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Updated: August 2009
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Help finding a holiday
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Getting out and about, or taking a break, can be difficult if your child is disabled. The Gingerbread Holidays 2009 factsheet contains useful tips and advice for single parents taking a holiday or short break.
The factsheet has a list of organisations that can help to fund, support or organise a break for disabled children and their families. There are also organisations that organise breaks especially for single parents.
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You may also find the following resources useful:
The Rough Guide to Accessible BritainPublished by Rough Guides and Motability, the second edition of this book is now available. It lists loads of ideas for days out across the UK, including reviews and detailed information on accessibility.
The guide is not available in shops but can be ordered on line from www.accessibleguide.co.uk or by calling 0800 953 7070. The Guide is free to Blue Badge holders or costs £6.99 for those who do not hold a Blue Badge.
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New Open Britain Website and GuideThe charities Tourism For All, RADAR and Shop Mobility are working in partnership with the AA to produce a new guidebook and website for people with disabilities. The scheme was launched on 1 August 2009.
It is planned that the website www.OpenBritain.net will have a searchable database of days out, places to eat and accommodation. There will also be reviews, blogs and a trip planner. The Open Britain guide book will be available from autumn 2009 and can be pre-ordered on the website.
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Boost to Child Trust Funds for Disabled Children Children born on or after 1 September 2002, can usually have a Child Trust Fund account if they:
- Live in the UK and
- Child Benefit is claimed for them.
Family and friends can contribute up to £1,200 into the account each year.
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Currently, you get:
- A voucher of £250 to start your child's account.
- If you get Child Tax Credit and your household income is less than £16,040 a year, your child gets an additional £250. This is paid directly into the Child Trust Fund account.
- A further payment of £250 when your child is aged 7 (£500 if you are on a low income).
The Government plans to make extra payments into the Child Trust Fund accounts of all disabled children. If your child receives Disability Living Allowance they should get £100 per year paid into their Child Trust Fund. Severely disabled children will receive £200 per year. Severely disabled children are those who receive the high care component of Disability Living Allowance.
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Payments will start from April 2010 for children receiving Disability Living Allowance at any point during the tax year April 2009 to March 2010.
More information for parents is available from DirectGov website or Child Trust Fund website
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Interactive Blue Badge Map Launched An interactive map has been developed, which allows you to search for blue badge parking bays, local council parking rules, accessible public toilets, train stations, shop mobility schemes and more, across the UK.
The map is available on the DirectGov website
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Who can get a blue badge?
Your child is automatically eligible for a blue badge if they are over two years old and either receive the high rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or are registered blind.
If your child is aged over two, they may also be eligible for a badge if they have a permanent and substantial disability which means they cannot walk, or which makes walking very difficult.
If your child is under the age of two, you may be able to apply for a badge for them if:
- they have a medical condition that means they must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment, which is difficult to carry or,
- your child needs to stay near a vehicle at all times, so if necessary, they can be treated in the vehicle, or quickly driven to a place where they can be treated.
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Where can I get a blue badge?
Local authorities are responsible for administrating and providing blue badges. Contact your local authority for more information.
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