If you have a disability and you drive you may be trying to find out how to apply for a blue badge. It can also be helpful to understand some of the valuable products that can be purchased to help those who are disabled to be able to drive with more comfort. We are going to be exploring both of these topics in this article, as well as car conversions.
The Blue Badge is a national scheme for disabled people who have severe mobility problems and allows them to be able to park closer to their destination so that they can access services more easily. It costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland and is free in Wales. A Blue Badge usually lasts for 3 years. To begin applying for a Blue Badge you should head over to https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge. The badge will allow owners to be able to park in the disabled parking spaces that many services offer.
Blue Badge Disabled Parking
Here you will find an eligibility test to see if you can qualify for a Blue Badge. If the test comes back successful, you can then continue to this next step. For the next step, you will need to have with you a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. Also, you will need a photo scan of proof of identity (birth certificate, passport or driving licence for example). Also required would be a proof of address (Council Tax bill or government letter) and proof of benefits if applicable. You will also need to know your National Insurance number if you have one. The payment for a Blue Badge varies between local councils. You should have a decision based on your application within 12 weeks.
Let’s now take a look at some of the mobility products available to purchase for those who are disabled, which can help the user with driving and parking.
Car Conversion
Hand controls are a good consideration. These push-pull hand controls tend to be made up of a lever on the right-hand side of the steering wheel which is pulled towards you when acceleration is required. The user then pushes the lever away to brake. Underneath the device should usually be padded for extra comfort on your legs.
Another handy aid is a steering ball to help the user whilst using hand controls, and there is also the option of an indicator toggle switch on top of the hand controls so that the act of signalling is made easier. Also consider space drive car adaptations, which help a person of little strength to drive. With these adaptations, the brake, accelerator, and steering wheel can be activated with the rest of the car controlled by driving aids using microprocessors.
There are also adaptations available that allow wheelchair users to be able to drive whilst still in their wheelchair. This setup can help provide another level of independence to those who are disabled. It’s a service that some companies will offer as a conversion to a person’s already existing car, or there are also vehicles that can be brought that have been specially made to allow drive from wheelchair capabilities.
Thank you for reading this month’s blog. For more information on any of our car conversion equipment, get in touch today:
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Give us a call on 01525 850588 or please feel free to fill in the enquiry form on our contact page today.
Recently had my fourth vehicle adapted by Paul At Pb Conversions.always does a first class job and with first class service & always easy to deal with. Thanks for the great service Paul from you and your crew over the years.
Kiran was very helpful today explaining some of the issues I had with my hoist, and how to avoid them from happening again.
Dealt with the adaptations for my son's new motability vehicle - very friendly, efficient and helpful. Really pleased.
Very helpful and knowledgeable engineer, fast and efficient service
Thank you so much for all your advice, help and very professional job on adapting our car. Without your advice I would never have known to apply for a grant. You were excellent, thank again.
Due to my husband's condition we need a car with adaptions, we were advised by his paraplegic group to visit and this place is the best. Felt so relaxed talking about what we needed, all the staff were so friendly and so well informed, going above and beyond, especially Paul Berridge. I fully recommend this business. Honest and reliable. Thank you.
Staff are super super friendly, helpful, extremely informative and really nothing Paul & Co can’t do to any vehicle. PERFECTION is their middle name! Thank you so much for your outstanding service to me over the years and I look forward to using your company all my driving life.
Excellent work done on our car and very professional company. Great customer service and prompt response to emails.
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If you are a disabled driver, or know a disabled driver in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Northamptonshire, please contact PB Conversions for a free no obligation quote to assess what products would benefit you.