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By Keith A.
Forbes and Lois A. Forbes at keithaforbes@btinternet.com
We are married Scottish disability and old age pension activists, former socio-economic and travel writers and historians. Keith is a disabled member of Age Concern (Scotland). He serves on its National Assembly and is a Panel Member of the Sutherland Access Panel. He is a fierce activist for the rights of the disabled and old age pensioners (senior citizens) in the UK and overseas and has written many articles drawing attention to their plight. |
"A disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Website URLs and email addresses are shown when they reciprocate (sorry, not before) the hyperlink.
| Aberdeen & North East Deaf Society. 13 Smithfield Road, Aberdeen AB24 4NR. Phone 01224 494566. |
| Access for Disabled People to Arts Premises Today (Adapt Trust). |
| Access-ability. Disability issues. Information, articles, links, classified adverts and details of a range of disability travel companies. |
| Access Solutions. Internet publication created by the Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) |
| Action for Blind People. |
| Action for ME. Information and support for those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. |
| Advocacy Highland. Helping pensioners and disabled. |
| Age Concern. England, Northern Ireland and Wales. |
| Age Concern Books. For residents of England, Northern Ireland and Wales. |
| Age Concern Counselling & Advice Service Aberdeen |
| Age Concern (Scotland). Scottish part of this national network of more than 400 independent charities, second only to the government in providing high-quality help and care for older people. |
| Advice Now. Collates the best information on the law and your rights from a wide range of advice and information services. |
| All About Giving. Advice for all forms of charitable giving and donations |
| Alzheimer's Society. For those with Alzheimer's and their families. |
| Arthritis Care. A voluntary organization working with and for all with arthritis. It aims to promote their health, well-being and independence through services, support, self-help, information and influence. |
| Arthritis Research Campaign. Research, education & fundraising for arthritis & rheumatism issues |
| ASSERT. Support group of volunteers who have direct contact with people with Angelman Syndrome |
| Association of Young People with ME. Support and encouragement group |
| Anaurora. Internet magazine for disabled women by disabled women. Art, beauty, fashion, food, garden, home, fiction, health and well-being. |
| ASDA. National supermarket chain with disabled parking for disabled customers and their carers. |
| Assistance Dogs for the Disabled (1) |
| Assistance Dogs for the Disabled (2) |
| Association for Real Change (ARC). Membership organization supporting providers of services to those with a learning disability. |
| Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH). Works with those with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus (SB/H), their families and carers to promote individual choice, control and quality of life. |
| Association of British Insurers (ABI). Offers consumer advice and information to the disabled and elderly and others on a wide range of insurances, including motor, holiday, home and contents, health, medical, life and pensions. |
| Association of Independent Advice Centres (AIAC). Umbrella organization to support, promote and develop independent advice centres throughout Northern Ireland. |
| Association of Security Alarms Providers (ASAP). Of special interest to disabled and pensioners who live in their own homes |
| Association of Teachers of Lip-reading to Adults (ATLA). Professional association for teachers of lipreading to adults deaf or hard of hearing. |
| Association of Wheelchair Children. Promoting independence through wheelchair skills training. Specializes in the free training of children wheelchair-users. |
| Autism Research. |
| Axa Health Care Conditions. More than 150 health care conditions, from diabetes to snoring. |
| Ayrshire Independent Living Network. Promoting independence and employment for the disabled. |
| Back Pain. Help with managing. |
| Baywatch Campaign. Or e-mail info@baywatchcampaign.org. Fighting disabled abuses |
| Beach Court Care Home. Aberdeen. 01224 648546. |
| BHTA. Equipment, services |
| Blue Badge Network |
| Breakthrough Deaf/Hearing Integration. Encourages integration between deaf and hearing people of all ages through training, social activities, contact groups and practical projects and programs. |
| British Association of Teachers of the Deaf (BATOD). Representing the interests of teachers of hearing impaired children and young people. Includes information on regional groups. |
| British Computer Association of the Blind (BCAB). A self-help group of visually impaired computer professionals and users who can help visually impaired people to access and use information and communications technology. |
