Disability

UK sources of information and / or support

 Patient UK
Has an extensive directory of patient self help and support groups - many of which provide information and support for people with disabilities, and their carers. See the various disability chapters which are:

• Children - disability
• Children - learning disability
• Disability - holidays
• Disability - learning
• Disability - misc / other
• Disability - mobility / equipment
• Disability - physical
• Disability - speech / dyslexia
• Disability - sport / leisure
• Disability - umbrella groups

Ten major 'umbrella' sites include the following, all of which also provide extensive links to numerous other sites.

 Disabled Living Foundation

Founded over 30 years ago the Disabled Living Foundation has become the leading source of information on disability equipment, day-to-day household gadgets, new technologies and training techniques. See their extensive section of links to other useful organisations, and to hundreds of retailers and outlets for disability equipment.

 Direct Gov

Directgov is the place to turn to for the latest and widest range of public service information. Includes a section for disabled people covering health, employment, independent living, financialsupport and disability rights. There are also links to charities andhelpful organisations supporting disabled people.

 Ableize

A UK and Ireland resource of disability mobility and special needs advice, support and information. Find products and services, sports and holidays plus the largest collection of disabled clubs, groups and charities in the UK. The site also includes children's and child care needs, education, wheelchairs and vehicles plus mobility, walking, living and bathing aids. Ableize has disability covered and is owned, run and maintained by disabled people[/url]

 Parley

Parley is an information website for new parents that has been created to provide support to parents with a child who has a long/short term medical condition, who has to undergo surgery or children with impairments or disabilities

 Employers' Forum on Disability

The world's leading employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects business. Funded and managed by over 400 members, we make it easier to recruit and retain disabled employees and to serve disabled customers

 RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation)

A national organisation run by and working for physically disabled people.

 Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM)

The campaign to get rights and justice for every disabled child.

 United Kingdom's Disabled People's Council (UKDPC)

The national, representative body of organised disabled people in the UK. It is an umbrella body, comprising over 130 independent organisations run and controlled by disabled people. UKDPC is a national assembly which truly represents the interests of all disabled people, including people with physical and sensory impairments, as well as people who face multiple discrimination and oppression such as black and other ethnic disabled people, gay and lesbian disabled people, and disabled women. UKDPC also supports people with learning difficulties through its close links with People First, a member group of UKDPC.

 Blue Badge Scheme

Information from the Department of Transport regarding The Blue (formerly Orange) Badge Scheme which provides a national arrangement of on-street parking concessions enabling people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers to park close to their destinations.

 mencap

A leading UK charity working with children and adults with a learning disability.

 Direct Enquires

An online disabled access register that gives businesses and service providers throughout the United Kingdom an opportunity to shout about what access and facilities they currently provide. The register provides details about everything from entrances, lifts, toilets, counter heights, lighting, auxiliary aids such as Braille, large print, induction loops and lap trays, all the way through to staff assistance.