Services for adults with physical disabilities
There are a range of services available in the Borders for adults with physical disabilities which are there to help you have as much independence and control over your life as possible. These include:
- The Ability Centre
- Borders Ability Equipment Service
- Respite Care and Flexible Short Breaks
- Occupational Therapy
- Home Adaptations and Improvement Grants
You may also find the following resources useful:
- Travel Concession Card
You can apply for a travel concession card if you are disabled or 60 years of age and over. This entitles you to free bus travel within the Borders. Please note that changes to the concessionary fares scheme are taking place in 2006. From 1 April, concessionary cardholders will be entitled to unlimited free bus and coach travel (bus, coach, rail and ferry for blind persons) throughout Scotland and to Berwick and Carlisle. You can find out more about these changes and take part in the consultation process by visiting the Scottish Government website. - The Radar Key Scheme
This scheme offers access to toilets for disabled people throughout the UK. The keys are available over the counter from Council Contact Centres with proof of disability. - The Social Car Scheme
The Social Care Scheme is provided by the Council and operates through a number of local voluntary organisations. The scheme offers help for people who are unable to get about on public transport. The operators of the scheme are given 27 pence for each mile travelled and may ask passengers for a contribution of up to 8 pence per mile. The way in which the service is provided varies depending on the organisation. Operators are free to decline any request, or provide additional services beyond the basic requirements of the scheme. More information is available from Passenger Transport.
Other useful information
- Borders Disability Forum
The Forum aims to improve the lives of disabled people and people with sensory impairments. It provides an information centre and drop-in service where people can find out about anything to do with disabilities, including aids and equipment. The Forum also provides a voice for disability rights by representing the concerns of disabled people. You can contact them at:
Roxburgh House Court, Roxburgh Street, Galashiels TD1 1NY
(01896 668578
Email: enquiries@bdf.demon.co.uk
More information ... - Borders Disabled Swimming Group
Borders Disabled Swimming Group aims to help and encourage people with physical disabilities to exercise and have fun through swimming. The annual membership fee is £8.00, and the swimming pool entrance fee is £1.50.
(01896 822633 - Borders Care and Repair Service
Launched in February 2005, this is a new service for older people and anyone with a disability who would benefit from improvements to their home. The service will be available initially in the Central Borders but it is planned to extend the service to the whole of the Borders in the future. It is free of charge and is available to all homeowners over 60 years of age, private tenants over 60 years of age and disabled owners or private tenants of any age.
More information ... - Disabled Persons' Housing Service
The Surgery, 10 Orchard Park, St Boswells TD6 0DA
(01835 822122
Email: dphsborders@msn.com - The Warm Deal
This is a scheme which provides a grant of up to £500 to make your home more energy-efficient and keep you warmer during the cold winter months. You will qualify for a grant of £500 if you or your partner own or rent your home and are in receipt of the following benefits or allowances:
Attendance Allowance; Council Tax Benefit; Disability Living Allowance; Disability Working Allowance; Family Credit; Housing Benefit; Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support; Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (which must include constant Attendance Allowance); War Disablement Pension (which must include the mobility supplement or Constant Attendance Allowance); Working Families Tax Credit or Disabled Persons Tax Credit.
Alternatively, a lower grant is available towards the cost of materials only. More information about The Warm Deal is available on their website. - Inclusion Scotland (IS)
Inclusion Scotland (this link will take you to another website) is a group of disability-led organisations and individual disabled people who aim to draw attention to the physical, social, economic, cultural and attitudinal barriers that affect the everyday lives of disabled people in Scotland.
Unified Solutions.