With the online guide we aim to provide an environment to help people with special needs, their family members and caregivers to readjust life by making life outside accessible as much as possible. Because even if there is information provided by the state or private organizations it is not easy to navigate and most of the time these institutions are not connected to each other in terms of the services they provide.

This online guide provides hopefully an easy access to existing offers in local areas and nationwide and information for immediate needs for example in education, health and job or hobby. In these terms it will be an innovative instrument for people with disability for engaging civic activities and at the same time being aware of the options to improve their qualifications and thus their levels of employability and integration into the labour market.

🔎 

Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010

According to the Equality Act 2010, disability is “a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities”

• Physical or mental impairment can include:
• physical impairments, such as mobility difficulties
• sensory impairments such as those affecting hearing or sight
• learning difficulties, including people with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia
• mental health conditions or illnesses which have a long-term effect such as depression and anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder
• genetic and progressive conditions, if the condition affects your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities such as motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy
• conditions which are characterised by a number of cumulative effects such as pain or fatigue
• hidden impairments such as asthma or diabetes, if these have an effect on your day-to-day activities
• past history of impairment - this applies if you are no longer disabled but met the definition in the past.

For more information you can visit the following website:
   🡲 https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010 

Moreover, as disability counts

• cancer, including skin growths that need removing before they become cancerous
• a visual impairment - this means you’re certified as blind, severely sight impaired, sight impaired or partially sighted
• multiple sclerosis
• an HIV infection - even if you don't have any symptoms
• a severe, long-term disfigurement - for example severe facial scarring or a skin disease.

   🡲 You can find more here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/protected-characteristics/what-counts-as-disability/

National Legislation on Disability

• Equality Action 2010 protects individuals from any discrimination and, among other things, replaced the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. According to chapter 1, sector 6, it defines what disability is.
• Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)
• In addition, there is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which has been in force since 2010. The goal is the equal treatment of people with disabilities and their full adaptation to social life and action. It concerns all kinds of disabilities, physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities CM 7905 (publishing.service.gov.uk) and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) | United Nations Enable
• In 2009 the UK ratified the UN Convention on the rights of people with disabilities: 🡲  https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html 
• This guide contains a comprehensive 60-page report on what disability is, who is considered disabled, based on its Equality Act 2010 and applies to England, Wales and Scotland. In addition, it contains information on people with HIV infection, cancer and multiple sclerosis, people who have had a disability in the past and who are not classified as disabled. Equality Act 2010 Guidance (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• You can also find more regarding the National Disability Strategy: National Disability Strategy (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• You can also find more regarding the National Disability Strategy: National Disability Strategy (publishing.service.gov.uk)

 
National Register of people with disabilities
There’s currently no national register of people with disabilities. There is also no need to register as disabled to be entitled to disability welfare benefits. You can find more here.

 
📞 Contact Information
Disability Information Scotland: Provides disability-related information to people living in Scotland.
Helpline: 0300 323 9961
Email: info@disabilityscot.org.uk
Website: www.disabilityscot.org.uk

Inclusive Technology

As for the technological products for the facilitation of people with disabilities, they are promoted by private companies which despite the fact that their contribution is huge, we cannot advertise. Below, however, you will find a website with mobile applications to facilitate people with disabilities with public transport, taxis, public toilets, accessible walks, parking and refueling. 🡲 https://news.motability.co.uk/everyday-tips/apps-that-make-getting-out-and-about-easier-for-disabled-people/ 

AccessAble is a UK accessible travel app that takes the chance out of going out for disabled people. The app contains 75,000 detailed access guides telling you how accessible a venue, tourist attraction or public place is for your needs.

   🡲For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.accessable&hl=en_GB&gl=US 

   🡲For iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/accessable/id1433928170 

Erasmus+ Projects
Inclusion is one of the top priorities of European programmes addressed to youth. The programs 2021-2027, contains provisions for persons with disabilities. You can find more information here:

🡲 https://www.edf-feph.org/final-agreement-on-the-new-erasmus-and-european-solidarity-corps/

  🚌 The rights of people with disabilities

Buses and Coaches

Scotland's coaches and buses must be accessible for people with disabilities based on the size and age of the bus.

Buses covered by the law must have:

• space for a standard wheelchair
• a boarding device to enable wheelchair users to get on and off, such as a ramp
• a minimum number of priority seats for disabled passengers
• handrails to assist disabled people
• colour contrasting handrails and steps to help partially sighted people
• easy to use bell pushes
• equipment to display the route and destination. 