| British Council of Organizations of Disabled People (BCODP). Set up by disabled people in 1981 to promote full equality and participation within society. National umbrella organization represents 136 disabled people's groups controlled by disabled people. |
| British Deaf Association (BDA). The UK's largest national organization run by Deaf people, for the Deaf. A community united by shared experiences, history and a common British Sign Language (BSL). |
| British Diabetic Association (BDA). Specialist advice and information on all aspects of diabetes, including links to other relevant organisations. |
| British Government Quangos (Public Bodies, paid directly or indirectly by the government). Information on them, with public appointments and more. It helps raise awareness of public appointments among OAPs and the disabled, to try to increase their representation in such bodies. |
| British Disabled Flying Club. Enabling disabled to get airborne |
| British Dyslexia Association. Representing children and adults with Dyslexia |
| British Epilepsy Association. For those with epilepsy |
| British Heart Foundation. Support to heart patients and their families |
| British Hypertension Society |
| British Institute of Learning Disabilities. Improves the quality of life of all with a learning disability. |
| British Liver Trust. Those with liver disease, their families & carers |
| British Nutrition Foundation. A charity giving nutritional advice. |
| British Red Cross Society. Can provide urgent short loan medical equipment from various depots. |
| British Stammering Association (BSA). For adults and children who stammer. Reports on developments, new approaches to therapy, advances abroad, research and technology. |
| Brittle Bone Society. Information and advice |
| Cancer Information |
| Cancerlink. Emotional support and information on cancer |
| CanDo Information Service. National, based at Lancaster University, provides employment and careers advice for disabled students and graduates via the Internet. |
| Capability Scotland. Our land's largest disability organization, provides a range of accommodation for disabled people and information and advice on many aspects of living with a disability. |
| Care Commission. Scottish Commission for regulation of Care |
| Caring Matters. Helping to make informed decisions about long-term care. |
| Carers UK. Support, information and advice for carers |
| Caring About Carers |
| Carers |
| Centre for Accessible Environments. A UK charity, information and training body on the accessibility of the built environment for disabled people. It is committed to the provision of buildings and spaces that are safe, convenient and enjoyable to use by everyone, including disabled and older people and, as the centre of excellence on the technicalities of access provision. |
| Challenging Arthritis. Self management programme for sufferers |
| Challenging Behaviour Foundation. Charity to improve lives and conditions of those with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, their immediate families and carers. |
| Change. National organization promoting the rights of the learning disabled, especially the deaf or blind. |
| Changing Faces. Supports and represents children, young people and adults with disfigurements. It also offers training, consultancy and resources to help employers and customer-facing staff. |
| Chest, Heart & Stroke, Scotland. Opening a Golspie & district branch soon. Phone 01349 863839. E-mail anita.evans@btinternet.com. Charity SCO18761. National |
| Children with Leukemia Trust. Information and advice |
| Choice Forum. Big, lively, online discussion forum on issues in the lives of those with learning disabilities in the UK. |
| Choices and Rights. Options for disabled and elderly. |
| Churchill and Friend. Consultancy on customer services and employment, for the disabled. |
| Citizens' Advice Bureau. Nearest to us is in Wick, at 01955 605989 Open Tues, Wed, Thurs, 10 am to 2 pm |
| Centre for Accessible Environments. Promotes accessible built environments, including a Tourism for All Consortium |
| Citizens Advice. National UK network. |
| Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS). Provides advice and practical support on a range of subjects, including disability and pensions |
| Coalition of Carers in Scotland |
| Collective Ability. Marguerite Barwick McElroy describes personal experiences of how science, complementary health and taking charge of our own health work together. |
| Colon Cancer Concern. Information and advice |
| Community Legal Service. Directory. |
| Community Living. Independent, quarterly journal devoted to supporting the rights of all with learning difficulties. |
| The Computability Centre (TCC). Part of the British Computer Society, with information on adaptive technology to enable disabled people to use computers in the workplace. |
| Computer Centre for People with Disabilities. University of Westminster site that supports the needs of disabled students within the University, a major provider of 'Needs Assessments' and specialist IT training for UK students pursuing claims under the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). |
