Advice

Do you need advice or information on any aspect of disability or have a problem which is beginning to overwhelm you then maybe we can help. If you have any problems or enquires related to disability please ask. Assistance with any enquires is available, if we don’t have the answer we will endeavour to find out, we’ll refer you to an agency or organisation who can be able to help.

References

We have information on self help and support groups, charitable organisations and trusts, where or how to get any equipment you may require to help in your daily living, activities leisure events and things to do for those with disabilities. Also comprehensive lists of voluntary groups and statutory bodies including Social Services teams, Health Authority services and how to access them.

Leaflets

A range of leaflets are held and displayed in a prominent position in the centre which are accessible to the public. Alternatively our Benefits Advice and Information Officer is available Mon - Fri 9:30 - 3:30 to give advice on benefits, welfare rights, aids to independent living, housing, debts etc and also to help with forms.

Disability Discrimination Act

And don’t forget the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 which now covers goods and services: From 1 October 1999 the DDA made it unlawful for service providers to treat disabled people less favourably than they would treat other people, for a reason related to their disability. It is the duty of service providers not to refuse service to disabled people; offer a worse service; or offer service on worse terms for a reason related to the persons disability.

This applies to everyone regardless of their disability. You no longer have to accept inferior services because you are disabled, for example you no longer need to accept that you can’t get into a shop in your wheelchair or that you will not be able to try clothes on in the changing rooms.

Advocacy

If you think you have received an inferior service or being refused admission or cannot gain access please let us know. Nothing can be done to improve the situation unless someone tells us about it, if we can’t help we will put you in touch with someone who can. Remember you have the same rights to goods and services as able bodies people.