Entitlements
You may be surprised to learn that a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their family, is entitled to many ‘extras’ that aren’t always widely publicised. Consequently some of this information is only known to a lucky few. Although parents/carers spread the word to each other, I believe that if there is a service or discount offered, we should all know about it!
So here are a few I’ve heard of – please let me know of anything else you come across so that I can build on this (and let me know if any of the information or links are out of date).
So here are a few I’ve heard of – please let me know of anything else you come across so that I can build on this (and let me know if any of the information or links are out of date).
Benefits - Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
There are various disability/carer benefits available, depending on your circumstances and child’s needs. One of the highest profile is the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which is assessed in two parts: care and mobility. You don’t need to have a diagnosis to receive DLA. Other benefits include Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit.
To achieve the best result, you’ll probably need help to fill in the forms. Start by asking anyone you know who is receiving these benefits, and any professionals you deal with. There are some guidelines on applying for DLA provided by The National Autistic Society (NAS) and more detailed information from Cerebra (their advice has been recommended by several people). Autism Hampshire (Hampshire Autistic Society) also provide an information pack. One key piece of advice is to always remember your child's worst day i.e. when you’re giving examples of behaviour, care requirements, etc.
To apply for any of these benefits, forms can be downloaded online or you can request a form on the Benefit Enquiry Line:
https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim
Tel: 0800 88 22 00
Textphone: 0800 24 33 55#
Guidance for completing DLA form
NAS: www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/benefits-and-community-care/disability-living-allowance/dla-tips-for-parents-and-carers.aspx
Cerebra: www.cerebra.org.uk/English/getinformation/publications/Pages/DLAGuide.aspx
Gateway Card
Access to supported leisure and therapeutic activities in Hampshire
This is a Hampshire County Council (HCC) card that is used for children with disabilities or additional needs to access various supported activities across the county. The activity providers receive funding from HCC’s Short Breaks programme so that they can offer supported and subsidised activities for the children. There is a large range of activities, such as nurseries, outdoor activites, youth clubs, social skills groups, one-to-one swimming lessons, buddy schemes, special events, etc.
You can register for a Gateway Card by completing the online registration form, or you can complete the form on the Gateway Card leaflet and return by post.
www3.hants.gov.uk/gatewaycard
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 01962 846399
Yellow Card (Disability Registration card)
Hampshire disability registration
It seems that autism is officially regarded as a disability and children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder such as Asperger’s are entitled to the Yellow Card. Hampshire County Council says that the advantages are getting assistance/discounts at some leisure venues. (June '13 - there is no list of these local venues, so you’re expected to ask each place you go to; I have queried this and asked if something could be put online – please do the same.) It also allows the recipient to get a Disabled Persons Railcard, though this is not useful until they’re adults. And it speeds up the process when applying for certain things, such as a ‘Disabled person’s companion bus pass’ – see separate entry.
Local attractions like Paultons, Intech Science Museum, etc. offer certain discounts and you will often find that the card can be used to access disabled services/discounts on offer at attractions throughout the whole of the UK. For children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, this usually means at the very least you can avoid queueing and get help with getting on/off rides, etc. if required. Some attractions offer discounts or allow a carer/parent in free too.
To apply, you need to ring up Children’s Services at Hampshire County Council and they’ll take your details and start the process. Please note, for the purposes of the web site, it’s currently classed as a “learning disability”. You’ll be sent a short form and asked for your GP’s details so that they can verify your child’s disability – so you will need your GP’s understanding/co-operation. June '13: There isn’t any information about registering in the Children’s Services web pages (I have raised the issue and they say they’re addressing it), so this is where you find information about applying:
www3.hants.gov.uk/adult-services/carechoice/disability/register
Tel: 0845 603 5620 (Children’s Services)
Autism Alert Programme - alert card, app & car sticker
Autism Hampshire/Police scheme
The Autism Alert programme is run by Autism Hampshire (Hampshire Autistic Society), in partnership with Hampshire Police. The card or app is designed to be shown to a Police Officer in the case of an incident or situation, so that they can support the autistic person appropriately and contact the person named on the back of the card for further help.
