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Published on: 21/01/2018 09:54 AMReported by: roving-eye
People with hidden disabilities could soon have greater access to blue badges under new plans from Transport Minister Jesse Norman today (21 January 2018).
The proposals, which would herald the most significant changes since the blue badge was introduced in 1970, would help remove barriers to travel for people with conditions such as dementia and autism, allowing them better access to work, shops and amenities. This could also further help create parity between physical and mental health, and means everyone can take advantage of every opportunity.
Currently, about 2.4 million disabled people in England have a blue badge, allowing them to park on roads without charge and normally without time limit. Around 75% of blue badge holders say they would go out less often if they didn’t have one.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman said:
Blue badges give people with disabilities the freedom to get jobs, see friends or go to the shops with as much ease as possible.
We want to try to extend this to people with invisible disabilities, so they can enjoy the freedom to get out and about, where and when they want.
The changes could also see a variety of healthcare professionals, who are better placed to identify if mental health causes mobility issues, carry out assessments to determine if a blue badge should be given.
Sarah Lambert, Head of Policy at the National Autistic Society, said:
The National Autistic Society welcomes this government proposal. It could mean that many more autistic people will qualify for a Blue Badge, which can be a lifeline.
There are an estimated 700,000 autistic people in the UK and whilst every person on the autism spectrum is different, for some, not being able to park in a predictable place close to a destination can cause a great deal of anxiety and put their safety at risk. Some autistic people can experience too much information from the environment around them on public transport, while other autistic people might not be aware of dangers on the road.
However, current Blue Badge rules mean that all-too-often autistic people don’t qualify. The National Autistic Society has raised this issue with government over recent years and we are pleased to see they have listened to the concerns of autistic people and their families. We hope the government will make this important change and we look forward to working with them to make sure that autistic people and their families benefit.
Councils have different interpretations of the existing rules with some recognising hidden disabilities, but the changes proposed would give a clear and consistent guidelines for the whole of England.
About bl**dy time. Invisible disability is often classed as no disability by those who should know better.
Some years ago I took my unemployed Autistic son to Southport Job Centre to get him booked on a course that was restricted to disabled people.
"He can't go on the course" said the muppet behind the desk "He is not really disabled".
I asked to see his manager and the disability officer. The guy got a real b*ll*cking and my son got the course. Based on his success on the course he got a full time job
and has been in full time employment ever since.
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ausard2 says:22/01/2018 02:50 AM
Where as I sympathize with certain ailments, where do we stop?
We can not keep on giving all the time, some fool just increased
free child care to 30 hours a week. I didn't ask them to have kids.
The blue badge is abused by a number people, hey I'm going shopping with the kids can I borrow your badge?
I am not attacking disabled people , but there has to be a limit.
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C meekum says:22/01/2018 06:22 AM
Originally Posted by ausard2
Where as I sympathize with certain ailments, where do we stop?
We can not keep on giving all the time, some fool just increased
free child care to 30 hours a week. I didn't ask them to have kids.
The blue badge is abused by a number people, hey I'm going shopping with the kids can I borrow your badge?
I am not attacking disabled people , but there has to be a limit.
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r4dent says:22/01/2018 05:16 PM
Originally Posted by ausard2
r4dent,
Beware we fund where you want to be.
I don't mind but don't abuse it and stop feeling sorry for yourselves.
Actually it is your family and friends I feel sorry for. I hope that neither they nor you ever have a health problem because it is clear that you Don't do sympathy, you Don't do pity and if the problem is one that a charity could help with you would refuse the help because Charity is an absolutely no go area.
Incidentally, I will not be applying for a Blue Badge because my son's Autism means he doesn't need one. But I know many people with Invisible Disabilities who struggle in the current scenario.
Once again I hope you and yours have a healthy future and that your principle and beliefs are not put to the test.
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jet says:22/01/2018 05:34 PM
My little guy was turned down for a badge twice until he was awarded high rate mobility.
He is also now in a wheelchair so the badge means a great deal to being able to get out and about. He has severe autism which in his case is not really a hidden disability as he's very loud lol
I'm glad they are considering extending the range of illness that can gain a badge. It can mean the difference between being unable to get out at all and being able to find employment.
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r4dent says:22/01/2018 06:07 PM
Originally Posted by jet
I'm glad they are considering extending the range of illness that can gain a badge. It can mean the difference between being unable to get out at all and being able to find employment.
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