Disability Badges

I find this scheme to be very unfair. At the moment I am more disabled than my friend who has a blue badge. She takes me out in her car with her badge. However as my condition is considered to be temporary My doctor will not support my application despite the fact that I cannot walk more than 25 metres and am in pain 24/7. We even had to cancel our holiday because I cannot walk.

Phew

Forgiven

Oops sorry Galen. I wish that You had dealt with my case at least then I know I should have been treated fairly. Mind you given the situation now perhaps they were right all along. My last paragraph was unnecessary but I have thought it regularly when I feel doctors, consultants and decision makers don't seem to be taking me seriously. Incidentally I didn't realise that's what you do

I do make decisions and I suffer! Don't tar us all with the same brush!

I am horrified that you have failed your appeal anneey and really feel for you, things are unlikely to have changed for you since you had your blue badge so how on earth can they justify their actions.

As the OP I have gone quiet on this subject because following a steroid injection things have temporarily but greatly improved. Right now I could not justify a blue badge but three months ago it was a totally different matter although even then I could walk 50 metres just couldn't get in and out of my car. Mind you reading back has made me realise I have had a pretty good summer painwise . My sister has severe RA and receives mobility allowance I hope they don't mess about with her blue badge as it is her lifeline.

Sometimes I would like to waive a magic wand over those who make the decisions so that they could suffer the problems we have to put up with
There would be different results then!

and I think we all know!! some one who has a BB that really does not need it!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

There are a few cars that have a sliding drivers door, which may make getting in and out of the car in tight spaces easier.

If this is the case pm me if I can help. If there's one thing I do know its DLA, mobA and ESA criteria. Also how old are you and do you receive mobility allowance?

They have to take any available aids into consideration. I think the criteria are the same as mobility allowance (now replaced by pip)
This is that you cannot walk more than 50metres without SEVERE DISCOMFORT.

rather fed up, I have failed my appeal assessment for renewing my blue badge. The rules have changed big time. I consider it cruel taking away your b.b. after having it for 3 yrs. I gave copies of consultants letters.
I have written to them, as the assessor stated that I walked at a normal pace. In fact I walk slowly, partly due to pain, and it is physically impossible to walk at a normal pace. I also could not manage without my walking stick. ( I have Kypho Scoliosis)

Thank you annodomini. Trouble is I only have another 3 weeks to appeal. I haven't dealt with the CAB. Can I speak on the phone to them, do you know?

Thank you Bluebell. I appreciate any advice.

Anneey - I'm away from home at the moment but will PM you when I get home with some references which may help

Have you thought about asking the CAB for some help with your appeal? It's the kind of thing I'm often asked to do.

As expected I failed my assessment. I have obtained previous Consultants notes and MRI results, which I will send with an appeal letter. They are so strict now, I am not the only one having the same experience. Walking exacerbates my problem.You can imagine the disappointment, especially after having a Blue Badge for 3 years. Do please let me know if you have any advice, regarding my appeal.

Thank you members, for your helpful comments. (I am a new member by the way) I will keep you informed.

Anneey i am surprised they assessed you - I live in Dorset - you apply online and get the doctors agreement - for example I look fine, look like I walk fine, whereas due to my muscle disease, it is painful to walk, and i get very tired , even on short distances, cant carry or lift heavy thing slike shopping bags, and fall over a lot.....but I would 'pass' a walking test

Anneey that sounds very distressing for you. When you are disabled, as you obviously are, you shouldn't need further re-assessment, it is unnecessary and very costly. The stupid thing is in these days of cut backs they seem to be even more stringent when it comes to blue badges.

In fairness, right now my need is not great because I have had a steroid injection which has helped greatly but I know the problem will return and my case is so stupid. The supermarkets insist on blue badges to park in their disabled bays, I don't have one so unless they have wider bays I can't park at that supermarket but at least I can get around otherwise so am very lucky.

From what you have written it sounds as though you are in a wheelchair so how on earth can you not receive a card? Basically the system as it is now makes liars of us all as it doesn't pay to be honest. At your appeal, despite whether it is 'a good walking day' or not you must make sure it appears a bad day: sticks, crutches, wheelchair, etc. and I wish you every success. The whole system makes me angry - we have to jump through metaphorical hoops just to obtain a 'parking badge'.

Anney - if you are turned down, you can PM me if you wish and I'll try and give you some advice

I have just had my assessment to renew my blue badge.
my concern is that the rules have changed and they are over the top.
I went on one of my 'good walking days'. so may need to appeal.
I am over 65yrs old, and don't now drive.
I have the use of Dial a Ride, but rarely use it as the ramps on the roads hurts my back and I cant help crying out 'aaahhh'
Please,please any advice is welcome?

I found that if I took my MiL to Waitrose and explained to the security guy that, although we didn't have a blue badge, she couldn't walk and needed a wheel chair he would find us a space near the entrance.

I once took a disabled friend to a supermarket. I parked in a disabled bay and then went in to Information to request a wheelchair and explain why I was therefore parking in a disabled bay without a blue badge. They were vey helpful. They took details of my car; colour, make and registration number and that was it. We shopped, ate, and went back to the car without let or hindrance.

My sister has RA and is now severely disabled. When it was bad but not quite so noticeable she had a blue badge and drove around in a VW campervan (original). She had many an argument with people who assumed the badge was not hers. I bet they wouldn't want to change places with her now, but it taught me that what you see is not always what you think it is.

When I was in a wheelchair after leg surgery, but not eligible for a blue badge, I used to leave a note on the dashboard when I went to supermarkets, explaining that I was a temporary wheelchair user and I didn't have any problems but it wasn't at S.... supermarket!!