uk.people.disability

On 13 Sep, 20:20, Palindrome wrote:
> mart2...@ wrote:
> > On 13 Sep, 16:30, "********" <***...@ > wrote:
> >> Just been on the bbc news website and found that there is to be changes to
> >> the blue badge scheme to help stop misuse.
>
> >> read the story here /1/hi/uk/
>
> > Only those who met the criteria should be issued with bb?
> > Umm...isn't that obvious?
>
> > Come to think of it, what is the criteria? Is it exact, like cannot
> > walk 50 metres? Or is it vague, such as 'mobility problems'?
>
> There are various mandatory requirements, such as the disability must
> be permanent. There are various categories of automatic entitlement.
> There are various guidelines, such as walking distance. However, the
> bottom line is that, if a GP will support the application, a bb will
> usually be issued. I haven't heard of a GP local to me that is a "soft
> touch" - but, presumably they exist. Not around here though - I now know
> several people that have got their hospital consultant to act as medical
> reference for a bb - because their GP refused on the grounds that a bb
> might discourage them from trying to walk.
>
> --
> Sue


I have a bb. My disability is such that its unknown if its permanent.
Its not temporary like a broken ankle is, but no diagnosis yet so
unknown as to how long it will last.
My doctor supports me in trying to walk as best I can. My consultant
is a waste of space.
I usually take the bus to town centre each morning, then walk from
there to work. Uphill both ways. :)
What was a 5 minute journey when I was ab now takes between 15 and 25
minutes. Could catch a bus to make it easier (couple of stops), but to
me its a point of pride that no matter what the weather, no matter how
bad I feel, I conquer that hill every working day.

Martin <><