For wheelchairs

In case the bus is not full and there is room for a wheelchair, you should be able to be transported by bus unless:

• your chair is very heavy or very big (taking up a space – when you are in it – of more than 700 mm wide or 1200 mm long)
• you need to travel with your legs fully extended or the backrest reclined and there is not enough space on the vehicle to allow for this
• your wheelchair isn't safe. 

Some buses will be fitted with:

• a portable ramp
• steps
• vehicle lowering systems.

You can ask for help either from the driver or from the conductor. However, they may refuse to help if they have safety and health concerns.
There is also information on the website that one can make sure that his wheelchair is safe, what can he do in case he does not receive the required assistance required.

Rights of disabled passengers using buses and coaches - Citizens Advice Scotland

The steps to follow to benefit from transportation services.

Motability

If you receive a benefit because you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to move easily, you can use it to pay for a vehicle from a charity called Motability. There are options like scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV).

You can get a Motability car or vehicle if you’ve been awarded:

• the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

Getting a Motability car - Citizens Advice Scotland

National Entitlement Card (NEC)

• The National Entitlement Card (NEC) gives free or discounted access to most types of public transport in Scotland. 
• On the following website you can find all the eligible criteria in order to have free bus transportation with the National Entitlement Card. The same applies if you need a companion to support you and help you with your transportation. 
• If you need a companion to help you use public transport your National Entitlement Card will allow them to travel for free if you meet again the eligible criteria. 

Please, find more information here: https://www.disabilityscot.org.uk/info-guide/travel-concessions-for-disabled-people/#overview 

Disabled Persons Railcard

If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult you might qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. This railcard allows you to get 1/3 off most rail fares throughout Great Britain. If you are travelling with an adult companion, they can also get 1/3 off their rail fare. The Disabled Persons Railcard costs £20 for a one-year card and £54 for a three year card.

On the website you can also find the eligible criteria for the disabled persons Railcard:

Travel concessions for disabled people - Disability Information Scotland (disabilityscot.org.uk)

Reduction on vehicle tax

You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the PIP standard rate mobility component.

Parking Space

• have a valid and current blue badge
• either be the driver of the vehicle or be assisted by a carer who is the driver, provided that the carer lives at the address stated
• the vehicle must be kept at the address stated in the application form
• there is normally difficulty in obtaining a parking space on the public road

 📞 Which number to call

For more information contact our helpline on 0300 323 9962.

Resources of interest

   🡲 https://www.gov.uk/community-transport-services-shopmobility 

The Rights of people with disabilities to benefit from health services

• Continuing care can include both health and social care. Fully funded Health Service 'continuing care' is a package of care arranged and funded by the Health Service. To access this care, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by your Trust. If staff think you are eligible, they will apply on your behalf.

Health services 

• A nurse who will be responsible for you leaving the hospital. Moreover, the hospital may arrange your transfer as well as inform your local doctor about your condition.
• From the first of August 2016, all organizations included in the National Health System or receiving public funding, are required to follow the Accessible Information Standard., which aims to identify and meet the needs, among others, of people with disabilities or of their carers.

Dental Services

• Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), disabled people have rights of access to dentist procedures. 
• There are hospitals that offers a different approach for patients with disability. For example, they maybe procced to sedation or general anesthetic.
•  Home visits

Mental Health

• the NHS
•  charities and organisations
• online advice and helplines

Employment and Support Allowance
If you are admitted to hospital your Employment and Support Allowance may be affected after a period of four weeks if you receive extra premiums on your award. If you claim as part of a couple, there may be changes after a period of 52 weeks in hospital.

Incapacity Benefit
Incapacity Benefit will usually stop after you have been in hospital for 52 weeks.
   🡲 https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/hospitals-and-people-disabilities 
 
Day Care Centers
Here you can find disability day care centers based on the postcode. 
   🡲 https://www.gov.uk/day-care-centres 

Health and social care assessment
On the following website you can find the services provided by the municipalities. 
   🡲 https://www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services 

  📖 The right of persons with disabilities to benefit from services in education

According to Gov.uk, it is against the law in the field of education:

 -Direct or indirect discrimination

 -Harassment

 -Victimization

 -As for the facilities, all the buildings from the original construction plans should include the appropriate infrastructure such as ramps.

 -In particular in higher education, it is obligated to have a person in charge of disability issues.

