Ask the Experts

Questions and Answers

Q My mother is taking me to Boston, Washington and New York in September this year. I wonder if it’s possible to hire an electric scooter in each city we visit, and whether I need to apply for a disability parking permit for the three weeks we’re there.
Michelle Turrell, by email

Andy Wright says: There’s no national system of parking concessions for disabled people in the USA. Most states operate their own individual schemes. The type of badges used and the concessions provided are not standardised and vary considerably. It’s entirely at the discretion of the authorities in each state whether disabled motorists’ badges issued in other countries are recognised, or indeed whether a local temporary badge can be issued. While most states do their best to accommodate disabled visitors from the UK, they’re not obliged to do so. In the meantime, you may find it useful to contact one of the following organisations:

• The American Automobile Association, 1000 AAA Drive MS No. 20, Heathrow, Florida FL 32746-5043, USA. Tel: 001 407 444 8036
• Visit USA Association, 0891 600 530
• US Travel & Tourism Administration, Tel: 09069 101 020
• US Embassy, Tel: 020 7499 9000.
To hire an electric scooter in North America, your best bet is probably to contact the following:
• Scooter and Wheelchair Rentals, which serves over 500 locations across North America, Tel: 001 888 441 7575.

Q The directgov website states the conditions for free road tax for disabled drivers. I’m 79 and receive Attendance Allowance because of my disability but don’t receive Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement (WPMS), but I have a mobility scooter. When I contacted the relevant government department about this, the person I spoke to seemed unsure about the conditions but thought that in order to qualify, ownership of a scooter had to be linked to one of the other conditions. I can only walk a very short distance and when I’m out it has to be by car or scooter.
Ian H Kemp, by email

Helen Smith says: I’m afraid that even though you’re a disabled person who uses a mobility scooter you don’t qualify for road tax exemption. This concession is only available to people who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA) or WPMS. I’m afraid that Attendance Allowance (AA) is not one of the qualifying criteria as it doesn’t contain a mobility component. You can only claim HRMCDLA if you became disabled before you were 65 and many older people are in the same position as you. Mobilise believes this is age discrimination and is totally unacceptable. I don’t know why the person in the government department was unable to help you but if you need more information, visit www.direct.gov.uk.

Q Can you give me any information about my local council’s statutory duties in regard to housing adaptations for disabled people? For the past five years I’ve been trying to obtain a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to build an extra bedroom for a live-in carer. For 15 years I’ve lived in a housing association bungalow that to begin with was adapted appropriately for my progressive neurological condition, but with only one bedroom it’s not suitable now I need a live-in carer. The council won’t give me the funding I’ve asked for because DFGs, it says, are only for a room I’d use myself. I’ve now put my name on the waiting list for a two-bedroom council property. The council has recog­nised my need for an additional bedroom and has offered me an ideally-located two-bedroom bungalow but won’t extend the bathroom, although this could quite easily be done, because it will not pay for adaptations to its own buildings, only to those owned privately or by housing associations. Can I challenge this?
Name and address supplied, by email

Kate Shehan responds: Councils may turn down funding for carers’ rooms, as they’re not part of the DFG provision but they can consider it under a discretionary grant. With regard to the new property that you’re being offered, if you’ve accepted it and it’s going to become your main residence, the council has a duty to adapt the bathroom to meet your individual needs under the DFG legislation. The DFG is tenure blind, which means that any tenant, owner-occupier or tenant privately renting can apply for a grant as long as the welfare department (usually Social Services) states that the work is necessary and appropriate. Most council housing departments tend to fund adaptations via their own internal budgets but if they don’t want to do this then you have a right to apply for a DFG to alter your bathroom to meet your needs. I’d recommend you contact your local Social Services Occupational Therapy service and request an assessment.

THE EXPERTS

We have experts who can answer questions in many areas that matter to us.
Sexual & Personal issues: Simon Parritt, a counselling psychologist who has studied psychosexual therapy, was the only disabled director of the Association to Aid the Sexual and Personal Relationships of People with a Disability (SPOD).
Legal Matters: Douglas Joy, senior solicitor at the Disability Law Service, and his colleagues give advice on disability and the law.
Benefits and Debt issues: The Citizens Advice Bureau puts its expertise at our disposal to help you.
Technology and Internet: Léonie Watson from digital consultancy Nomensa is here to get you connected and keep you up and running.
Specialist or Adaptive Equipment: John Mandrak, for nearly 25 years a disability journalist and consultant, gives advice on the Disabled Living Foundation’s helpline.
Travel: Andy Wright is managing director of Accessible Travel, a specialist tour operator providing holidays for people with mobility impairments, and has huge experience in the travel trade.
Money management: David Clarke has spent 14 years in banking and has worked for three leading financial service providers. He is now a senior partner with Clydesdale Bank and his wealth of experience is all yours.
Access & the Environment: Agnes Fletcher is a disability trainer and consultant who can find solutions to access problems.
Property: Kate Sheehan is an independent occupational therapist with 20 years’ experience and a passionate interest in housing solutions for disabled people.
Motoring & Transport: Helen Smith of Mobilise steps outside her Disability Now column to answer your questions on car matters.