Registering as disabled?

**Shoppie** · 31-07-2012, 10:39pm

So I saw my delightful consultant today who said to me along with lots of other comments that he thinks it would be worth my while considering registering as disabled. I didn't really say anything at the time as there were lots of other questions in my mind but now I'm thinking:
- how do you actually do that?
- how hard is it?
- how long does it take?
- what is the actual point??
- are there any disadvantages?

My guess is that he is thinking of my work so that they can't know magically manage me out of the business when I'm ill as I should fall under disability discrimination...

**RealGoneKid** · 01-08-2012, 06:21am

I'm not an expert but I don't think that there's a central disability register for all types of disability (although there are registers for blind and deaf people). You will be covered by the Disability Discrimination legislation simply by having a disability and informing your employer of it AFAIK. You may well qualify for DLA and other disability related benefits, so it is worth a look at them too.

I'm sure someone who has more experience will be along soon.

Hope you're ok

**joanne62** · 01-08-2012, 06:42am

I think you're right RGK, though I think some areas have a local disability register. DS is registered in Hull but I'm not sure it's used for anything other than monitoring the number of disabled in the area and the services provided.
I wonder if he meant for you to apply for DLA.

**Rosa** · 01-08-2012, 08:09am

Yes was wondering if he meant pplying for dla, I don't think you can "register as disabled" anymore.

I got a blue badge for parking and at my assessment they asked if I was applying for dla but didn't mention registering as disabled.

**DillyDally** · 01-08-2012, 09:14am

Originally Posted by joanne62

I think you're right RGK, though I think some areas have a local disability register. DS is registered in Hull but I'm not sure it's used for anything other than monitoring the number of disabled in the area and the services provided.
I wonder if he meant for you to apply for DLA.

I wondered the same. DS1 is registered at our local borough, but I think they just use the information for statistical purposes.

**joanne62** · 01-08-2012, 09:23am

Originally Posted by DillyDally

I wondered the same. DS1 is registered at our local borough, but I think they just use the information for statistical purposes.

When DS was really small we received a list of places that offered a discount to the disabled and their carers when we registered.

**Katiekipper** · 01-08-2012, 09:27am

Some local authorities keep a record of disabled people but it's purely for statistical reasons to help them plan services. There is no national disabled register or need to do so. Nowadays you self certify disability by agreeing that you meet the criteria for the DDA definition of disabled.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabled...hts/dg_4001068
the proof requested by most people of disability in order to get discounts or carer discounts is a blue badge or DLA, often only higher rate counts.
For mentally disabled people this means that really the DDA is enough and covers you in the workplace but there is no other avenue for having your disability recognised.

**DillyDally** · 01-08-2012, 09:30am

Originally Posted by joanne62

When DS was really small we received a list of places that offered a discount to the disabled and their carers when we registered.

Obviously more efficient that our borough

**joanne62** · 01-08-2012, 09:33am

Originally Posted by DillyDally

Obviously more efficient that our borough

Unfortunately none of the places exist anymore

, they were all really strange places with no link to the disabled such as a wool shop and a florist.

**Shoppie** · 01-08-2012, 09:35am

I've googled the blue badge thing and DLA and I think it must be DLA he means as I don't have any mobility issues at all

Being honest, it is costing me quite a lot in medicines/ attending appointments etc and while I'm still on paid sick leave:
1. there isn't much gap between my income and childcare costs (so in reality I'm making a loss now with medical bills)
2. the paid sick leave doesn't last long so am assuming he's thinking it will take a while to get through the process by which time we may need it to live on.

How long does it take? Is it actually meant to help with stuff like medical billls and stuff? I started to read the government page on it and nearly fell asleep just reading the explanation, never mind the forms