International Day of Persons with Disabilities: What Support is Available?

December 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a significant global initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Established by the United Nations in 1992, this day serves as a platform to celebrate the diverse talents, abilities, and contributions of people with disabilities while advocating for a more accessible and inclusive world. In this blog, we share the support available for people with disabilities along with how to start a claim for compensation if your disability was caused by negligence.

One of the key aspects of IDPD is the emphasis on the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of society. By removing barriers in educational and employment settings, we can create an environment where individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to learn and thrive. The theme for IDPD 2023 is "Building Back Better: Towards a Disability-Inclusive, Accessible, and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World" – the focus is being placed upon ensuring that the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is inclusive and considers the needs of persons with disabilities. By doing so, organisations can benefit from a diverse range of talents and perspectives, fostering innovation and enriching workplace culture.

Support for People with Disabilities

In the United Kingdom, several programs and services are designed to support people with disabilities and their families. These programs aim to provide financial assistance, educational support, and resources to enhance the well-being and development of those with diverse needs.  Families are also advised to contact local authorities, relevant government departments, and disability support organisations for specific information tailored to their circumstances.

The UK provide various services, aimed at both children and adults, which include:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP is the successor to the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and provides financial support for disabled individuals, including children, to cover the additional costs related to daily living and mobility.

Carer’s Allowance

Carer's Allowance is a financial benefit for individuals who care for a child with a disability for at least 35 hours per week. The carer must meet certain eligibility criteria.

Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plans

Children and young people (up to 25) with special educational needs or disabilities may have an EHC plan, which outlines the support they need in education. This plan involves collaboration between education, health, and social care services.

Disabled Children's Service

Local authorities in the UK provide Disabled Children's Services to support families with disabled children. These services may include respite care, counselling, and practical assistance.

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA)

DSA provides support for higher education students with disabilities, including those transitioning from school to college or university. It covers the additional costs associated with studying.

Access to Work

This program provides financial support to individuals with disabilities to cover the extra costs of accommodations or adjustments necessary for employment. It assists with travel, support workers, and other workplace-related needs.

Disabled Facilities Grant

This grant is available to help individuals with disabilities make essential adaptations to their homes. It can cover the cost of installing ramps, widening doorways, or adding accessible bathroom facilities.

Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems. It allows badge holders to park close to their destination, helping individuals with disabilities to access services and participate in community activities.

Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme allows individuals with disabilities to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using their government-funded mobility allowance.

When Negligence Leads to Disability

Disabilities come in many forms – some people are born with physical disabilities or have medical complications which impact their physical abilities over time. Other people find themselves disabled following a serious accident or medical negligence.

Fortunately, many people learn to not only live, but thrive with their disabilities. But on the whole, adjusting to a new life as a disabled person comes with many mental, physical and financial challenges to overcome.

Disability arising from an accident or from medical negligence

If you or someone you care for has suffered injuries that have left them disabled or are looking at a difficult road ahead with their physical recovery which might lead to needing additional support, then it is worth exploring a claim for personal injury.

Our Lawyers can help with a compensation claim for any injuries or losses suffered as a direct result of an accident caused by another person, whether that be a motor accident or hospital negligence.

Being left with severe disabilities following poor medical treatment or catastrophic events whilst in the care of medical professionals can leave people needing on-going treatment, drastically alter their quality of life, change their lifestyle, hobbies and career forever, leave them financially vulnerable and with additional costs for therapy, counselling, living adjustments, care and mobility. To help with the burden of these costs, a successful compensation claim can make a difference.

In order to make a successful claim, the following must be met:

• The accident was someone else’s fault or a result of negligence (a “breach of duty”)
• The accident took place within the last 3 years (save for some exceptions)
• The injuries were a direct result of the accident / incident

Regaining Independence

Here at Thompson Smith and Puxon, we are proud to support many clients with diverse needs through our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, Court of Protection and Employment law departments.

If you need any legal assistance for either yourself, or a friend or family member who has disabilities, then we would be happy to help. We understand the challenges and therefore work flexibly to give much needed legal advice. Should you require a home visit, hospital visit or communication via video call or email, we are happy to accommodate for what works for you.

For more information please contact us on 01206 574431 or email info@tsplegal.com.