Blue Badge Assessment

ddavis98

Hi all

To give some context as to why I have applied for a blue badge... I am diagnosed with autism (including sensory issues), Bipolar Personality Disorder, Fibromyalgia and Hypermobility. Further to this I am awaiting a head CT to see if I have a mild brain injury following concussion 6 weeks ago. 

I applied online and was immediately rejected after a telephone assessment even though I felt I was honest about my struggles and the report that followed did agree with my struggles but I was still rejected for the badge. 

I have an in person assessment this week and I am worried that I will be rejected again. My autism/BPD causes me to make unsafe decisions when overwhelmed and I find parking - especially in new places - very difficult. Further to this I tend to want to leave places quite urgently which makes it unsafe if I am on the furthest side of a car park.

My fibromyalgia and hypermobility are the main reason to me applying as I am currently awaiting a pip tribunal. I can drive a manual car but avoid driving at all where possible and heavily rely on my partner to drive me to appointments and do shopping etc. 

I am desperate to get my independence back but I feel that they will see I can cope most of the time because at my worst I stay home and do literally nothing. I just want to be able to meet a friend for a coffee without the burden of not being able to get there and leave on my own safely and without causing more pain or fatigue. 

Can anyone who has been through the process tell me what it is like please? Will they reject me for being able to drive a manual car(i am saving for an auto)? 

poppy123456

Your ability to drive is irrelevant here. The in person assessment will be similar to the telephone one but this time they will be able to see you. As the main reason for claiming is because of your ability to walk so it will very likely be this they will concentrate and they may want to see how you walk. All BB assessments will be different for each local Authority as they will all have their own individual criteria outside of automatically qualifying.

Once the decision is made i do believe you can challenge it by asking them to look at the decision again.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/help-for-disabled-travellers1/blue-badge-scheme/if-youve-been-refused-a-blue-badge/

ddavis98

Thank you.

I’ve had the assessment now and just waiting on the result. The OT was in support of me having a blue badge and even encouraged me to go down the route of getting a smart crutch to get myself about independently. 

Will update once results are in.

L_Volunteer

Got my fingers crossed for you @ddavis98. Please feel free to let us know how the assessment result goes and if we can do anything to support you. How are you feeling about the OT's recommendations? 

ddavis98

apologies for not giving an update sooner - it’s been a hellish few months!

In summary:

Blue badge got approved - has made a HUGE difference to my life!

PIP approved ! Only standard rate on both parts but a 4 year award!

OT came out and did an assessment at home following another diagnosis. Confirmed that I need additional grab rails and that crutches won’t be helpful so need to be assessed for joint splints and a wheelchair. Not the best news to receive just after my 26th birthday but at least now I can start to manage my pain and symptoms better!

Adrian_Scope

Great news on the blue badge and PIP award @ddavis98! I know the OT assessment wasn't the best news for you but as you say, at least it means things you can get the support you need to help manage your pain and symptoms.🙂