| Concessionary Railcard. Discounted travel by rail for the British over- 60s. |
| Concessionary Travel UK for disabled UK Government's Department for Transport Concessionary Travel |
| Connects. The mental health and learning disabilities portal. |
| Contact the Elderly. Information and advice. Charitable Trust. |
| Cornerstone Community Care. Scottish charity SC004780 working principally with those with a learning disability |
| Cross Party Group on Older People, Age and Ageing in the Scottish Parliament. C/o Age Concern Scotland, Edinburgh. Phone 0131 2203345 (Age Concern Scotland) or 0131 5516331 (Help the Aged). E-mail xpg_olderpeople@hotmail.com. |
| Counsel and Care for the Elderly. Information and advice |
| Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP). Aims to improve communication between deaf and hearing people by the development of curricula and examinations in communication skills. |
| Crossroads Care East Sutherland, Main Street, Golspie. Phone Alba at 01408 633098 or chairman John Duncan of Rogart at 01408 641703 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Information and advice |
| Deaf@x. Improves the quality of deaf, deaf-blind, speech-impaired and hearing children and adults' lives by developing their communication skills, literacy and employability. |
| Deafblind. National charity providing a range of support services to deaf and blind adults and carers. It campaigns on behalf of deaf and blind people. |
| Deafblind UK (Scottish Office). |
| Deafsign. A source of information, contacts and discussion on issues related to deafness and sign language, with a forum for exchange of ideas/experiences to foster better links between deaf and hearing worlds, for families and professionals. |
| Dementia Relief. Specialist support service for Carers of those with Alzheimer's |
| Department of Education and Employment. Achieving potential through education, training, and work |
| Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Includes information on employment rights, ACAS and the Employment Tribunal Service. |
| Department for Transport. It oversees the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals, including the elderly and disabled, and business whilst safeguarding our environment. |
| Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). It delivers support and advice to people of working age, employers, pensioners, families and children and disabled persons. |
| Depression Alliance. Help and information about depression. |
| Design Matters. Accessible Design by and for the Disabled |
| DETR Mobility & Inclusion Unit. Policy advice to ministers on transport & disability |
| Dial UK. For all aspects of disability and age-related. |
| Diabetes UK. British Diabetic Association - the leading charity working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition. |
| Directory of Social Change. Publications and training for the voluntary sector |
| Disability. DWP site on disability-related Government initiatives. |
| Disability Advice & Welfare Network. Help and information. |
| Disability Alliance (DA). Advice, information, campaign work, research and training. |
| Disability and Information Systems in Higher Education (DISinHE). Offers information and advice on how information systems can be used to support staff and students with disabilities, and includes reports and materials, applications and procedures for supporting studies. |
| Disability Awareness in Action |
| Disability Benefits. Benefits and entitlements |
| Disability Discrimination Act Helpline. Help and information service |
| Disability Information Services (DISS). A directory of disability Services. |
| Disability Information Trust. Registered charity specializing in the assessment and testing of disability equipment and the publication of independent, verified and in-depth information on that equipment. |
| Disability Law Service. Free to disabled on many matters. |
| Disability Matters. A consultancy that works with organisations to identify their needs and develop a strategy to help them recognize the value of disabled persons as employees and customers. |
| Disability Net. Internet based news and information service for the disabled and those with an interest in disability issues. |
| Disability Now. Disability newspaper championing the plight of the disabled. |
| Disability Resource Centre - Carluke. 32 Hamilton Street, Carluke ML8 4HA. Phone 01555 770123. Fax 01555 770592. |
| Disability Resource Team. Transcription and disability equality training |
| Disability Rights Commission. Information on the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Links to Disability Living Allowance. (Disabled applicants must apply before age 65. Various categories depending on level of disability. 64-page application with a 12-week wait time, except for the terminally ill). |
| Disability Rights Task Force. Information about what it does. |
| Disability Scotland. National representative voice of the disability equality movement in Scotland. |
