Useful organisations in the UK
Able magazine
I really like this magazine. It used to be called Disability View but now has the more dynamic title of Able. It is full of great holiday articles, real life stories, benefits advice and loads more. I would recommend anyone who has a disability or caring for someone who has to subscribe. Its not generally available in shops, though I could be wrong, but subscription is only £12 for the year or £7 for 6 months.
Ableize Disability Directory
Disability directory of all UK disabled goods, services, information and advice. Includes recreation and sports the arts and children's sections.
URL: http://www.ableize.com/
Benefits now shop (online equipment and disability aids shop)
Full of equipment and aids, this site has a section for children's stuff which is great. A lot of other disability shops sell only adult disability products. You can get cups, feeding aids, wheelchair covers, toys, ramps etc. Disabled people can claim VAT relief.
Cerebra
Cerebra is a charity for children with neurological problems and brain injuries. It provides a lot of information leaflets about common problems and also has a library lending service. You can subscribe to its newsletter (which is very good) and use its holiday home in wales. The charity can also give grants to buy equipment and for other uses too.
Cinema Exhibitors Association Card
You can buy this card for £5.50 if you or the person you are applying for is in receipt of DLA, Attendance Allowance or are registered blind. You have to send off proof, along with payment and a photo and its then valid for 3 years. Several major cinemas over here participate (Vue, Movie House, QFT, Playhouse). It allows the card holder to get one free ticket for someone accompanying them to the cinema.
Department for work and pensions
This website will provide you with all the information you need with regards to benefits and also working child tax credits. If you are not sure what you are entitled to you can also go to your local SSA and find out more.
Disabled Car Stickers
This is a useful site to buy car stickers from. They have about 10 different varieties of stickers, and only cost about £2.00 + P & P each
Disability Rights Commission
The DRC was set up in 2000 to help address the problem of discrimination against people with disabilities. They help implement the 1995 DDA (disability discrimination act), to bring employers up to date with new legislation and to advise disabled people of their rights. Though it is again based in Great Britain, it is a useful starting point to find out exactly what legislation there is to help you. The Northern Ireland equivalent is the equality commission (see below). The DRC also have an email newsletter that you can sign up for
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Dribble Bandanas -
The trendy age appropriate alternative to a bib.
This company provides an alternatives to bibs if your child needs them as they get bigger, but they don't want to wear baby bibs any more. They provided me with the following text:
Dribble Bandanas are backed with a cotton huckerback - it is very absorbent - we do not back with plastic as apart from making them uncomfortable, crunchy, and make them hang awkwardly around the neck, we have found that plastic makes the dribble run off the bandana and ONTO clothing.. where the idea of the dribble bandana is that the moisture is absorbed within it thus keeping clothing dryer... It is important to us that they drape nicely and become an accessory as well as a protective item.
Family Fund
The FF provides grants for families with disabled children up to the age of 16 towards breaks, toys, bedding, holidays and more. The more severe the disability, the more you will receive. You can apply yourself by post , and you can apply once per calendar year. As you can imagine there sometimes is a wait for a reply or to receive your grant, as they are very busy. I was turned down at first but I appealed and got it. So even if you don't get accepted straight away and you feel you should, try again!
Inclusive Technology
This company sells computer aids specifically to help children and adults with mobility problems. If your child needs a special keyboard or mouse, switch or communication aid then this is the place to go. They also sell really good educational CD ROMs for the PC. Sometimes you can get equipment supplied through the school or community, but it may be down to you to buy it sometimes, and this is a great company. You can get their catalogue delivered for free.
Radar
Have you ever wondered where the radar keys for disabled toilets come from? Well now you know! You can buy these enormous keys for around £5. They also sell books for motorists and accessible breaks in the UK.
Scope
Scope is charity that specialises in children with Cerebral Palsy. It is based in England and Wales, but it gives lots of general advice to parents, and it provides parents with a wealth of free factsheets that are easily available from the website. They have a great freephone helpline 0808 800 33 33.
Wheelie Factors
This website sells colourful wheelchair wheel covers and other accessories to make your wheelchair more interesting. Visit the website of this UK based company to find out more.
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