Home Improvement Advice for Handicapped Access
Do it Yourself Tips for Handicapped Access
Our aim is to advise you of many ways in which to adapt your home so as you can use your facilities with ease. You need to know that there are people out there to help you and we are here to guide you through each step. There are different ways to get help. You should always contact your local council (social services and DSS) to see what help and advice they can give you and also what you are entitled to.
Each council has different schemes and ways to improve your quality of life. When you contact your local council they will then take details from yourselves and send an Occupational Therapist to come and assess your home. An Occupational Therapist, who is known as an OT, will come to your home to assess what adaptions and renovations will be best to help you. They are there to give you all the advice you need, so don't be shy ask them any questions or worries you may have, that is what they are there for. They will then write a report to the council with all the details they took down from their visit. Independant OTs (occupational therapists) are available, that do not work for your local council, if they do not supply this service.
You then need to find out if you are eligible for a grant from the government to either pay for all the works or part of the works that are required to adapt your home. See our section on payment schemes and financial help.
There are many schemes that each council provide, this scheme provides help and advice on home improvements, repairs and adaptions for the older, vulnerable and disabled person. They are an agency that are totally free and will give you the advice you need.
Some cities and counties have schemes that help with transport and parking badges. Badges will be issued to people who find it impossible to visit the shops, public buildings or other places. You will not qualify for a badge if you have a temporary disability like a broken leg.
Check with your local council to see what schemes they provide, remember they are there to help you, they are a free help and advice center provided by the Government, so take advantage and use it, that is what they are there for.