| Disability Studies. A research unit within the Department of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Leeds, an international leader in the field of disability studies. |
| Disability UK. Provides a gateway to information on disability related products, charities, information, benefits and health, with links to other sites. |
| Disability Wales. National association of disability groups in Wales working to promote the rights, inclusion, equality, and support of all disabled there. |
| Disabled Drivers Association. A self help organization run for disabled people by disabled people, and concerns itself with the needs of disabled people primarily by encouraging greater independence through enhanced mobility. |
| Disabled Drivers' Motor Club. Established in 1922, starting as a small club of a few dozen members and growing into an organization of over 15000. Campaigns on a range of issues relevant to disabled motorists. Management seems unresponsive to emails. |
| DisabledGo. Detailed access guide information for the disabled. |
| Disabled Information Service. One stop shop. |
| Disabled Living Centre Council (DLCC). Improves the access of the disabled and elderly to accurate, reliable and impartial information and advice about products and equipment for easier living. |
| Disabled Living Foundation (DLF). Tries to provide the best possible choice for people who use equipment to live a more independent life. See its Access Solutions publication on the Internet. |
| Disabled Persons Railcard. Discounted railway fares for the disabled with Higher Rate of DLA or other relevant qualifications. |
| Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. |
| Disablement Information & Advice Line ( DIAL). National organization, network of over 140 local disability information and advice services run by and for disabled people. |
| Dog AID. Providing access to dog training for those with physical disabilities, enabling them to train their pets in general obedience and in specialized tasks which will help them better manage their disability in everyday life. |
| Down's Syndrome Association. For those affected and their families |
| Dyslexia Information Service. |
| Effectiveness of MPs in your constituency and elsewhere. Use this site to say who your MPs are and also look for others. No limits on what you can find out. Voting records are especially interesting. |
| Employers DDA requirements. |
| Employers’ Forum on Disability. National employers’ membership organization focused on training and employment of people with disabilities. Has contact information on consultants and trainers active in this field. |
| Employtourism. Designed to assist Tourism sector organisations maximize employment opportunities for disabled people. |
| Enable Holidays. Or call 0871 222 4939. In association with SCOPE. Package holidays to meet the specific requirements of the disabled, their families and friends, in Florida, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Greek Islands. |
| Enableme2. Opportunities to access products and services for people with disabilities and their families. |
| Equality Direct. English telephone advice service and supporting website for business, offering authoritative, confidential and down-to-earth advice about equality issues. It helps businesses identify the costs and benefits of options and gives practical advice on how to put policies into practice. |
| European Disability Forum. European side. |
| EQUIP. Electronic Quality Information for Patients and carers. |
|
Fair For All – Disability. Support NHS Health Boards across Scotland to access information about the Fair For All – Disability (FFA – Disability) initiative and related work on The Scottish Executive Health Department’s Wider Challenge. Information on key activities, publications and events. |
| Fair Play North East. Not for profit organization promoting equal opportunities through strategy and delivery of initiatives across the North East. |
| FAST. A charity created to raise awareness of emerging technologies for disabled people. |
| Fax Your MP. Enter your postcode and send a fax to your MP. |
| Focus on Disability. Lots of general information and links for the disabled and carers in the UK. |
| Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. Big, comprehensive site, about learning disabilities, news and events, resources and the work of the Foundation. |
| Free Lawyer. Free legal advice for disabled |
| Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living (GCIL). Particularly for disabled |
| Good Access Guide. Trains auditors for DDA legislation. |
| Greater London Association of Disabled People. Disabled Londoners promoting the rights, choices and equal opportunities of disabled people in the capital. |
| Haemophilia Society. Information and help for affected & their families |
| Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association, Edinburgh. 95 McDonald Road, Edinburgh EH7 4NS. Phone 0131 557 0598. Quality sheltered housing for the elderly. Nice conference room, toilets and lift for disabled. Age Concern's National Assembly meets here quarterly. |
