Am I disabled?
And can you be registered as disabled?
The internationally recognised symbol for disability is depicted as someone in a wheelchair but we all know that the spectrum of disability is much wider.
The internationally recognised symbol for disability is depicted as someone in a wheelchair but we all know that the spectrum of disability is much wider.
Possability People is a pan-impairment charity, this means we work with anyone who is disabled or has a long-term health condition (including mental health), as well as older people. You might be neurodiverse or visually impaired, or, have an autoimmune condition, or other long term health problem, such as a chronic respiratory condition. And of course, yes, many of our clients, staff, and volunteers, have mobility issues and use a wheelchair.
The legal definition of a disabled person is someone who has a: “physical or mental impairment, and the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.” So, if you break your leg or have a short-term illness you are not considered disabled, but if you have a condition that continues for longer than 12 months then you are.
We are often asked how some gets “registered as disabled” and the answer is: they don’t, there is actually no such thing as being registered as disabled* and there is no national database of disabled people.
But it is the case that some local authorities do keep a register of disabled residents in order to improve service in their area. Again, this is voluntary, and this isn’t something that is currently done in Brighton and Hove. Being registered as disabled with a local authority doesn’t mean that someone is automatically entitled to or more likely to receive certain benefits, nor is this stored nationally.
The Disabled Persons Register ceased to exist from 1996 following the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 coming into force. Under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 the Government was required to establish and maintain a disabled persons employment register but registration was voluntary and only a small proportion of disabled people ever registered.
There are often discounts and concessions available for disabled people and / or their carers. This could include theatres, cinemas, leisure centres and tourist attractions. The wording often says for those who are registered disabled, but the eligibility will depend on the individual scheme and may be based on what evidence you can provide, such as proof of benefits.
If you think you are disabled then you may be eligible for a range of benefits, social care, a Blue Badge or even a disabled person’s bus pass. Medical evidence is always required so it is important that you liaise with your GP or any other medical professionals you have seen to obtain this. Our Advice Centre can help you work out if you can apply for any of these.
*There is a national register of people with visual impairments
Find out more about registering a visual impairment from the Macular Society.