A car sticker is also available through HAS, in partnership with Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service, so that emergency services would be aware that there may be an autistic person on board, in the event of an accident or emergency.The information is displayed on the inside of the sticker.
An application form for the card is available on the Autism Hampshire web site and should be returned to them, together with proof of the Autism Spectrum Disorder i.e. diagnosis report or letter from GP/Paediatric Consultant. You don't need a diagnosis to get the card, app or sticker. For further information, see the Outreach projects pages on Autism Hampshire or contact the Outreach Department, as below:
www.has.org.uk/support/outreach/outreach-projects.html
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 023 8063 3951
Bus Pass
Disabled Person plus Companion Pass
The name says it all – this card enables the disabled person to travel free, as well as a companion/ carer. You can download an application form from Hampshire County Council web site – search for Companion Pass. You will need to enclose a passport-sized colour photo, plus proof of disability plus a letter/report from a healthcare professional (i.e. diagnosis report). Please note, it’s simplest to use the Yellow Card (disability registration card) from HCC as the proof, so apply for this first to avoid delays (i.e. register child as disabled – see Yellow Card info above).
www3.hants.gov.uk/concessionary-travel/disabledtravel/companionpass
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0845 045 8355
National Key Scheme (RADAR)
Access to toilets
There are around 9000 public toilets for people with a disability throughout the country, which are usually kept locked. The National Key Scheme offers disabled people independent access to these toilets by using a special key which can be purchased from the Royal Association for Disability Rights (RADAR) shop. June '13: key & guide £4 inc p&p, iPhone app for locating toilets £4.99 from app store.
RADAR shop: www.radar-shop.org.uk
RADAR: 020 7250 3222 (Monday - Friday 9am-5pm) Textphone 020 7250 4119
Library discounts
Concessionary audio-visual membership
This scheme is aimed at people with a “significant print disability” (eg learning disability or visual impairment) and allows 2 DVDs/Music CDs/Games or Audio books to be borrowed at any one time free of charge. An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is regarded as a learning disability in this case, although you would have to use your discretion as to whether you think this card is appropriate for/aimed at your child and their disability. There are under-18 and over-18 categories – to get a card, under-18s, or their parents, need to go to the library and show their Gateway Card or provide a letter from their school or doctor (template on web site).
Further info: www3.hants.gov.uk/library/using-the-library/library-concessions
Tel: 0845 6035631 / 01329 225391
Cinema Ticket Discount
CEA Card (parent/carer)
This is a national card from the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) that can be used to verify that the holder is entitled to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to participating cinemas - see website for list or search for local cinemas. The card is valid for 1 year from the date of issue and a fee is charged. June '13: fee is £5.50 per card and most big chains seem to be in the scheme: Apollo, Cineworld, Curzon, Odeon, Vue, etc.
Printed application forms are available from participating cinemas, or you can download an application form to print out and fill in. You will need to submit a passport-sized photo to go on the card and proof that your child is in receipt of DLA or Attendance Allowance.
www.ceacard.co.uk
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0845 123 1292
Cinema: Autism-friendly screenings
There are regular autism-friendly film screenings held at cinemas all over the country (Cineworld, Odeon & Vue), organised by Dimensions. This means the lights are on low; the volume is turned down; there are no trailers; you can take your own food and drink and you can move around the cinema (though they ask you not to let the kids run around). You can register free to receive an email to let you know of forthcoming screenings and locations, or select a cinema chain to see their listings:
www.dimensions-uk.org/what-we-do/autism-care/autism-friendly-films
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0300 373 3730
National Trust
Access for all Admit One Card (parent/carer)
This is similar to the CEA card, as the holder’s “essential companion or carer” is admitted free of charge when accessing National Trust properties.