| Headway - the National Head Injuries Association Limited. Promotes public awareness of all aspects of head injury and provides information, support and services to people with head injuries and the people around them. Lists local groups and branches. |
| Headway - The Brain Injury Association. |
| Health & Disability Resource Centre. Shows benefits and more in USA, Canada and beyond. |
| Hearing And Sight-Impaired Communication (HASICOM). Specialist IT equipment and software for deafblind people. |
| Hearing Concern (HC). Hearing loss and the ways its impact can be lessened. |
| Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. |
| Help the Aged. Committed to addressing the issues that matter to older people. |
| Highland Sports for the Disabled. A range of sports and recreations from Inverness and up for the disabled |
| HoDis. An alliance of housing agencies and voluntary organisations of and for disabled people. The site provides links to other housing groups and societies. |
| Holidays for All. Holiday (vacation in USA) accommodation for the disabled. A great resource list. |
| Holiday Care Service. Charity, helps disabled and elderly, with choices of accessible places in UK and abroad. |
| Housing Care. Helping with housing needs for the elderly |
| Huntingdon's Disease Association. Information and advice |
| Inclusion Scotland. Consortium of disability-led organizations and individuals |
| Independent Living Funds. Its 1993 Fund is open to applications from the severely disabled who meet its eligibility requirements and are permanent residents of UK. |
| Inland Revenue. Advice and Information on UK taxation issues. |
| Interact. Mentoring/advice programme for disabled students |
| International Blind Sport Association. Information Service |
| International Stress Management Association. A charity promoting best practice in the reduction of stress. |
| Into Work. Building partnerships for development of opportunities for real employment and relevant training for those with disabilities in the Edinburgh and Lothian areas of Scotland. |
| JMU Access Partnership. Disability consultancy |
| Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Research & development for disabled |
| Jubilee Sailing Trust. Hazel Road, Woolston, Southampton, SO19 7GB. Phone 023 8044 9108. Fax 023 8044 9145. It enables able-bodied and physically disabled people at all levels of disability to share the adventure of tall ship sailing. |
| LEAD Scotland. Linking Education & Disability. |
| Leonard Cheshire. A leading charity named after a WW2 hero, a provider of care and support to people with disabilities, both in the UK and in more than 50 countries around the world. Has a wonderful Holidays for All Consortium pressing for accessibility. |
| Limbless Association. Works with and enable individuals with acquired and congenital limb absence and their carers to achieve and sustain their independence in home, hospital, education employment and the community. |
| Long Term Medical Conditions Alliance. An umbrella body for national voluntary organisations working to meet the needs of those with long-term health conditions. |
| Look UK. National federation of families with visually impaired children |
| London Disability Arts Forum. Or e-mail info@ldaf.net |
| Lothian Centre for Integrated Living (LCIL). Inclusion and independence for the disabled. |
| Low Income Tax Reform Group. Including disabled and seniors. Useful info. |
| Lymphoma Association. Support for those with Hodgkinson's disease |
| MacIntyre Care. Charity, with a wide range of services for those with learning disabilities |
| Making Connections Unit. A Scottish disability connections and information site. |
| Making Decisions Alliance. Nearly 40 national and regional disability and older persons organizations, very interested in the 2005 Mental Capacity law. |
| Manic Depression Fellowship Aberdeen. 87 Holburn Street, Aberdeen. |
| Marie Curie Cancer Care. Nursing care & support for people with cancer |
| Mature Times. Newspaper for over 50s |
| ME Association. Information, training and research resource for ME/CFS, throughout the UK. |
| Mencap. Learning disability charity for those with a learning disability and their families and carers. |
| Mental Health Foundation. Charity improving the lives of people with mental health problems and learning disabilities. |
| Mentality. Mental health. |
| Mind. Mental health charity in England and Wales, working to create a better life for everyone with mental distress. |
| Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS). E-mail macs@macs-mobility.org |
| Morrison's. National supermarket chain with very good disabled parking for disabled customers and their carers. |
| Motability. A national UK charity, which helps the disabled and their families to become mobile. |
| Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. Loans equipment and provides direct care and support for those with Motor Neurone Disease and their carers. |
| Multikulti. Information and advice in community languages |
| Multiple Sclerosis Society. For those with Multiple Sclerosis |
| Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. Provides practical, medical and emotional support those affected by the condition. |
| National Association for Special Educational Needs. For those with exceptional learning needs |
| National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB). They provide free, confidential, independent and impartial advice on a range of subjects, from vetted volunteers. |
| National Autistic Society. For those with autism & their carers. |
| National Centre for Volunteering. Supports and develops volunteering. |
| National Consumer Council. For consumers including frail, elderly, disabled, vulnerable |
| National Council for Voluntary Organisations. Champions the voluntary sector. |
| National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS). UK charity supporting deaf children, young deaf people, their parents, carers, families and professionals working on their behalf. |
| National Development Team. Independent, not-for-profit development agency that wants new opportunities and inclusion in ordinary life for all people with learning disabilities. |
| National electronic Library for Learning Disabilities. Part of the National Electronic Library for Health, this site aims to provide access to best current knowledge of the development and delivery of services for those with a learning disability. |
| National Forum of Wheelchair Users. Phone 01895 859820 |
| National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Has a campaign for diagnosing and managing ME (chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS) |
| National Kidney Federation. Devoted to the welfare of kidney patients |
| National Library for the Blind. Talking books for the partially sighted and blind |
| National Pensioners Convention. Pensioners support organization |
| National Pensioners Convention Scotland. Representing older people in Scotland. |
| National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC). Has appropriately qualified and experienced access consultants and auditors who have demonstrated their experience in access matters to the satisfaction of the Register's Admissions Panel. |
| National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland). Support and action for those affected by mental illness. |
| National Service Framework for Long-Term Conditions (NSFLC). A Government initiative. Pending. |
| National Society for Epilepsy. Support organization for those with epilepsy |
| Neurofibromatosis Association. Information and advice |
| Neurological Alliance. Unites charities working to improve the quality of life of all those in the UK living with a neurological condition. |
| Norah Fry Research Centre. Part of the University of Bristol's Department of Mental Health. |
| North East Pensioners Association. Pensioners support organization |
| Office for National Statistics. Forecasts that by 2013 there will be more UK pensioners than children. |
| Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. He is known to be sympathetic to the plight of the disabled and OAPs. |
| Opportunities for People with Disabilities. A free service to employers and those with disabilities looking for work; it includes details of regional offices. |
| Over 50. |
| Pensions Law in Scotland |
| The Pension Service. UK Government Department for information on state and private pensions info on the Web. |
| People First. For those with learning difficulties |
| Perth & Kinross Pensioners Forum |
| Pituitary Foundation. For those with pituitary problems |
| The Princess Royal Trust for Carers |
| Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People. Has information on specialized centres aiming to be part of leading UK disabled service providers. |
| Rare Disorders Alliance UK. Information for those with rare disorders |
| Rathbone Training. Help with all education needs |
| Reach. Arranging voluntary placements for experienced professionals |
| Ready, Willing and Able (RWA). An on-line recruitment bulletin for the disabled. |
| Refresh Holidays. A charity providing holidays and respite care to the severely disabled who depend on a ventilator. |
| Regard. Organization of disabled lesbians and gay men |
| Rehabilitation Engineering Advisory Panel (REMAP). National charity providing one-off technical aids to help disabled people of all ages to enjoy a better lifestyle. Aids are given free of charge to the user. |
| Remploy. UK's largest provider of employment for the disabled. |
| Repetitive Strain Injury Association (RSIA). A national support group for those with RSI. |
| Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (RICA). A national research charity dedicated to providing independent information of value to disabled and older consumers. |
| Restricted growth association. Self help group. |
| Rightsnet. Welfare rights for advice workers |
| The Rowan Organization. A not for profit entity providing support and services to the disabled for independent living, helping to set their aims and objectives to plan for their future. They assist the disabled to take control of their lives by managing their own support arrangements with funding from Social Services to meet their agreed needs. |
| Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD). Established in 1841 and eldest of major charitable bodies for welfare of the deaf in England. Phone 020 7250 3222. |
| Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR). Phone 020 7250 3222. Run by and working for disabled people. It campaigns for equal rights for the disabled and provides information and advice on issues relating to disability. Also with disability contact groups. |
| Royal British Legion Support organization for ex servicemen/women, most of them elderly or disabled |
| Royal British Legion Scotland. Support organization in Scotland for ex servicemen/women, most of them elderly or disabled |
| Royal National College for the Blind. UK’s leading residential college for persons (16+) blind or partially sighted |
| Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). UK's leading charity for people with sight problems - offering information, support and advice. The site has links to the VISAGE employers’ website, with extensive information on employment issues including available technology and workplace integration. Also links to regional groups and organisations. |
| Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID). Britain's leading charity for the deaf and hard of hearing. Provides a range of information and links, such as Sound Advantage, which can advise on equipment, and to regional offices and groups; also provides a consultancy service including an access audit. |
| Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) TYPETALK. Only national telephone relay service to enable deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people to communicate with hearing persons anywhere in the world. It is run by the RNID and funded by BT. |
| Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults (MENCAP). Britain's leading charity working for those with learning disabilities and their families. It promotes training and recruitment of people with learning difficulties, and has a particular focus on supporting employees and employers through the PATHWAY scheme. |
| Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA). Of great interest to disabled and pensioners |
| Sainsbury's. National supermarket chain with disabled parking for disabled customers and their carers. |
| Samaritans. Emotional support for people in crisis. |
| Scottish Council on Deafness (ScoD). Charity, national coordinating body for voluntary and statutory organizations servicing a wide range of needs of deaf, deaf blind and hard of hearing, their families and carers and professionals working with them. |
| Seabank House. 57 Dee Street, Aberdeen AB11 6EE. Phone 01224 592800. Fax 01224 583870. Voluntary organization providing residential care for those with mental health problems. |
| Seniority. Wonderful UK site for over-50s. |
| SEEQuality |
| Sense. World's largest organization working with and campaigning for the deafblind, their families and professionals who work with them. With links to regional services. |
| SCOPE. Supports those with cerebral palsy, their parents and carers and offers them the tools needed to live independently. |
| Scooter Trailers. For large scooters, small cars and Chairack (manual wheelchair carrier). |
| Scottish Association for Mental Health. A leading provider of best practice services in communities throughout Scotland for those with mental health and related difficulties and a strategic influencer in their field. |
| Scottish Building Standards Agency. New laws, affecting mobility and more. |
| Scottish Disability Equality Forum |
| Scottish Health Council. Delta House, 8th Floor, 50 West Nile Street, Glasgow G1 2NP. Phone 0141 2256981 |
| Scottish Huntington's Association. Charity for Huntington's Disease |
| Scottish Pensioners Forum |
| Scottish Television Pension Association |
| Shape. For disabled, deaf and elderly in the arts and cultural industries. |
| Shaw Trust. Enables many with disabilities to achieve their work potential by supporting them in jobs, training and work related activities. Works closely with employers to develop opportunities through supported employment, work experience and training. |
| Sickle Cell Society. Information and support for those suffering with Sickle Cell, promoting greater awareness of the effects they experience. |
| SKILL. Promotes opportunities for young persons and adults with any kind of disability in post-16 education, training and employment. It also provides individual support to the disabled, their families/enablers, carers, by offering an information service by phone, letter and other ways, and by publishing books, booklets and information leaflets. |
| South Lanarkshire Disability Forum (formerly Hamilton & East Kilbride Forum on Disability). Scottish charity. |
| Speakability. National charity supporting those living with aphasia and their carers. |
| Spinal Injuries Association. Support for those with or affected by disabling spinal chord injuries. |
