NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

If you are referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme…

Learning Disabilities information page: Day Services and List of local Day Activities

There is a wide range of day opportunities offered across the borough for people with learnign disabilities.  The services offered aim to make sure that people with learning disabilities have the support they need to: stay healthy and well be as independent as possible and…

Personal budgets and direct payments - for Adults

If you are not able to fund your own care and support needs, you will need to complete a self assessment form and submit it to the Adult Care team at Reading Borough Council. Find out more about direct payments  A Personal Budget can be…

Help for elderly and disabled consumers seeking support to access services

Reading Borough Council is sign posting elderly and disabled residents towards a useful new resource for accessing essential services, such as gas, electricity, water, phones and public transport. Some people may need extra support when engaging with everyday services. A new leaflet, produced by a…

Help with travel and travel costs (plus accessible facilities)

There is a range of support to help you get out and about, including the following options: Travelling by bus Concessionary Travel Disabled parking Travelling to your workplace The Oracle Shopmobility Scheme RADAR National Key Scheme Accessible Facilities (Changing places) Other services available: Readibus ReadiBus…

Accessible holidays and days out

Use the following websites to help you and your family find a short break, holiday or day out. Tourism for All UK National charity dedicated to making tourism welcoming to all. Visit www.tourismforall.org.uk Visit England The English national tourist board website has information and guides…

Using public transport with a disability

All public transport vehicles have to be "accessible" to avoid causing difficulty for disabled passengers. Public transport vehicles also have to accept guide dogs or assistance dogs. However, if you are using public transport, it’s worth contacting the transport operator before you travel to make…

Vehicle road tax exemption and reduction

If you’re disabled or have a serious long-term condition, you may be exempt from vehicle excise duty (known as road tax or car tax).  You’ll qualify for tax exemption if you’re eligible for the higher rate of mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA),…

Disabled Parking - The Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue Badge Scheme enables people with severe mobility problems to access goods and services by allowing them to park closer to their destination. The scheme is open to eligible disabled people irrespective of whether they are a driver or passenger. For more information, please…

Do you need help at home or to get out and about?

You can hire a "personal assistant" to act as a homecare worker for you. Personal assistants can offer you all that you’ll get from an agency worker, but you’ll also get the continuity, familiarity and ongoing relationship with your assistant. However, if you employ a…