Transport

Blue Badge Parking Scheme

The Blue Badge scheme provides a range of parking benefits for disabled people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or as passengers. Local councils are responsible for issuing blue badges.

You can apply online via the government website or contact your local council for a form. There are many eligibility criteria which automatically entitle people over the age of 3 years old to a Blue Badge. If you don’t automatically qualify, you may still be eligible for a Blue Badge subject to further assessment.

Check out your local councils website or visit https://www.gov.uk/transport/blue-badges

Road tax exemption

As a person with GRI in the UK you can also apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get higher rate mobility component of DLA, enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment.

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vehicles-and-transport

Motability

If someone is in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of DLA, or Child Disability Payments the allowance can be used to buy or hire a car or electric wheelchair under a hire purchase scheme called the Motability Scheme. Find out more at https://www.motability.co.uk/

Access to public toilets when you’re out and about

The Radar National KEY Scheme was developed to make sure that people needing to use a disabled toilet could do so at all times. Operating in over 400 hundred local authorities, a Radar key opens thousands of disabled toilets across the UK. You can get often get a Radar Key from your local authority, who may or may not charge. You can also buy them from a number of organisations and retailers including Disability Rights UK, the Blue Badge Company, Argos and Age UK. Only buy a genuine key from a reputable retailer, as looks can be damaged otherwise.

Changing places

Changing Places Toilets are increasingly available across the UK. They allow people with disabilities to use the toilets in places where they want to enjoy community life, socialise and travel safely and comfortably. They provide more space and essential equipment such as hoists, and rails. This website can help you find a change Places toilet near you or on the go. https://www.changing-places.org/find

Assisted train travel

In the UK every train operating company is legally required to have provisions in place to make their trains accessible to all. Network rail has information available to help make train journeys as easy as possible.

Sunflower Badge

The sunflower lanyards are intended to let staff members know that the wearer has a hidden disability and as a result may take longer or need extra assistance. Staff members are trained to spot the lanyards and help the wearer. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.