Safe Places, as used by Avon & Somerset Police, assists the card holder to get in touch with police if needed, and links to a network of local safe locations such as police stations and council offices You could be eligible subject to a further assessment if you can’t undertake a journey without being at risk of serious harm, it causing “very considerable psychological distress”, or if you have very considerable difficulty when walking. Sign up to our Record Money newsletter and get the top stories sent to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday, including a special cost of living edition on a Thursday - sign up here. When my son was younger sometimes I didn’t go out because I just couldn’t face trying to find a safe place to park near the shop or doctors.

DPTAC has worked hard to bring the issue of non-visible disabilities to the fore. Enabling those with non-visible disabilities to benefit from a Blue Badge will bring a critical improvement in the lives of many disabled people and it is right that the criteria was changed. In this guide, you'll find informationabout driving licences, driving tests, fitness rules and the Blue Badge scheme. We also have advice about financial help that may be available to you. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We know that for some people, the possibility of not being able to find a parking space can make even leaving the house a challenge, which is why the blue badge is so important. If you have a severe disability, in your arms, for example, you can’t work on-street parking equipment, and you drive regularly.Gwent Police (Uses the Can You See Me? scheme developed by the National Autism Team and available across Wales) If you apply for a Blue Badge your local council should reply to tell you about the situation in your area, but they make take longer than usual to send you a reply. The changes we have announced today will ensure that this scheme is extended equally to people with hidden disabilities so that they can enjoy the freedoms that many of us take for granted. Blue badges are a lifeline for disabled people, giving them the freedom and confidence to get to work and visit friends independently.

While the new criteria gives clear and consistent guidelines on Blue Badge eligibility for the whole of England, not everyone with non-visible disabilities will qualify for a badge. Local authorities decide if an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, as is currently the case. Get the latest money-saving and benefits news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Money newsletter here. The old rules were too focused on people’s physical ability to walk, and changes to Government guidance in 2014 meant that autistic people found it too hard to get a Blue Badge. For many people, this meant they weren’t able to go out and about and could become socially isolated.The scheme, which is already a lifeline for so many disabled people, will make a huge difference to those with non-visible conditions such as autism, dementia, Parkinson’s and arthritis. It is my sincere wish that these changes will improve even more people’s lives. A Blue Badge can be life changing. To live up to this promise, it’s absolutely essential that council officials making decisions about Blue Badges understand autism and the challenges autistic people can face getting out and about. take information about autism to discuss with your driving instructor before your first lesson, particularly if you have any sensory differences that can impact on your ability to learn e.g.problems with the glare from the sun or headlights Though it is a national scheme,BlueBadges are actually issued by local authorities (councils). It isyourlocal authority who decides on entitlement to the badges. An autism alert card or passport is a document you can carry to help communicate your needs as an autistic/neurodivergent individual to police officers or other officials when you are away from home. The card typically contains your details and advice for the officer you are speaking to. Alert card schemes are run in most police areas across the UK.