Hundreds of disabled people have committed suicide due to benefit cuts, when the government says it had healthy funds after 10 years of austerity. A 2019 report showed almost 50% of people moved from Disability Living Allowance to PIP (Personal Independence Payments) lost out financially.
To help conditions that limit mobility, donate to kinder humane research which uses modern methods, rather than cruel and outdated animal research. Also see free & low-cost help for carers.
Find a Decent Wheelchair
The NHS supplies free wheelchairs. But to upgrade to something more comfortable, ask about the NHS Personal Wheelchair Budget, which can help buy a private wheelchair of your choice. Which? has a good post on how to choose the best one, depending on circumstances.
One of the best-rated lightweight wheelchairs is Patterson Medical Days Escape Lite. It’s easy to transport and store, has height-adjustable footrests that detach, durable padded armrests, and adjustable seat belt.
More Help for Mobility Issues
- StairSteady was invented by a 16-year old for her GSCE project! It offers a simpler affordable alternative to stairlifts, which can cost thousands of pounds. Fitted by their engineers, this is a handle to ‘lever’ yourself up the staircase. Fold it away, then use it to come down the stairs later.
- UriBag is free on the NHS. For men or women, this latex bag looks like a film canister. Tip the pee down a drain, then fold up to take home and wash. Ideal if you can’t find a toilet in time (also get your Radar key to access public bathrooms).
- Blue Badges give free parking in disabled bays (some shops and councils still charge, so check beforehand). There is a government ‘grace period’ period of around 10 minutes if you are getting an elderly person (or dog) back to the car. You can challenge a fine. Keep disable badges at home, as some people steal them, to get free parking.
- Simply Emma is a travel blog by a young women, who offers tips galore, accommodation reviews and info on music festivals. Also visit Wheels Galore, where a man who is not defined by his disability lives a full life, and writes uplifting books.
Help for Disabled Children
Disabled Living Foundation says that around 1 in 20 children across the UK are disabled (the cost of raising a disabled child is a third more). Often due to care responsibilities, parents of disabled children earn 25% less than average. Many children with physical disabilities have learning problems, doubling the stress.
- Your local council has a duty to provide home care, adaptations, hospital visits, holiday play schemes and short break services. Some services are free, but all must be offered under Children Act 1989.
- Family Fund can offer grants to families with disabled children. Example items funded includes washing machines, bedding, furniture, outdoor play equipment, clothing, sensory toys and family breaks.
- Hero Arm is a bionic arm using space-age technology for amputees age 8 and over. Ambionics is another invention, created by the father of a child (who had his arm amputated at 10 days old, due to a blood clot). After giving up his career as a psychology professor, the father could not get funding from government, yet this product could change the lives of thousands of children worldwide.