| SportScotland. The national agency dedicated to promoting sporting opportunities for all Scots at all levels, whatever their interest and ability. It has a section devoted to its links with Scottish Disability Sport as well as containing a page of links to other disability sport links, many of which will be of interest to people outside Scotland. |
| Stationery Office Publications Centre. Source of government and official publications in the UK |
| Steps Charity for Those with Lower Limb Abnormalities. Aims to help families of children with lower limb abnormalities, providing support and vital services such as a helpline, annual events, publications and more. |
| Stop Smoking (a) www.quit.org.uk or Giving up Smoking at www.givingupsmoking.co.uk |
| Stroke Association. Provides support for those who have had strokes, their families and carers. |
| Support Dogs for the Disabled. |
| Sutherland Access Panel. Help and advice to the disabled in or visiting Sutherland. Authors are panel members. |
| Sutherland Handyperson Service. ILM (Highland), Unit 1, Lairg Industrial Estate, Lairg, Sutherland IV27 4BN. Phone 01549 402798. ILM is a locally-based charity funded by Communities Scotland, Highland Council, Albyn Housing Society and the Housing Associations Charitable Trust. Free, for pensioners and disabled, who pay only for materials used if not supplied. For small household jobs pensioners, the disabled and carers cannot do. More info from area Highland Council service points. Applicants must be a home owner or private tenant; must have lived in the home for a minimum of 2 years; must have a registered disability or be over 60; must have household income below £16,000 a year. |
| Sutherland Wheelchair Users Group. Call Christian Goskirk, North & West Sutherland Community Care Forum, 01549 402597 |
| Talking Newspaper Association UK. Up to date news for the blind and visually impaired |
| Terrence Higgins Trust Lighthouse. For when concerned about HIV and AIDS |
| Tesco. National supermarket chain with disabled parking for disabled customers and their carers. |
| Thrive. A national charity promoting the use of gardening and horticulture for employment and training, therapy and health. Supporting a network of specialist projects running programs of horticultural activity; providing expert advice on gardening specifically for disabled and OAPs; researching and promoting the benefits horticulture can bring to disadvantaged, disabled and OAPs. |
| Through the Roof. Aims to equip churches or equivalent to be inclusive of the disabled-friendly in all their activities. Advises on the implications for them of the Disability Discrimination Act and seek to provide resources to enable them to meet Act requirements. |
| Time To Get Equal. Many unfortunates suffer from disablism, n. which is discriminatory, oppressive or abusive behaviour arising from the belief that disabled people are inferior to others. |
| Tiresias. Information resources for those working with the visually impaired |
| Trades Union Congress (TUC). Supports the disabled in their right to employment. |
| Trefoil House. A specially adapted mansion standing in extensive grounds 6 miles from Edinburgh. Holidays are provided here for adults and children with all levels of disability. It is also a centre for conferences and business meetings. |
| Trip Scope. Provides information about any aspect of travel for people with impaired mobility. |
| Tourism for All. Working to create an accessible mainstream tourism industry for the disabled. |
| U Can Do IT. (formerly WAACIS). Registered charity enabling the blind, deaf and disabled in London to learn how to use the internet in their own homes at a cost they can afford. |
| UK Autism. Information and advice |
| UK Self Help. Provides the telephone numbers of over 760 UK Self Help Groups and over 600 hyperlinks for the disabled and OAPs. |
| UPDATE. Scotland's National Disability Information Service |
| Values Into Action. Charity for those with learning difficulties |
| Vitalise (formerly Winged Fellowship Trust). Provides essential breaks for the disabled and visually impaired and their carers. |
| WELDIS. An on-line information resource on services in Westminster, and throughout the UK for older persons, those with disabilities, or mental health problems. |
| West of Scotland Seniors Forum |
| Wheelchair Access. Says what buildings and methods of transport have good access. About 680,000 wheelchair users in Britain. |
| Whizz-Kids. Provides customized mobility equipment to disabled youngsters to increase their independence and improve the quality of life, plus help in raising awareness of mobility-related issues. |
| Wolverhampton Pensioners' Action Group. Pensioners support group in Staffordshire |
| Women's Nationwide Cancer Control Campaign. Promotes the detection and prevention of cancer |
| Workable. A voluntary sector consortium creating optimum equality of access and opportunity for the disabled through work experience, training and employment. |
Written by
By Keith A.
Forbes, at keithaforbes@btinternet.com.
© 2006. Revised: February 9, 2008