Courses for adults with learning disabilities and difficulties

-Coventry City Council (England)

Courses for adults with learning disabilities and difficulties | Active Learning | Coventry City Council

-Leonard Chesire

• Digital support
• Online Activities
• Can Do is a skills development programme

   🡲 www.leonardcheshire.org

-Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries is a charitable community benefit society delivering cultural and learning services across Nottinghamshire. Examples of types of courses provided:

• Community and Family Learning Courses
• Helping you into training and employment
• Adult Further and Higher Education Courses

   🡲 https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning/courses/

-AbilityNet is the only charity in the UK that works with people with all disabilities and of all ages, helping them to use computers and the internet to improve their lives at home, at work and in education.

  🡲 A digital world accessible to all. | AbilityNet

 💼 

The right of persons with disabilities to benefit from services in employment

According to the Equality Act 2010, discrimination against a disabled person in terms of employment is prohibited by law.

-Equality Act 2010 refers to the following areas

• application forms
• interview arrangements
• aptitude or proficiency tests
• job offers
• terms of employment, including pay
• promotion, transfer and training opportunities
• dismissal or redundancy
• discipline and grievances

The employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

-Regarding the recruitment process, the recruiter can ask you questions about the disability in order

• to help decide if you can carry out a task that is an essential part of the work
• to help find out if you can take part in an interview
• to help decide if the interviewers need to make reasonable adjustments for you in a selection process
• to help monitoring
• if they want to increase the number of disabled people they employ
• if they need to know for the purposes of national security checks

-Retirement

The employer can’t force someone also to retire because he became disabled.

For more information you can visit the following websites

 🡲 Disability rights: Employment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 🡲 Access to work - Disability Information Scotland (disabilityscot.org.uk)

-All In Edinburgh is a service helping people who have a disability or long-term health condition find paid work.

This support can include:

• money and benefits advice.
• assistance with job applications and support to arrange adjustments.
• support to source vacancies.
• job coaching within the workplace by an experienced employment worker.
• support to retain a job if you need it; and
• signposting to other services in Edinburgh, if appropriate.

  🡲Edinburgh ACE Group - ENABLE Scotland

-Access to Work

Access to work can assist in a number of ways, for instance:

• a communicator if you are deaf or have a hearing impairment and need a communicator with you at an interview
• a reader at work, if you are blind or have a visual impairment
• special equipment (or alterations to existing equipment) to suit your particular work needs, if you need it because of disability
• alterations to premises or working environment if you need it because of disability
• support worker, if you need practical help because of your disability either at work or getting to work
• help towards the cost of getting to work if you are unable to use your car or public transport because of your disability

  🡲 Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

-Resources of interest

    🡲 https://www.gov.uk/severe-disablement-allowance

   🡲 In case of discrimination, you can call at Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS): Telephone: 0808 800 0082 Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The financial rights of people with disability

There is a disability-related financial support in UK, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions.

The financial helps

-Personal Independence Payment

This allowance can be received by individuals if they are over 16 and up to state Pension age and have problems moving and fulfilling daily activities. The website has exactly the prerequisite criteria

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/personal-independence-payment-pip

-Attendance allowance

If you are over retirement age and need help, you can apply for the attendance allowance. This amount ranges from 60 pounds to 89.60 weekly from April 21, 2021 and is tax free.  To apply for this allowance, you can call and ask for a form AA1. Useful phone numbers: 0800 731 0122. In case of hearing or speech impairment, you can visit the following website and use Relay UK.

   🡲 https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/attendance-allowance-aa and

   🡲How to claim attendance allowance | Disability Rights UK

-Employment and Support Allowance

This allowance is aimed at people who are of working age but who, due to their disability, are unable to work.

Contact center number – Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

 📞 Tel: 0800 055 6688

Employment & Support Allowance: Making a new claim - Disability Information Scotland (disabilityscot.org.uk)

The steps to follow to get benefit from financial aid

-Personal Independence Payment  Personal Independence Payment (PIP): How to claim - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

-Attendance Allowance https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim

-Employment and Support Allowance https://www.disabilityscot.org.uk/info-guide/employment-support-allowance-making-a-new-claim/#how-to-claim

-The following website contains a wide range of financial support for disabled people.https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/disability-and-sickness-benefits

The Euan’s guide a website that addresses people with disabilities, their friends and their families who can in different parts of the country what are the access conditions as well as ratings and comments.

