General info and advice

www.adviceguide.org.uk / www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland online information from Citizens’ Advice

AskSARA www.asksara.org.uk An online advice guide designed to make daily living easier

Connexions www.connexions-direct.com is the government funded agency for young people aged 13-19, or to 25 in the case of young people with a physical and/or learning disability. Their site has a lot of information and advice on a range of issues (learning, work, housing etc.), including a separate disability section and links to local services.

Contact a Family www.cafamily.org.uk/publications.html?scat=39 Helpline: 0808 808 355 has downloadable booklets on ESA, transition, benefits, sex and relationships. Transition guidance covers England, Scotland and Wales. For NI follow ‘In Your Area’ link.

Disability Alliance www.disabilityalliance.org is a charty with the principal aim of improving the living standards of disabled people. Publications include the Disability Rights Handbook and a range of useful factsheets and other information on such things as direct payments, tax credits and the Employment and Support Allowance.

Disability Law Service www.dls.org.uk Advice line 020 7791 9800 E-mail: advice@dls.org.uk A charity run by and for disabled people to provide advice and information on the law as regards disability, benefits, employment etc. Their site has range of factsheets and they also provide a casework service, and support at any level of the legal system.

Health and social care assessments www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HealthAndSupport/ArrangingHealthAndSocialCare/DG_4000436 For some, a health and social care assessment will be the first step towards getting the help and support they need. Assessments are with the social services department of your local council.

In Control www.in-control.org.uk is a social enterprise that was set up to transform the current social care system into a system of Self-Directed Support and Individual Budgets – giving disabled people as much control as possible of their lives. This approach is gradually being adopted by social services departments across the UK. The website has factsheets on how it works, and also on getting a job.

The Independent Living Fund www.ilf.org.uk gives grants to people with severe disabilities aged 16 and over, to buy services and equipment that enable them to maintain an independent lifestyle. Employers can also receive grants for adaptations and equipment in the workplace, from the Jobcentre Plus Access to Work scheme. For minor adaptations, repairs and equipment, e.g. handrails or environmental control systems, you may be able to get help from the local Social Services Department.

Radar www.radar.org.uk/radarwebsite/ is the UK’s largest disability campaigning organisation. Their Publications include ‘Doing Money Differently’, ‘Get Motoring’ and a guide to the National Key Scheme, which allows people with disabilities to use over 8000 locked toilets across the UK (you can also order a key from the site).

Ricability www.ricability.org.uk Consumer research for older and disabled people. The website offers independent product reviews on areas including driving, personal care and mobility.

Skill www.skill.org.uk is the national organisation for students with disabilities. Go to ‘Information’ for sheets on benefits for students.

Transition Information Network www.transitioninfonetwork.org.uk/ Tel: 020 7843 6006 Email: TIN@ncb.org.uk TIN is an alliance of organisations and individuals working together to improve the experience of disabled young people’s transition to adulthood, and a source of information and good practice standards for disabled young people, families and professionals. Provides information through website, magazine, e-newsletter and seminars. TIN does not provide advice and does not have a helpline.

The National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) www.ncil.org.uk has information on direct payments and individual budgets, and a directory of local support services in England. Sister organisations in other parts of the UK are:

Inclusion Scotland (IS) www.inclusionscotland.org

Disability Wales www.disabilitywales.org

Centre for Independent Living Belfast www.cilbelfast.org

Turn 2 Us www.turn2us.org.uk another site to help you find out about benefits, grants and other financial help, including managing money. Has an easy to use benefits checker and a grants search section containing the details of hundreds of grant-giving charities (national, regional and local) that may be able to provide financial support and other services.