Blue Badge Hidden Disabilities

Blue Badges Hidden Disabilities

People with hidden disabilities now have the same rights to disabled parking as those with physical disabilities.

This means that people with hidden disabilities like autism, dementia and mental health issues can now apply for a Blue Badge.

To apply for a Blue Badge in Reading go to the Department of Transport Website https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

For information on the criteria and what supporting evidence is required go to the Department of Transport website 

 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one

Some people are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge and do not need further assessment. You can find further information on this in the link above or on the Reading Borough Council website below https://www.reading.gov.uk/bluebadge

Who is eligible for a Blue Badge under the new hidden disability criteria?

To qualify for a Blue Badge under the new criteria you or the person you are applying for must have the following:

Must be over 2 years old.

Have an enduring and substantial disability or condition that:

  • Is likely to last for the next three years
  • Has been an ongoing issue
  • Means you are unable to walk or causes you to experience very considerable difficulty whilst walking.
  • Is unlikely to improve with interventions

This could include one or more of the following when walking:

  • You experience very considerable psychological distress
  • You are at risk of serious harm
  • You pose a risk of serious harm to another person

How do we assess Blue Badge applications?

In Reading all Blue Badge applications that are “eligible subject to further assessment” are assessed by an Occupational Therapist known as a Blue Badge Expert Assessor. 

The Expert Assessor looks at the information you have provided in your application and determines if there is sufficient evidence to meet the criteria set out above. The Expert Assessor may be able to make a decision on the information provided or may invite you to a face to face assessment at the Civic Centre.It’s really import to send in as much relevant information as possible when making an application. We need to understand the impact on you as a parent, carer or person with a hidden disability, but also how a Blue Badge will enable you to make the journeys you are unable to make without one. We also need to see supporting evidence of the disability and impact on walking and taking a journey. While having support from your GP may be useful we still require additional supporting evidence.

The supporting evidence we need to see could include one or more of the following:

Letter from a Hospital Consultant

Reports from Physiotherapist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Psychologist or CPN

Care plans

Reports from teachers or schools

Educational Health and Care Plans

Reports from specialist nurseries e.g. Dingley

Reports from CAMHS

Report from assessment centres

Once we receive you application we will write to you with an outcome.

If you have any questions or feedback please email Carole.Lee@reading.gov.uk Lead Occupational Therapist Adult Social Care

Next Review Date January 2025

 

Page last reviewed: 16/02/2024

Contact the Team

Family Information Service

fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

SEND Local Offer

localoffer@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

Adult & Carers Support

CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3747 0118 937 3747
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