I have a mate who has a disabled daughter and if she wants to go anywhere by public transport she can go free with her disabled pass but she has to pay for the carer that is with her.Surely this is wrong. I know there is a move underway to sort this out but it never should have been allowed to happen in the first place.:rant: :rant: :rant:

I'm sure that this was mentioned in the latest newsheet from the caring sharing project, and it has been passed so that carers go free.

Yes, I read somewhere that carers could get a free pass and was delighted - until I found it was only for carers of people who get Mobility Allowance (I think). Anyway, if you care for somebody over 65, tough, you can't have it.

dozy

AFAIK it hasn't been passed quite yet,

but I understand from the disability group I attend to do with acessible transport, it should be coming in soon.

I get 14 hours a week care from Leonard Cheshire Home Care, and they don't pay their staff ANY expenses :gag:

I mean come on, OK Thorne House had their problems including permanent staff shortages but at least they didn't leave their staff out of pocket.

Also, when we go anywhere like the cinema or bowling, I have to try and blag the carer in free otherwise I end up having to pay for them as well as me! I'm sorry but what the hell?! I'm on a limited income for chuff sake! I can't afford £10.60 every time we go to the cinema, and we'll be going quite a bit over the coming months cos all the big summer blockbusters are coming like Shrek 3, Harry Potter 5, Transformers etc... And that's £10.60 just for 2 tickets (£4.60 for myself at student discount rate, and £6 at full price for teh carer) before I even get any ice creams or anything for the film! :loopy: :rant:

Also, when we go anywhere like the cinema or bowling, I have to try and blag the carer in free otherwise I end up having to pay for them as well as me! I'm sorry but what the hell?! I'm on a limited income for chuff sake! I can't afford £10.60 every time we go to the cinema, and we'll be going quite a bit over the coming months cos all the big summer blockbusters are coming like Shrek 3, Harry Potter 5, Transformers etc... And that's £10.60 just for 2 tickets (£4.60 for myself at student discount rate, and £6 at full price for teh carer) before I even get any ice creams or anything for the film! :loopy: :rant:

Rich, forgive me asking this question, and I know you have personal issues with your ADHD or something of the sort, but exactly why do you need someone to accompany you to the Cinema? :huh:

You are an afficianado of watching "Neighbours" on TV; you play games on your computer (as long as they aren't developed by Sony or some other Corporation, whatever) so why do you feel the need to have an escort, paid for by the taxpayer just to go to a Cinema? :huh:

Rich, forgive me asking this question, and I know you have personal issues with your ADHD or something of the sort, but exactly why do you need someone to accompany you to the Cinema? :huh:

You are an afficianado of watching "Neighbours" on TV; you play games on your computer (as long as they aren't developed by Sony or some other Corporation, whatever) so why do you feel the need to have an escort, paid for by the taxpayer just to go to a Cinema? :huh:

I think that is a bit too personal.The reason my freind has to have a carer with her all the time is because she could go into an abscence any time.

I think that is a bit too personal.The reason my freind has to have a carer with her all the time is because she could go into an abscence any time.

Meaning what? :huh:

Rich, forgive me asking this question, and I know you have personal issues with your ADHD or something of the sort, but exactly why do you need someone to accompany you to the Cinema? :huh:

You are an afficianado of watching "Neighbours" on TV; you play games on your computer (as long as they aren't developed by Sony or some other Corporation, whatever) so why do you feel the need to have an escort, paid for by the taxpayer just to go to a Cinema? :huh:

Um, I have aspergers, NOT ADHD.

Get it right please! :rant: :loopy:

As for bitching about taxpayers paying me, I pay for teh care myself so you can shut up on that score as well before you even start with your Daily Mail BS!

If you need information about aspergers, Google is your friend.

Rich, forgive me asking this question, and I know you have personal issues with your ADHD or something of the sort, but exactly why do you need someone to accompany you to the Cinema? :huh:

You are an afficianado of watching "Neighbours" on TV; you play games on your computer (as long as they aren't developed by Sony or some other Corporation, whatever) so why do you feel the need to have an escort, paid for by the taxpayer just to go to a Cinema? :huh:

Doesn't Rich suffer from Asperger's? Read up on it and you may realise why he needs a carer. I doubt Leonard Cheshire would provide him with support for the sake of it.

Doesn't Rich suffer from Asperger's? Read up on it and you may realise why he needs a carer. I doubt Leanord Cheshire would provide him with support for the sake of it.

Sorry, you're right. It's Asperger's Syndrome. My mistake!

So why do you need a carer to take you to the Cinema, Rich?

Does the carer accompany you to your Kung Fu Sessions too?

ps I don't read the Daily Mail! :)

Meaning what? :huh:

What do you mean"meaning what"??

