A summary of the Concessions available for disabled people.

Concessionary Travel Scheme
If you are blind, deaf or have a disability/injury which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk, a Mobility Pass will enable you to travel on all buses, trams and local trains in South Yorkshire. If you qualify for the Mobility Pass and satisfy the extra qualifying rule, which is that you receive the higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance, a helper can also travel with you free of charge. Once proof is shown a new pass with a 'Carer Addition' will be issued.

Access to Work
This is an Employment Service scheme designed to assist disabled people to overcome the practical problems encountered in taking up employment or being retained in their current job. Grants can be made towards equipment, physical assistance, transport, etc.

Road Tax Exemption
People who are receiving the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance Mobility Component may be entitled to exemption from Road Tax. The vehicle must be registered in the name of the disabled person or in the name of a nominee.

Wheelchair Voucher Scheme
This scheme is available through the NHS, Wheelchair and Special Seating Services. Where, at the request, or with the approval of your Doctor, you have been assessed for the use of a wheelchair, a voucher, valued to the cost of that wheelchair, can be obtained for use towards meeting the cost of an alternative chair of your choice.

Free Temporary Wheelchair Loan Service
Manual wheelchairs are available for short-term loan in case of temporary needs, e.g., a broken leg. Your Health Visitor/District Nurse or doctor needs to make a referral as you cannot contact them directly.

T.V. Licence
A 50% reduction is available for people who are registered blind or severely sight impaired. Anyone over the age of 75 is entitled to a free licence for your home.

Ferry Concessions
Disabled people can qualify for concessionary travel on crossings operated by many Ferry Companies and by Eurotunnel. Rules governing eligibility for and applicability of these concessions vary widely from one company to another, as do the concession values offered and the booking procedures to be followed.

Toll Concessions for Disabled People at Road Bridges and Tunnels
Disabled people using toll bridges or tunnels may be entitled to concessions, provided they meet certain requirements called for by the owners or operators.

Free NHS Prescriptions
If you are in receipt of certain benefits or if you have a specified condition (e.g. Diabetes Mellitus, Cancer), you may qualify for free prescriptions. All cancer patients undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer of the effects of cancer treatment can now apply for an exemption from prescription charges certificate. Patients can apply for an exemption certificate by collecting an application form from their GP's surgery or Oncology Clinic.

Blue Badge Scheme
This scheme allows certain parking concessions for disabled people who have considerable difficulty with walking or are blind. For an application form contact your Local Authority Office.

RADAR Toilet Keys
Disabled people may need to use a unisex, wheelchair-accessible toilet. The Radar Keys are available via The National Key Scheme, co-ordinated by RADAR (The Disability Rights People). The Local Authority (DMBC) will provide a key free of charge to local people who fit their criteria.  DIAL Doncaster sell the key to disabled people who feel they need to access a toilet quickly.

BT Free Directory Enquiry Service
Disabled people who have problems handling or reading a telephone directory,can apply for the BT Directory Enquiry Service free of any charge.

Council Tax Reductions
A one-band reduction or a discount on Council Tax may be available if a resident has a severe disability. This is conditional on the resident using a wheelchair, having a room adapted or predominantly used by a disabled person, or has enough space in the dwelling to use a wheelchair indoors.

Leger Bus (Doncaster Community Transport)
Door-to-door transport for mobility impaired people is provided by Leger Bus. You can use this service if you find it difficult or impossible to use other public transport.

Meals on Wheels
A number of providers will deliver meals to your door every day of the year.

Disabled Person's Railcard
The Disabled Person's Railcard allows you to buy discounted rail tickets. If another adult is travelling with you they can also travel at the same discounted fare.
Telephone DIAL Doncaster for further details and an application pack.

Home Alarm Systems
Doncaster Council operates a 24 hours a day Home Alarm Service. For a weekly fee, the Home Alarm Service can be provided in your home. The latest technology ensures your continuous protection and security.

Direct Payments/Personal Budgets
If you are entitled to receive a service from the Local Authority, then it may be possible for you to receive the money needed, to purchase those services from elsewhere.

Free NHS Dental Treatment
If you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be entitled to free dental treatment from a NHS Dentist.

Free Sight Tests and Vouchers for Glasses
If you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be entitled to a free sight test and/or vouchers towards the cost of new glasses.

Fares to Hospital
You may be able to get help with fares or other travel expenses for yourself (and for someone who has to go with you if you are incapable of getting to hospital on your own) if you need certain criteria (e.g Income Support).

The Warm Front Energy Efficiency Scheme
This is a Government Initiative which will improve the warmth and comfort of your home. If you own your own home or rent from a private landlord, and you receive an income or disability related benefit, you could have essential heating measures installed in your home.

VAT Reliefs for Disabled People
Certain goods and services for disabled people may be subject to zero-rating or exemption from tax under the Value Added Tax Act of 1994. It should be noted as a basic principal that Equipment must have been designed solely for use of disabled people. DIAL Doncaster can supply a booklet on VAT Reliefs for people with disabilities.

Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA Card)
This card allows the card holder to obtain one FREE ticket for a carer/personal assistant to provide assistance during their visit to a participating cinema.

DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this document was correct at the time of going to press, DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.