One thing we will all have to do at some point is apply for benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance and of course a Statement for Education.
Although the main site for the Independent Panel for Special Educational Advice (IPSEA) is linked on the Links page, the link below take you directly to a set of model texts from parents to the LEA (Educational Authorities) regarding the application and process that follows when applying for The Statement
http://www.ipsea.org.uk/sevenfixes.htm

This eight page document gives information about the discount available, i.e. it's free, for the London Congestion Charge should you be the holder of a blue disabled badge holder.
To view the document, click HERE (Opens in another window)

Free bus passes for all!
OK, that's not entirely true, but do you know that most people with disabilities are entitled to free bus passes.
For more information, check out
http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/socialcare/disability/2914a.html/

Anyone who is aged 16 (not the usual 17) and is in receipt of the highest mobility rate of DLA is eligible to apply for a driving licence, pass a test and drive a car.
Complete a D1 licence application form from the post office, send the form with the fee and identification to DVLA Swansea.
What's more, if you are entitled to the higher rate of DLA, you may not have to pay vehicle excise duty (car tax) for a tax disc.
Visit this link for more information.

When visiting a Theme Park or other similar attractions around the country it is always a good idea to check out their disabled entry policy. This can usually be found in their literature, through their website or over the phone.
These schemes usually allow a certain number of carers in at a reduced rate (some half price, others free) and some even grant admission to the person with the disability free of charge. All that is required is proof of the disability, such as a DLA form.
Once inside the park, carers and disabled guests are identified in some way so that they can then take advantage of the disabled entrance scheme, whereby those identified so can join a queue that takes them straight to the ride. Beware, this can carry a disadvantage as some parks operate a one disabled rider at a time policy, no doubt part of health and safety regulations, which can lead to a much longer waiting time – and we all know how good some of our children are at waiting?!
If you have any experiences of any disabled entrance scheme, drop us a line or send us an e-mail from the MAGIC Ideas page, and we will share your experience with everyone else, below.
Both Chessington World of Adventures and the Legoland disabled policies are linked on the links page, under Activities & Days Out, but as with all concessions, it is recommended you check before you set out to avoid any misunderstanding and ultimately disappointment.

If you are lucky enough to be planning a trip to any of the Walt Disney World Resorts and Theme parks in the near future, then this section makes essential reading.
The following document is a reply received from Walt Disney World after an email was sent to them asking what provisions the company made for their disabled guests.
It's safe to say that Disney pride themselves in all that they do and a read through this reply show that includes people with disabilities, whom can expect nothing but the highest levels of attention when they do pay a visit.
The original question and full reply from Disney can be viewed here

In addition to this, we have been informed that Disneyland Paris operate a similar scheme and thought we would share this:
They use a fast pass facility open to people with disabilities. You have to take proof of diagnosis and present this inside the park itself at the services and they give you a pass for the family to be fast-tracked at almost all rides. Most of the rides are accessed by presenting your pass to the employee at the entrance and they direct you where you can wait and get on, which is specific to each attraction/ride.
They also have a special area to view the parade so you don't have to wait for 30 minutes plus for the parade to start, instead you can turn up 5 minutes before, see an employee and they direct you.

We all know that every little helps and sometimes that help comes in financial form .
Chances are, if your child has any condition on the Autistic Spectrum or any other related condition, they are entitled to some level of Disability Living Allowance.
If this is the case, and you are the primary carer of the child whether they are at home or in full time education, you will be eligible for Carer's Allowance.

Using the links below, you can find out for yourself what levels you and your child may be entitled to. Don't delay and find out as soon as possible, so that you can claim that extra level of help for you and your family.

All these links are part of the DirectGov web site, this site offer help and support on numerous government maintained welfare issues.

General Directgov finance page
Top level Directgov financial benefits page

Disability Living Allowance
A disability benefit made available to those individuals who have some form of physical or mental disability that prevents them being fully independent

Carer's allowance
A benefit designed for those that cannot work full time as they have to care for an individual who is usually receiving some level of Disability Living Allowance

Direct Payments
More information for the carer