What do you mean"meaning what"??

You'd be better asking the poster to whom I replied, rather than I!

:) :) :)

Sorry, you're right. It's Asperger's Syndrome. My mistake!

So why do you need a carer to take you to the Cinema, Rich?

Does the carer accompany you to your Kung Fu Sessions too?

ps I don't read the Daily Mail! :)

I meant read up on it so you may realise why he needs to be accompanied to the cinema and other social places.


As soon as we meet a person we make judgements about them. Just by looking we can guess their age or status, and by the expression on their face or the tone of their voice we can tell immediately if they are happy, angry or sad and respond accordingly.

Not everyone has this natural ability. People with Asperger syndrome find it more difficult to read the signals which most of us take for granted. As a result they find it more difficult to communicate and interact with others. This leaflet explains the characteristics of Asperger syndrome and what can be done to help those affected.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, a condition that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. A number of traits of autism are common to Asperger syndrome including:

* difficulty in communicating
* difficulty in social relationships
* a lack of social imagination and creative play

However, people with Asperger syndrome usually have fewer problems with language than those with autism, often speaking fluently, though their words can sometimes sound formal or stilted. People with Asperger syndrome do not usually have the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism; in fact, people with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence

Because of this many children with Asperger syndrome enter mainstream school and, with the right support and encouragement, can make good progress and go on to further education and employment.

Actually it's pretty poor form if you ask me, if you're going to question why someone needs care then at least read up on what condition they may have. Sorry for highlighting your case Rich.

Don't worry about it Mod_Man, I'm not adversed to standing up and being counted, sometimes you have to in this day and age.

I meant read up on it so you may realise why he needs to be accompanied to the cinema and other social places.



Actually it's pretty poor form if you ask me, if you're going to question why someone needs care then at least read up on what condition they may have. Sorry for highlighting your case Rich.

Rich has been the subject of uncaring and unsympathetic posters on SF who are no longer able to access this Forum.

Rich has set up his own Blog. It's been destroyed by people previously members of SF no longer able to destroy his aspirations on SF.

He has been villified by villains.

I am certainly not one of those villains!

Rich is trustworthy and caring, pleasant and generally peaceful. In fact, a treasured poster on here.
He's resilient. fireproof and hardy!

He also is blessed with stoicism and grit, perfectly able to defend himself, anytime, anywhere. :)

If you feel insulted by my previous comment, Rich, I apologise.

Also, when we go anywhere like the cinema or bowling, I have to try and blag the carer in free otherwise I end up having to pay for them as well as me! I'm sorry but what the hell?! I'm on a limited income for chuff sake! I can't afford £10.60 every time we go to the cinema, and we'll be going quite a bit over the coming months cos all the big summer blockbusters are coming like Shrek 3, Harry Potter 5, Transformers etc... And that's £10.60 just for 2 tickets (£4.60 for myself at student discount rate, and £6 at full price for teh carer) before I even get any ice creams or anything for the film! :loopy: :rant:


If you have access to a disabilty allowance or other such benefit, and have a claims book (or sufficient proof), Cineworld do advise subscribing to the CEA Card (which is £5 per year - ask for a form - and can be used at a variety of cinemas across the UK) but are not strict on it (will tend to allow carer free on display of any suitable proof of disability - benefits book etc).

In addition, if you are a regular cinephile, why not get an Unlimited card AND a CEA card (£10.99 per month, and the £5 per year already mentioned). You can use both in combination so long as it is you who has both the cards in your name. A bargain when you think of it.

Rich I'd highly recommend the CEA card for £5 a year, I pay the full price but my husband gets in for free with me as my escort and carer.

Also if you need to travel, consider a disabled persons railcard if going any distance. You get a third off your fare and your carer or any other person can travel the same route as you for the same price - not free I know but better than paying full price.

Rich I'd highly recommend the CEA card for £5 a year, I pay the full price but my husband gets in for free with me as my escort and carer.

Also if you need to travel, consider a disabled persons railcard if going any distance. You get a third off your fare and your carer or any other person can travel the same route as you for the same price - not free I know but better than paying full price.

Not everyone knows, but, if you need to travel in your wheelchair, (the rail companies call it "confined to chair"- very PC!) you don't actually need the railcard to claim the discounts (IIRC it's 50% 0ff day tickets/singles and returns and 33% off period-returns). And again, your companion/carer/escort can travel at the same price as you.

* difficulty in communicating
* difficulty in social relationships
* a lack of social imagination and creative play

A lot of people have trouble with those, without having Aspergers.

