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Communicating - aids - PIP - OCD
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I’m reluctant to disagree with the advice given by CAB but I’m still with @poppy123456 and @wilko on this - both must score 0 points. Hand washing because there’s no descriptor for it (and you can wash your hands anyway), and communicating verbally because you clearly can communicate (by using the ‘phone)
It still seems to me (and others) that you seem to be intent on ‘bending’ the descriptors in a manner which will score points. This is not the way to do it and will easily be found out at an assessment.
Could you not use your time more fruitfully by looking at those descriptors which are more likely to apply - you mention that you have difficulty going out, for example?
This activity considers a claimant’s ability to communicate verbally with regard to expressive (conveying) communication and receptive (receiving and understanding) communication in one’s native language.
Basic verbal information is information conveyed in a simple sentence: “Can I help you?”, “I would like tea please”, “I came home today”, “The time is 3 o’clock”.
Complex verbal information is information conveyed in either more than one sentence or one complicated sentence, for example: “I would like tea please, just a splash of milk and no sugar, as I always have sweeteners with me for when I go out”.
Verbal information can include information that is interpreted from verbal into non-verbal form or vice-versa – for example, speech interpreted through sign language.
Communication support means support from another person trained or experienced in communicating with people with specific communication needs (for example, a sign language interpreter); or someone directly experienced in communicating with the claimant themselves (for example, a family member or carer).
Individuals who cannot express or understand verbal information and would need communication support to do so should receive the appropriate descriptor even if they do not have access to this support. For example, a deaf person who cannot communicate verbally and does not use sign language might need communication support to support them in another way even if they do not routinely have such help.
Lip reading is not considered an acceptable way to interpret verbal communication.
Note: The ability to remember and retain information is not within the scope of this activity e.g. relevant to those with dementia or learning disabilities.
"Individuals who cannot express or understand verbal information and would need communication support to do so should receive the appropriate descriptor even if they do not have access to this support"
Just explain what you have difficulties with and then let the DWP worry about whether they fit or not.
Grief, I am also confused as to what the descriptors could mean but why bother - you are not the one making the decisions.
I explained in my words what my difficulties are, then I looked at the descriptors and thought - yes I could fall into that one. However the assessor and the DWP didn't agree. I won my first two appeals at MR stage based entirely on written evidence from reputable medical sources that (a) I could not physically walk more than 20 metres - as tested in hospital) (b) the aids I had were needed and not a question of choice plus a couple of other provable issues.
I did not try to work out if what my problems were could be shoe horned into a descriptor - a claimant is not asked or expected to do that.
Put your inability to walk 20 metres in the box for managing medication - that way you're bound to get at least some points for "unable to understand verbal information" !!
I have a diagnosis and have been tested for Dementia and brain function. Those tests revealed early onset Vascular Dementia as well as Frontal Lobe damage - altered personality.
Of course I too find it difficult sometimes to find the right words whilst giving a speech in the Council Chamber, yes some things I say don't make much sense hence why I always write out what I intend to talk about. It doesn't mean to say that I am mentally disabled to the extent of qualifying for PIP. In fact following the first claim I made in 2013, I did write everything down on the PIP2 only to have the assessor and the DWP decide that the 14 reasons they came up with that I don't have any mental issues was nearer to the truth. For assessment numbers 2 and 3 I didn't bother to mention anything related to mental health issues.
My way of looking at it is to concentrate on what I can prove on the balance of probabilities and not what I can't prove.
As for 7, I am deaf in both ears and have to wear hearing aids. Those aids help as they avoid the need for someone to sign for me. Hence that section does not apply to me either as I have help (aids). However the use of those aids did not count for any points as in my second assessment (2015) I only had one in as I had run out of batteries! I had to prove via the NHS battery book later that I have two aids therefore 2 points.
And don't get me onto ebay wheelchairs and crutches - I know quite a few 'disabled' claimants that would swear blind that they need them only to find that after the decision to award has been made they end up back on ebay!
Just curious as you said "someone with knowledge"?
Capita has many tentacles that reach out into many organisations. They don't have such a good reputation in dealing with Civil Servants pay and certainly not their pensions!!
Best bet is try and find a genuine face to face consultation. Even then some of the information is dubious.
????? Confused
Advice is best taken face to face where you can check out the credentials of the advisor and confirm they are qualified to give that advice.
Support could be anything from anyone, anywhere.
I have been lurking in the back ground as some peeps have said and watched and listened. Probably there are a few assessors on here and don't like what is being said which is probably true. Instead of being helpful it appears about point scoring on peoples opinions?
I wont divulge what my background is, my working career I could make certain comments but I refrain from doing so in case I offend . It is not about being right!!!! it is about supporting people who do not understand the system and how you come across and frankly i find this shortcoming sometimes especially with regular users.