIB is to support blind and partially sighted people and they advertise a variety of ways that they can do this on their site. There is a wealth of information on the site itself and they advertise a dedicated helpline on: 0303 123 9999.
The site is easy to navigate, split into sections for blind and partially sighted people, professionals working with blind and partially sighted people and general education and information about eye problems and conditions. If you are unsure which part of the site is going to be most useful for you, there is an alternative method of navigation based around the visitors background and reason for visiting.
Of course, there is also loads of information about the work of the RNIB as well as clear ideas for getting involved and donating money.
- Image by patrick h. lauke via Flickr
Shop Online
The shopping section of the website is particularly impressive. Many charity websites have sections that are full of “useful gifts and accessories”. It often appears that little thought has been put into the wares on offer, that they are there just in the hope that someone might be tempted to buy. I’m sure you’ve seen several sites with mugs and tea towels that can only be distinguished by the name of the “Good Cause” on the front.
The RNIB is different though. There is nothing on the site that doesn’t have true value and I’m sure there are many items that it would be difficult to find elsewhere. Here, you will find everything from watches and clocks, kitchen accessories and computing equipment to audio players and magnifiers plus a huge amount more.
Books
There is also a dedicated book section which looks like a kind of lending library for audio books. Without going into too much detail, the system involves an annual subscription which entitles members to download and play any number of books from the site (although you can only have 5 at a time). If you prefer, you can ask for a copy of these books to be sent out on CD instead of streaming it directly to your computer. There is also a range of Large Print Books available through the scheme.
Conclusion
The RNIB site is well worth a visit if you have an interest either as someone who is blind or partially sighted or someone who want to find out more. There is a lot of information about the charity, the work they do and how you can get involved with fundraising or other work that the charity does.
The shop has a variety of products aimed primarily at people with sight problems but that could be of interest to a wider audience. As an example, I bought a dosette style pill organiser a couple of years ago. It was the only place I could find what I wanted. Two compartments a day for a week. It’s still doing sterling service. Just as well really, they no longer sell them!
Website
Tweet this! Blue Badge Scheme
This is the second article about the Blue Badge Parking Scheme for Disabled People. The first article dealt with the process of applying for a Parking Card and can be found here:
In this article, we will look more at the ways the card can be used.
How To Display Your Badge
No matter where you live in the United Kingdom, the design of the Disabled Persons Parking Card is the same (except the Welsh version has some Welsh language on it).
The Front of the card has: 
- The Blue “Wheelchair” Symbol
- The UK “EU” Symbol
- Card Expiry Date
- Name of Issuing Body
- Serial Number of the card
The Back of the card has:
- The Card Holder’s Personal Details
- Forename
- Surname
- Signature
- Photograph
It is very important that the card can be clearly seen through the windscreen of the vehicle, FRONT side up. If you can see your Photo, it’s the WRONG way up.
There are loads of reports all the time of Jobs-worth people getting stroppy about this and refusing to drop fines because of an honest mistake. Don’t take the chance, get it right!
In ENGLAND and WALES, you MAY need a time clock to go with your badge. These are not necessary in Scotland but if you are a Scot travelling South, make sure you have one with you.
Parking Concessions
The Blue Badge Scheme in the UK allows holders a series of parking concessions relating to On Street Parking. This means that a holder can park without paying and for as long as they need where spaces are controlled by parking meters or on street pay and display. This is providing there aren’t any local regulations in place. This applies to Scotland, England and Wales.
- Image by gregwake via Flickr
Badge Holders can also park on single and double yellow lines provided there are no loading restrictions and they are not causing an obstruction. Here though the rules differ depending on where you are. In ENGLAND and WALES you are limited to three hours but in SCOTLAND there is no time limit. In LONDON there are areas where the Blue Badge is not valid at all.
Red lines generally mean that vehicles are not allowed to stop. A Blue Badge holder can stop to load but is not allowed to park.
The final concession for On-Street parking refers to time limits. There are a lot of regional and local variations here but in the main, you should be able to ignore any time restrictions placed on free, on street parking spaces.
Off Street Parking
At the moment there Blue Badge does not automatically entitle the holder to any off street concessions. That said, there are many example of both local authorities and private companies using the Blue Badge Scheme to give concessions to their customers. Restrictions and concessions vary, so notice should be taken of any signs.
It is also worth noting that there are rules in place that stop vehicles displaying Blue Badges from being towed or clamped.
Other Concessions
As well as parking concessions, the Blue Badge can also entitle the holder to a series of other concessions. This includes bridge tolls and ferry fares. Sometimes these concessions need a bit of forward planning like the exemption from the central London congestion charge. These need to be applied for in advance.
Comment
If you qualify for a badge you should be sent a booklet with your badge outlining it’s use. This is easy to read and tells you all you need to know. It’s fairly easy to get the hang of the restrictions and concessions in your home area but it’s always worth a check if you’re travelling a little further from home, especially if you are travelling into central London or crossing the England/Scotland border.
Remember that the card is for the use of the card holder only. A traffic warden has the right to inspect the card at any time and it can be taken away if you aren’t using it correctly.
Links
- Welsh Assembly Information about the Blue Badge Scheme
- Scottish Government Information about Blue Badges
- Blue Badge Information for Disabled People in Northern Ireland
- Blue Badge Information on Direct.gov
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