Euan's Guide - Disabled Access Reviews (euansguide.com)

-Libertus Services is an Edinburgh based charity dedicated to supporting people to live independently. They provide a variety of social, creative and physical activities. Each participant must pay 9 9 a day to cover transportation and meal expenses. You can contact the City of Edinburgh Council’s Social Care Direct Team on 0131 200 2324. Libertus – Supporting Independent Living

-Schiehallion has been approved as being wheelchair accessible by the FieldFare Trust, who suggested that the path to the summit of East Schiehallion from the Braes of Foss car park would be suitable for those in wheelchairs for the first third of the journey, with the second two thirds of the journey being up to the individual to assess whether they can manage to make the ascent successfully.

-You can also consider

• Linlithgow Loch
• Pittencrieff Park
• Kinnoull Hill
• Loch Leven
• Balbirnie
• Inverkeithing to Dalgety Bay Coastal Path
• Devilla Forest Trail

-Τhe following blog contains several wheelchair accessible places around the country: Blog | AccessWalksScotland (accessiblewalksscotland.com)

-You can also find more about accessible walks in Scotland: https://www.disabilityscot.org.uk/info-guide/accessible-outdoors/#accessible-walks-in-scotland

-SDS is the Scottish governing and co-coordinating body of all sports for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability. Their members also participate in the Paralympic Games. Here you can find opportunities to participate in sports but also other information regarding coaching, education and events. 🡲 https://www.scottishdisabilitysport.com/take-part/

-The National Disability Sports Organisations (NDSOs) are a very good start so that people with disabilities can be more active and participate in sports. They provide support, counseling and opportunities for everyone.

-The seven NDSOs are: British Blind Sport, Cerebral Palsy Sport, Dwarf Sports Association UK, LimbPower, Special Olympics Great Britain, UK Deaf Sport and WheelPower and all together they created Accessible sport for you, an information guide for disabled people. At the following website you can find the guide either in BSL video format, or in audio file format or as a document to be read

   🡲 https://bit.ly/3KK5Q2N

-Here is a list of sports facilities for people with disabilities, events and accessible gyms across the UK as well as some tips from the national health system 🡲 https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-active-with-a-disability/

Resources of interest

-On the website below, you can find a list with disability organizations in Scotland. 

Disability organisations - Citizens Advice Scotland

-Ιnformation to all disabled people and their supporters in Edinburgh:  Advice line is open Monday – Friday 10am-4pm 0131 475 2370

 🡲 https://www.lothiancil.org.uk/how-we-help/grapevine-disability-information/

The rights of caregivers/families of the disabled people

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is a benefit for people who are giving regular and substantial care to disabled people. Carer’s Allowance is a taxable benefit and forms part of your taxable income.

   🡲https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/carers-allowance/

Support from other carers

There is a possibility for a carer to receive support from other carers. There are local support groups and they can help, discuss and solve any questions and concerns.

If a carer works, their employer must respect their legal rights. These are:

-the right to ask for flexible working, such as reducing your hours or working from home - anyone has the right to ask for flexible working

-time off in emergencies - meaning if the person you care for falls ill, has an accident or is without care unexpectedly, you have the right to take time off work to deal with it

The services provided for caregivers of people with disabilities by the state and other organizations

Practical help for carers

-The local council can also support and help them to meet their responsibilities as carers. Possibly someone can replace a carer for a while or help him out. To get practical help, the carer need to carry out a a carer's assessment. 

-More information can be found on this website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/looking-after-people/carers-help-and-support/

Practical Advices For Caregivers

Advice for carers

This guide addresses to caregivers and it includes information regarding the financial aid, practical tips, carers support organisations and other useful organization. The guide was created by Age UK.

   🡲 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukig13_advice_for_carers_inf.pdf

 📞 Which number to call

Helpline on 0300 123 1053

Resources of interest

-User Involvement Tool Kit – Disability Etiquette Guide: This is a guidance on disability and etiquette for the interaction with disabled people provided by the Dorset County Council.

   🡲 https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/35024/284549/Disability+Etiquette+Guide.pdf/178a5b9f-c5a1-6c5a-7f92-4c00c6330fea

-Οn the national health system website you can find useful information on how to help the person you care for in areas such as meals, hygiene, communication, and mobility. Of course, this varies depending on the disability

   🡲 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/practical-tips-if-you-care-for-someone/

Below you can read the success stories of people with disabilities, what happened and how they achieved what they wanted and keep trying.

   🡲 https://civilservice.blog.gov.uk/2019/11/01/personal-disability-stories-13-michaels-story/https://news.motability.co.uk/inspiration/10-of-the-most-inspiring-people-with-disabilities/

🡺 Here you can watch the success story film made by Turkish partner SEADDER

The online guide is available here