Blue Badge for People With Hidden Disabilities

Steve Donnison and Benefits & Work kindly alerted us to this news: 

New guidance has now been issued to local authorities on extending the blue badge scheme to people with hidden disabilities such as dementia, autism and severe anxiety.

Changes in the regulations will mean automatic eligibility for any claimant who scores 10 points in relation to the “planning and following journeys” activity on the grounds that they cannot undertake any journey because it would cause them overwhelming psychological distress.

But many other people with mental health conditions may also be eligible when the new rules come into force on 30 August.

Image: Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society

Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society, said:

“The changes will make a huge difference to thousands of autistic people and their families across England – helping them to go out in the way many others take for granted.

“Just leaving the house is incredibly difficult for many autistic people – and involves detailed preparation. Some autistic people have no concept of the dangers of the road while others are so anxious about plans going wrong, like not being able to find a parking space, that they don’t go out at all. Having a Blue Badge will be life-changing and help many to reduce loneliness and isolation.”

There are currently around 2.35 million blue badges in the UK. The new criteria are expected to considerably increase this number.

ABC Note: A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It’s free in Wales. You apply with your local Council. A decision will be made within 12 weeks.

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