Charities that help and support disabled people
Following on from our article that lists some charities that help elderly people in the UK, here is a list of some useful organisations that help and support physically disabled people in the UK.
Condition specifc charities:
Arthritis Care, works with and for people with arthritis. It aims to promote their health, well-being and independence through services, support, self-help, information and influence.
Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH)
ASBAH works with people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, their families and carers to promote individual choice, control and quality of life.
Motor Neurone Disease Association
The MND Association loans equipment and provides direct care and support for people with Motor Neurone Disease and their carers.
The society funds MS research, runs respite care centres and provides information on MS. It produces numerous publications on MS and runs a freephone specialist helpline.
Muscular Dystrophy Campaign provides practical, medical and emotional support to people affected by the condition.
The Neurological Alliance unites charities working to improve the quality of life of all those in the UK living with a neurological condition.
For people with cerebral palsy, and their families and carers.It provides residential services, independent living schemes, education and employment opportunities, support for families and carers, advocacy, support for self-help groups.
Spinal Injuries Association (SIA)
Support for people affected by spinal cord injury, including the family and friends of the injured person.
The Stroke Association helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services, and funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation.
The Limbless Association provides information, advice and support for people of all ages who are without one or more limbs.
Help and support for disabled people:
The DLF is a national charity that provides impartial advice, information and training on daily living aids.
Disability Discrimation Act (DDA)
The Disability Discrimination Act is a piece of legislation that promotes civil rights for disabled people and protects disabled people from discrimination. You can order a copy of the Act in a range of formats from Direct.Gov
Leonard Cheshire Disability exists to change attitudes to disability and to serve disabled people around the world. Our principal activity in the UK is the provision of services in support of disabled people in the widest context. These services include care homes, supported living, domiciliary support, day services, resource centres, rehabilitation, respite care, personal support and training and assistance for those looking for work.
The Motability scheme provide a vital lifeline for many people.
Motability
Motability is a national UK charity which provides practical assistance for disabled people to become mobile, including financial help and technical services. It enables disabled people to become mobile by obtaining a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. People who receive the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility supplement may exchange all or part of their allowance in return for a car, powered wheelchair or scooter.
There are specialist organisations and charities where dogs are trained to assist and support their owners with their specific disability; enabling the person to lead a more independent life.
Here are just a few:
Support Dogs
Support Dogs is a UK charity that trains dogs to act as efficient and safe assistants for people with epilepsy and physically disabled people.
Canine Partners is a charity that trains and places assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities.
Dog AID (Assistance In Disability) is a voluntary organisation that provides specialised training for people with physical disabilities and their own pet dog.
Dogs for the Disabled trains and partners assistance dogs for physically disabled children and adults, and for children with autism.
