Disabled Motoring UK - Disabled Motoring UK is the charity for disabled drivers, passengers & Blue Badge holders.

Last month Diabled Motoring UK was contacted by numerous disabled people worried about the changes to the Motability scheme. The main areas of complaint were the fact that vehicles are now restricted to an Advance Payment of £2,000 and the nominated driver has to live within five miles.

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The Welsh Government has announced that their aim is to offer disabled people a Blue Badge free of charge. In England local authorities will be able to charge up to £10.00, and in Scotland up to £20.00.

The Welsh Government propose that they will fund the scheme by changing the law so notices about road works no longer have to be published in the local press. They currently estimate that £1 million pounds is spent per year placing such regulation orders.

Helen Dolphin, Disabled Motoring UK’s Director of Policy and Campaigns, said: ”I made our charity’s position very clear when I responded to the Welsh Government consultation that there should be no charge for a Blue Badge and I’m delighted that the Government has found another way to fund this scheme.”

The National Union of Journalists in Wales (NUJ) support the decision about making the Blue Badges free to disabled people, but criticise the way the government propose to pay for the scheme. The placement of such regulation orders provides much needed to income to an industry that has already seen a decline in advertising income. Ken Smith, chairman of the NUJ, said: “The union has no doubt that if this is allowed to happen, jobs will be lost and the survival of titles put in doubt.”

The Independent Living Fund is a national resource to help disabled people live independent lives in the community rather than in residential care. The fund can be used to employ people to give personal and domestic care in your home.  In 2010 the government announced the fund would be scrapped in 2015 and it immediately closed to new applicants.

Local authorities have had their budgets slashed so now only provide basic care. The loss of ILF will mean that many disabled people will have no choice but to go into residential care, or place more responsibility on family carers.

To sign the e-petition to try to change this decision click here

Disability History Month provides an annual focus for the wider community to develop more positive attitudes towards disabled people and aids better understanding of the barriers disabled people face in society. Continue reading »

Disabled Motoring UK welcomes the news that plans to axe mobility benefit payments to disabled people living in care homes are being dropped. The Government had planned to cut the “mobility” part of Disability Living Allowance – currently worth £51 per week – for those in residential care, claiming that existing Local Authority contracts with care homes should cover residents’ mobility needs. Continue reading »

The Alliance for Inclusive Education (ALLFIE) is working together with the British Library to record the educational experiences of disabled people over the last 100 years. Continue reading »

Consumers are being urged by the national disabled motorist charity Disabled Motoring UK to think before they snap up cut-price mobility scooters for loved ones this Christmas. Most major retailers now offer mobility aid ranges, but allegations of unfair sales practice and concerns over unsuitable products have led to a call to think before you buy ahead of the festive season. Continue reading »

Plus…EXCLUSIVE EXTRA SAVINGS FOR MEMBERS OF DISABLED MOTORING UK

 Why not treat yourself to a bit of sunshine before Christmas?

COSTA BLANCA

 HOTEL MELIA BENIDORM – BENIDORM

 A really popular hotel with our customers and many return year after year. The Hotel Melia Benidorm offers very high standards and a wide variety of on-site facilities.  The hotel is situated near the resort centre where you can amble for miles along the seafront promenade.

 7 NIGHTS ALL INCLUSIVE EARLY DECEMBER FROM £635 PER PERSON

  AN EXTRA £50 OFF PER 2-PERSON BOOKING FOR DMUK MEMBERS 

TENERIFE 

HOTEL LA SIESTA – PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS

 This hotel is full of fun and colour with a great range of facilities.  It is close to the shops and bars and just 400 metres away from the beach.

 7 NIGHTS HALF BOARD EARLY DECEMBER FROM £570 PER PERSON

  AN EXTRA £50 OFF PER 2-PERSON BOOKING FOR DMUK MEMBERS

LANZAROTE 

APARTMENTS DON PACO CASTILLA

Set within well maintained grounds, the Don Paco offers a relaxing holiday in the laid back area of Playa de los Pocillos.  Families and couples alike are well catered for with a wide range of activities on offer.

 7 NIGHTS SELF CATERING EARLY DECEMBER FROM £460 PER PERSON

  AN EXTRA £50 OFF PER 2-PERSON BOOKING FOR DMUK MEMBERS

 Remember, with Enable Holidays, all prices include flights, adapted transfers, fully audited accessible accommodation and our first class professional service.

 For further details on these and lots more great accessible holidays, please contact us on 0871 222 4939 or e-mail info@enableholidays.com

  And for your exclusive Disabled Motoring UK discount of an additional £50 off per booking, please quote: DMUK

 Prices are per person and based on 2 adults sharing accommodation. All offers subject to change and availability.

Q/ The car I want has a deposit of £2,000 or more will I still be able to get it?

A/ The changes are coming in from January 1^st 2012 so if your car is up for renewal before this date than yes. If not probably not unless you can make a special case for a certain vehicle. (Just wanting it is not a special case) Continue reading »

Disabled Motoring UK was saddened to hear the announcement from Motability today that significant changes will be made to the Motability scheme. Although these changes are being made to ensure the scheme is protected in years to come there will be less choice for customers in the type of car they can choose.” Continue reading »