To request an Access for all Admit One Card, contact the Supporter Service Centre. They will need the name and full postal address of the disabled person, but no proof of disability is required:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 01793 817634 / 0844 800 1895 (national no.)
There are various disability/carer benefits available, depending on your circumstances and child’s needs. One of the highest profile is the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which is assessed in two parts: care and mobility. You don’t need to have a diagnosis to receive DLA. Other benefits include Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit.
To achieve the best result, you’ll probably need help to fill in the forms. Start by asking anyone you know who is receiving these benefits, and any professionals you deal with. There are some guidelines on applying for DLA provided by The National Autistic Society (NAS) and more detailed information from Cerebra (their advice has been recommended by several people). Autism Hampshire (Hampshire Autistic Society) also provide an information pack. One key piece of advice is to always remember your child's worst day i.e. when you’re giving examples of behaviour, care requirements, etc.
To apply for any of these benefits, forms can be downloaded online or you can request a form on the Benefit Enquiry Line:
https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim
Tel: 0800 88 22 00
Textphone: 0800 24 33 55#
Guidance for completing DLA form
NAS: www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/benefits-and-community-care/disability-living-allowance/dla-tips-for-parents-and-carers.aspx
Cerebra: www.cerebra.org.uk/English/getinformation/publications/Pages/DLAGuide.aspx
Gateway Card
Access to supported leisure and therapeutic activities in Hampshire
This is a Hampshire County Council (HCC) card that is used for children with disabilities or additional needs to access various supported activities across the county. The activity providers receive funding from HCC’s Short Breaks programme so that they can offer supported and subsidised activities for the children. There is a large range of activities, such as nurseries, outdoor activites, youth clubs, social skills groups, one-to-one swimming lessons, buddy schemes, special events, etc.
You can register for a Gateway Card by completing the online registration form, or you can complete the form on the Gateway Card leaflet and return by post.
www3.hants.gov.uk/gatewaycard
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 01962 846399
Yellow Card (Disability Registration card)
Hampshire disability registration
It seems that autism is officially regarded as a disability and children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder such as Asperger’s are entitled to the Yellow Card. Hampshire County Council says that the advantages are getting assistance/discounts at some leisure venues. (June '13 - there is no list of these local venues, so you’re expected to ask each place you go to; I have queried this and asked if something could be put online – please do the same.) It also allows the recipient to get a Disabled Persons Railcard, though this is not useful until they’re adults. And it speeds up the process when applying for certain things, such as a ‘Disabled person’s companion bus pass’ – see separate entry.
Local attractions like Paultons, Intech Science Museum, etc. offer certain discounts and you will often find that the card can be used to access disabled services/discounts on offer at attractions throughout the whole of the UK. For children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, this usually means at the very least you can avoid queueing and get help with getting on/off rides, etc. if required. Some attractions offer discounts or allow a carer/parent in free too.
To apply, you need to ring up Children’s Services at Hampshire County Council and they’ll take your details and start the process. Please note, for the purposes of the web site, it’s currently classed as a “learning disability”. You’ll be sent a short form and asked for your GP’s details so that they can verify your child’s disability – so you will need your GP’s understanding/co-operation. June '13: There isn’t any information about registering in the Children’s Services web pages (I have raised the issue and they say they’re addressing it), so this is where you find information about applying:
www3.hants.gov.uk/adult-services/carechoice/disability/register
Tel: 0845 603 5620 (Children’s Services)
Autism Alert Programme - alert card, app & car sticker
Autism Hampshire/Police scheme
The Autism Alert programme is run by Autism Hampshire (Hampshire Autistic Society), in partnership with Hampshire Police. The card or app is designed to be shown to a Police Officer in the case of an incident or situation, so that they can support the autistic person appropriately and contact the person named on the back of the card for further help.
