Shopping

For those living with a hidden disability, the Sunflower Lanyard was introduced at major UK airports in 2018 to allow passengers with hidden disabilities to indicate discreetly to staff that they may need additional support or help. The use of the lanyard has spread and is now available from several transport providers. It is also available in supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

Equipment and adaptations

You may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local borough or district council to pay for alterations (this is the council you pay your Council Tax to, not Hampshire County Council). Grants are means-tested, and applicants must have a permanent and substantial disability to be considered. An occupational therapy assessment is required to support the request for a grant.

If you are disabled, or have a long-term illness, you shouldn’t have to pay VAT on disability-related equipment for your personal use. Equipment See further information and advice in the equipment and adaptations section of this Guide, beginning on page 30.

Proof of disability

Currently, there is no national scheme for disability registration.

Organisations or outlets offering discounts and concessions to disabled people will usually accept a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions detailing a disability-related benefit, your Blue Badge* or your Disabled Bus Pass as proof of disability.

If you would like something simpler, which you can keep on you, you might consider applying for an Access Card. This costs £15 and is valid for three years. You will need to supply proof of your disability. Call 0330 808 5108 or visit www.accesscard.org.uk

*Blue Badges are now available to people with hidden disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Condition and mental health conditions (eligibility criteria apply).

Shopmobility

If you can go out to do your own shopping, Shopmobility may help. The scheme can provide manual or powered wheelchairs or powered scooters to people who are disabled or frail so that they can get easily around town to shop or sightsee.

You do not need to be registered disabled to use Shopmobility schemes. The schemes are either free or have a nominal charge and can be used by anyone who is either permanently or temporarily disabled.

Shopmobility schemes in Hampshire are listed here.

Andover

Bus Station, West Street SP10 1QP Tel: 01264 352000

Basingstoke

Church Street RG21 7QQ Tel: 01256 476066

Eastleigh

Unit 2, Swan Centre, Wells Place SO50 9SG Tel: 023 8090 2402

Fareham

Ground Level, Multi-Storey Car Park, Osborn Road PO16 7DW Tel: 01329 282929

Petersfield

Central Car Park, Park Road GU32 3DL Tel: 01730 710474

Portsmouth

56 Arundel Street PO1 1NL Tel: 07493 132948

Southampton (City)

Bargate Car Park, 7 Castle Way SO14 2BX Tel: 023 8063 1263