Mobility
County Sensory Team Rehabilitation Officers are able to advise you on mobility equipment that is available and also carry out specific training to enable you to continue getting out and about safely and confidently.
It is most important to keep active and mobile despite the difficulties you feel may arise – HELP IS AVAILABLE.
White Symbol Canes - These canes create awareness in sighted people. They may be available free of charge through the County Sensory Team – Customer First on 08456 023023.
Long Cane - Long cane or guide cane orientation and mobility training is available to any visually impaired person. You do not need to be registered as such in order to receive this training. All mobility training is conducted on a one to one basis from the visually impaired person’s home. For further information contact Customer First on 08456 023023.
Guide Dogs - Anybody over the age of 16 who is physically fit and is experiencing difficulty in getting about because of sight impairment is eligible to apply for a guide dog. (There is no upper age limit). Contact Guide Dogs for the Blind direct on 01733 375454 www.guidedogs.org.uk
Community Transport Schemes (providing Door-to-Door transport)
As well as the concessions available on public transport, there are various other door-to-door transport services available such as Dial-A-Ride and Community Car Services, run mostly by a number of voluntary charity organisations - contact details are listed below.
COMMUNITY CAR SERVICES (CCS)
DIAL-A-RIDE (DAR)
|
Buzabout – Shotley Area |
01787 242116 |
|
Ipswich (DAR) |
0845 3479379 |
|
Diss Borderhoppa |
01379 854800 |
|
Mid Suffolk (DAR) |
01449 614271 |
|
Club 88 – Needham Market and Area |
01449 616000 |
|
Botesdale Area (CCS) |
01379 897109 |
|
Eye Area (CCS) |
01379 871200 |
|
Stowmarket Area (CCS) |
01449 614271 |
|
Coastal Area (DAR & CCS) Aldeburgh, Leiston Framlingham, Saxmundham, Woodbridge |
01728 830516 |
|
Felixstowe Area (DAR) |
01394 270339 |
|
Coastlink – Blythburgh, Walberswick, Dunwich, Knodishall, Thorington, Darsham, Yoxford, Leiston. Minsmere, Saxmundham, |
01728 833526 |
|
Town Travels – Badingham, Benshall, Brabling, Bruisyard, Carlton, Cransford, Friston, Sternfield, Kelsale, Gt Glemham, Rendham, Sibton, Sweffling, Parham, Peasenhall, Yoxford. |
01473 744619 |
|
Aldeburgh/Leiston/Saxmundham (CCS) |
01728 831215 |
|
Felixstowe Area (CCS) |
01394 282857 |
|
Felixstowe Area (CCS) Volunteer Centre |
01394 284770 |
|
Framlingham Area (CCS) |
01394 621210 |
|
Woodbridge Area (CCS) |
01473 387210 |
|
Beccles & Bungay (DAR) |
01986 896896 |
|
Waveney (DAR) – Lowestoft Town Area |
01502 531631 |
|
Beccles & Bungay Area (CCS) |
01986 895665 |
|
Halesworth Area (CCS) |
01986 874290 |
|
Pathfinder – Halesworth Area |
01986 874479 |
|
Lowestoft Area (CCS) |
01502 589782 |
|
Southwold Area (CCS) |
01502 724549 |
|
WRVS |
01473 744739 |
|
Community & Wheelchair Accessible Car Services |
01473 265060 |
For more details call 08456 066 067 or www.suffolkonboard.com
Suffolk Concessionary Travel Voucher Scheme
If you are unable to travel by conventional public transport because of where you live or health or mobility difficulties, you may be eligible to receive travel vouchers to assist with the cost of taxis or community transport service.
To find out more, contact your local council as follows:-
|
Ipswich Borough Council |
01473 432064 |
|
Mid Suffolk District Council |
0845 606 6067 |
|
Suffolk Coastal District Council |
01394 444647 |
|
Waveney District Council |
01502 562111 |
OTHER TRANSPORT INFORMATION
TraveLine for advice on local and national buses, express coach and rail services - 0871 200 2233 - www.traveline.info
Disabled Persons Railcard
If you are registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired (blind) you are eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard and discounts of between 34% and 50% on the ticket prices of most train journeys. If you travel with a non-registered helper they receive the same discount. The card costs £18 per year or £48 for 3 years. To get a Disabled Persons Railcard, call 0845 605 0525 for an application form and send it together with payment and the required proof of disability.
Train Travel Assistance
When travelling by train, you can book assistance by phoning the rail “journey line” number – 08457 484 950. (Calls are charged at local rates). Such assistance will help you with train transfers at all stations.
Blue Badge Scheme
If
you are registered as a severely sight impaired (blind) person or as
a disabled person you qualify for a Blue Badge. The badge enables the
driver to park in designated disabled persons’ parking places and
restricted areas for limited periods of time. You
can telephone Customer
First on
08456
023023
between 8.00 am and 6.45 pm, Monday to Friday to request an
application form.
RADAR – The Royal Association for disability & Rehabilitation
RADARs publications include a wide variety of access guides, holiday guides and books and leaflets on various aspects of mobility and travel.
They also run a national key scheme which will provide a disabled person with a universal key for disabled toilets around the country. Contact No: 0207 250 3222 – www.radar.or.guk
Information for driving license holders
In accordance with the advice shown on the driving licence, any driver with impaired vision is legally required to inform the DVLA, whose medical officer will consider each case on an individual basis. The DVLA can be contacted at: The Drivers’ Medical Branch DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU. Phone: 0870 600 0301