A car sticker is also available through HAS, in partnership with Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service, so that emergency services would be aware that there may be an autistic person on board, in the event of an accident or emergency.The information is displayed on the inside of the sticker.
An application form for the card is available on the Autism Hampshire web site and should be returned to them, together with proof of the Autism Spectrum Disorder i.e. diagnosis report or letter from GP/Paediatric Consultant. You don't need a diagnosis to get the card, app or sticker. For further information, see the Outreach projects pages on Autism Hampshire or contact the Outreach Department, as below:
www.has.org.uk/support/outreach/outreach-projects.html
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 023 8063 3951
Bus Pass
Disabled Person plus Companion Pass
The name says it all – this card enables the disabled person to travel free, as well as a companion/ carer. You can download an application form from Hampshire County Council web site – search for Companion Pass. You will need to enclose a passport-sized colour photo, plus proof of disability plus a letter/report from a healthcare professional (i.e. diagnosis report). Please note, it’s simplest to use the Yellow Card (disability registration card) from HCC as the proof, so apply for this first to avoid delays (i.e. register child as disabled – see Yellow Card info above).
www3.hants.gov.uk/concessionary-travel/disabledtravel/companionpass
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0845 045 8355
National Key Scheme (RADAR)
Access to toilets
There are around 9000 public toilets for people with a disability throughout the country, which are usually kept locked. The National Key Scheme offers disabled people independent access to these toilets by using a special key which can be purchased from the Royal Association for Disability Rights (RADAR) shop. June '13: key & guide £4 inc p&p, iPhone app for locating toilets £4.99 from app store.
RADAR shop: www.radar-shop.org.uk
RADAR: 020 7250 3222 (Monday - Friday 9am-5pm) Textphone 020 7250 4119
Library discounts
Concessionary audio-visual membership
This scheme is aimed at people with a “significant print disability” (eg learning disability or visual impairment) and allows 2 DVDs/Music CDs/Games or Audio books to be borrowed at any one time free of charge. An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is regarded as a learning disability in this case, although you would have to use your discretion as to whether you think this card is appropriate for/aimed at your child and their disability. There are under-18 and over-18 categories – to get a card, under-18s, or their parents, need to go to the library and show their Gateway Card or provide a letter from their school or doctor (template on web site).
Further info: www3.hants.gov.uk/library/using-the-library/library-concessions
Tel: 0845 6035631 / 01329 225391
Cinema Ticket Discount
CEA Card (parent/carer)
This is a national card from the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) that can be used to verify that the holder is entitled to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to participating cinemas - see website for list or search for local cinemas. The card is valid for 1 year from the date of issue and a fee is charged. June '13: fee is £5.50 per card and most big chains seem to be in the scheme: Apollo, Cineworld, Curzon, Odeon, Vue, etc.
Printed application forms are available from participating cinemas, or you can download an application form to print out and fill in. You will need to submit a passport-sized photo to go on the card and proof that your child is in receipt of DLA or Attendance Allowance.
www.ceacard.co.uk
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0845 123 1292
Cinema: Autism-friendly screenings
There are regular autism-friendly film screenings held at cinemas all over the country (Cineworld, Odeon & Vue), organised by Dimensions. This means the lights are on low; the volume is turned down; there are no trailers; you can take your own food and drink and you can move around the cinema (though they ask you not to let the kids run around). You can register free to receive an email to let you know of forthcoming screenings and locations, or select a cinema chain to see their listings:
www.dimensions-uk.org/what-we-do/autism-care/autism-friendly-films
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0300 373 3730
National Trust
Access for all Admit One Card (parent/carer)
This is similar to the CEA card, as the holder’s “essential companion or carer” is admitted free of charge when accessing National Trust properties.
To request an Access for all Admit One Card, contact the Supporter Service Centre. They will need the name and full postal address of the disabled person, but no proof of disability is required:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 01793 817634 / 0844 800 1895 (national no.)