Not everyone knows, but, if you need to travel in your wheelchair, (the rail companies call it "confined to chair"- very PC!) you don't actually need the railcard to claim the discounts (IIRC it's 50% 0ff day tickets/singles and returns and 33% off period-returns). And again, your companion/carer/escort can travel at the same price as you.

Yes, I've spotted that one. But I wondered what the actual definition of "confined to chair" was! Does it mean you can't actually walk at all, or does it apply to someone like my ma in law, who can totter a short distance, with the help of a stick, but is always in a wheelchair when I take her out?

Dozy

Yes, I've spotted that one. But I wondered what the actual definition of "confined to chair" was! Does it mean you can't actually walk at all, or does it apply to someone like my ma in law, who can totter a short distance, with the help of a stick, but is always in a wheelchair when I take her out?

Dozy

I don't transfer, even though i can walk a few steps, because it's just too unstable when a train is moving, I'm liable to be landing "gracefully" on my derriere, if I were to try antics like that! :lol:

Last year on my trip to london, there wasn't a wheelchair space at all on the train (well, in 1st class, standard is too small to get into easily) and I had to transfer out of my chair, to get on the train.

It was extremely difficult, and extremely painful as we tried to climb the huge gap between the platform and the steps, and get into the carriage. To add to the agonies, I couldn't go to the loo the whole journey, as I could not get out into the corridor to the loo. It was a horrendous experience.

I'd say, don't ask, don't tell, when booking your tickets, Just tell them your ma-in-L is a wheelchair user, and won't be transfering, and ask for the discount. If her mobility is as bad as you describe, I'd not recommend she totter about on a moving train! lol!

I'd also recomend, especially if it's a longer journey, that you will also need to book assistance. I tend not to book in advance if I'm only going locally. however, there are so many variables with longer distances, I book for those.

I think its disgusting how Athsmatic people have to pay for they're medicine whereas diabetics don't. It cost's my mate £££££ per year in sprays! If your life depends on something, it should be free!

I think its disgusting how Athsmatic people have to pay for they're medicine whereas diabetics don't. It cost's my mate £££££ per year in sprays! If your life depends on something, it should be free!

I agree totaly (because I'm asthmatic)

I'd also recomend, especially if it's a longer journey, that you will also need to book assistance. I tend not to book in advance if I'm only going locally. however, there are so many variables with longer distances, I book for those.

Good advice about booking assistance. The train companies now have excellent facilities for dealing with disabled passengers and as long as theyre aware of your journey they will do everything they can to help, for example carry luggage to a waiting taxi and have ramps available.

I don't transfer, even though i can walk a few steps, because it's just too unstable when a train is moving, I'm liable to be landing "gracefully" on my derriere, if I were to try antics like that! :lol:

Last year on my trip to london, there wasn't a wheelchair space at all on the train (well, in 1st class, standard is too small to get into easily) and I had to transfer out of my chair, to get on the train.

It was extremely difficult, and extremely painful as we tried to climb the huge gap between the platform and the steps, and get into the carriage. To add to the agonies, I couldn't go to the loo the whole journey, as I could not get out into the corridor to the loo. It was a horrendous experience.

I'd say, don't ask, don't tell, when booking your tickets, Just tell them your ma-in-L is a wheelchair user, and won't be transfering, and ask for the discount. If her mobility is as bad as you describe, I'd not recommend she totter about on a moving train! lol!

I'd also recomend, especially if it's a longer journey, that you will also need to book assistance. I tend not to book in advance if I'm only going locally. however, there are so many variables with longer distances, I book for those.


Thanks for that advice. If I am brave enough to arrange a rail journey, I'll definitely ask for assistance. Luckily, I'll be able to support her along to the loo if necessary.

Dozy

I think its disgusting how Athsmatic people have to pay for they're medicine whereas diabetics don't. It cost's my mate £££££ per year in sprays! If your life depends on something, it should be free!

I agree totally & I am not asthmatic.

Good advice about booking assistance. The train companies now have excellent facilities for dealing with disabled passengers and as long as theyre aware of your journey they will do everything they can to help, for example carry luggage to a waiting taxi and have ramps available.
__________________
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I book for a 92.year old lady to visit her daughter every year & the assisted passage is brilliant.They even phoned the private taxi she had booked before she went to tell them the time that she would be at the station.Cannot fault the service.

Meaning what? :huh:

An 'absence' is a form of epileptic seizure.

I think its disgusting how Athsmatic people have to pay for they're medicine whereas diabetics don't. It cost's my mate £££££ per year in sprays! If your life depends on something, it should be free!

I'm also asthmatic and require 2 different inhalers every month. I can afford to pay for my medication, and do so happily - I'm just glad to be able to get it at all.

To go back to the OP, I suppose the thinking is that that is what part of DLA awards are for, to pay for things such as fares. The problem for me lies with the fact that there are many people who are disabled, and have mobility passes, but don't receive DLA, despite needing help. This could mean that carers miss out.

