RNIB - Website

Disability Organisations No Responses »
Dec 212009

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.

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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

http://rnib.org.uk


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Blue Badge - Parking Concessions

Essentials No Responses »
Dec 202009

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: Parking Card for Disabled=

  • 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.

Disabled Badge Holders Only
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


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Access to Work

Essentials No Responses »
Dec 082009

Disabled People Cost More!

Access to Work is a Government funded scheme to help you and your employer if your health condition or disability effect the way you do your job.  There are a number of ways that Access to Work can help.  For example:

  • Someone that acquires a disability may need equipment to help them back into the work place.
  • Help with the cost of transport if you need to travel as part of your job but can no longer drive.
  • Building work could be funded if you now need wheelchair access.
  • A support worker could be provided to assist with parts of your job you cannot do.

In essence, if it will cost more to employ you because there are costs resulting from your disability, then Access to Work may be able to help.

Do I Qualify?

There are two parts to qualification:

  1. You must have a disability that stops you being able to do part of your job (The disability should effect you for at least 12 months).
  2. You must either have a paid job, be about to start a paid job or be self employed.

If you meet these criteria, you should phone an “Access to Work Contact Centre” and discuss the matter further.  They can then advise whether you qualify and what help could be available.

What Happens Next?

You need to complete an application form.  For this, you need to know what it is you need!  It may be necessary to take advice on this, maybe Occupational Health or a local Disability Living Centre.

Once it has been agreed what it is you need, Access to Work will negotiate funding with your employer.  When that has been agreed, your employer is expected to supply the resources and claim back funding from Access to Work.

Personal Experience

I have received help from Access to Work twice.  The first time, I had been redeployed and my Occupational Health Nurse asked if I had asked Access to Work for a Workplace Assessment.  I hadn’t, so I phoned and was told that I would qualify.  They completed the application form over the phone and then sent it out for me to sign.  I was told that someone would be in touch once they got the form back.

Within a couple of weeks, I had been visited by an Occupational Therapist and received a copy of her report.  She said I needed:

  • A new desk because the one I had was not high enough (They said that leg raisers could be used but the desk I had was not suitable).
  • A new chair and they specified which chair (a very expensive one!).
  • A writing slope.

Within another couple of weeks, everything had arrived and Access to Work were back on the phone to check that I was happy.

The second time was a little different.  I had started using a wheelchair but needed something quite specific to use all day at work.  This time I knew what I wanted but didn’t know if it existed.

With help from Occupational Health and the Edinburgh Disability Living Centre, we found a wheelchair that could recline and put me in the position I needed to be in.  I then phoned Access to Work with the specific details of what I wanted.

This time the application needed to be backed up with information from my advisors (Occupational Health) explaining why I needed this particular piece of kit.

Once the application was approved, the same procedure kicked in and Access to Work agreed funding with my employer etc.  The chair was ordered and I waited about a month for delivery.

A Little Known Resource

My local management knew nothing of Access to Work and I noticed a big difference in their attitude when they found out about it.  I would be sure to let an employer know as soon as possible that Access to Work exists and is there to offset the (potentially) higher cost of employing a disabled person.  If you think there is event the slightest chance of discrimination, let employers know that they may not be expected to meet these costs.

  • If you are a new employee (less than 6 weeks) Access to Work will pay 100% of the costs.
  • If you are an existing employee, Access to Work will pay a proportion of the costs.
  • Access to Work can even help with Interviews.

Further Reading

This article only scratches the surface.  For more details, check out these links:

Direct.gov.uk – Access to Work

Access to Work Contact Centres

Find Your Local Job Centre Plus

Assist UK – Disability Living Centres

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