I'll be interested to hear what happens with the proposed legislation that PT mentioned earlier. I would be worried if it were a 'nominated carer' though, who would receive travel.

I think its disgusting how Athsmatic people have to pay for they're medicine whereas diabetics don't. It cost's my mate £££££ per year in sprays! If your life depends on something, it should be free!

You could say that about other chronic conditions. One of the biggest killers is heart disease, and it can be totally disabling. Sufferers have to pay for their medication unless they are on certain benefits. I don't have a heart condition, but OH does. Luckily we could afford the prepayment option when he was very ill and on about 7 different medications, but I can imagine there are working people with similar problems who are not on qualifying benefits, but not well off, who struggle to pay for their meds.

To go back to the OP, I suppose the thinking is that that is what part of DLA awards are for, to pay for things such as fares. The problem for me lies with the fact that there are many people who are disabled, and have mobility passes, but don't receive DLA, despite needing help. This could mean that carers miss out.

I'll be interested to hear what happens with the proposed legislation that PT mentioned earlier. I would be worried if it were a 'nominated carer' though, who would receive travel.

hi, hippy.

ok, I have been to see about getting a " + carer" pass. and yes, you have to be in reciept of the higher allowance DLA.

Unfortunately, it's not as simple as going along to the travel centre, showing your proofs, and exchanging your pass for a " + carer". you have to go through a lot of rigmarole, and jumping through hoops(JTH).

You have to apply through Howden house. (who take their own sweet time about doing anything!) who will then contact your doctor. :roll:

Your doctor will then confirm everything s/he's already confirmed when s/he initially confirmed you were eligible for the standard bus pass, and were eligible for DLA. :roll: :roll:

That information is sent back to Howden House, :roll: who (eventually) will send you a letter, to take to the travel centre, to pick up your " + carer" pass.

I have had (very strong!!!) words with the PTE about this. I think it's ridiculous that you have to JTH to get your DLA in the first place, then you have to JTH, again, to obtain your bus pass, and to cap it all, to exchange your pass for a " +carer" pass, you have to JTH yet again.

I think it's demenaing and humiliating, as well as stupidly long winded, and will definitely put many people off from taking up their entitlement.

sorry, a ps here.

No, it's not necessarily a nominated carer, as it could cause huge problems with people who have multiple carers, (IE Fred works on a Monday, Alice on a Tuesday, etc)

I think its disgusting how Athsmatic people have to pay for they're medicine whereas diabetics don't. It cost's my mate £££££ per year in sprays! If your life depends on something, it should be free!


Just buy the season ticket

My disabled son lives in Margate where he has a +1 Bus Pass.....he also spends about 12 weeks a year here with me and Sheffield Council have allowed him a Mobility Pass here.....so for me that is a big up for the authorities here. :clap:

Also is everyone on here with a Mobility Pass aware that they can travel on National Express Coaches for 50% discounted fares (except Friday when you only get 25%).

Also is there not legislation somewhere in the pipeline that Mobility Passes will eventually be valid anywhere and not just confined to the issuing borough.

My disabled son lives in Margate where he has a +1 Bus Pass.....he also spends about 12 weeks a year here with me and Sheffield Council have allowed him a Mobility Pass here.....so for me that is a big up for the authorities here. :clap:

Also is everyone on here with a Mobility Pass aware that they can travel on National Express Coaches for 50% discounted fares (except Friday when you only get 25%).

Also is there not legislation somewhere in the pipeline that Mobility Passes will eventually be valid anywhere and not just confined to the issuing borough.

I had heard that this is supposed to be coming in from April 2008, bit I can't swear to the accuracy of what I have heard, as things can change.

SYPTE don't seem to have got their head round how to issue the "mobility plus carer" passes yet, so I'm not sure how organised they can possibly be with the further legislation.. *shrugs resignedly*

the issue about carer's passes is that you have to get the high rate of the care component of DLA (not just the mobility component). this is paid to people who need both daytime and night-time care. If you only qualify for the middle rate of DLA care (because you need someone with you in the daytime), you don't qualify for a carer's pass.

Do they think disabled people only want to use night buses?

hi, hippy.

ok, I have been to see about getting a " + carer" pass. and yes, you have to be in reciept of the higher allowance DLA.

Unfortunately, it's not as simple as going along to the travel centre, showing your proofs, and exchanging your pass for a " + carer". you have to go through a lot of rigmarole, and jumping through hoops(JTH).

You have to apply through Howden house. (who take their own sweet time about doing anything!) who will then contact your doctor. :roll:

Your doctor will then confirm everything s/he's already confirmed when s/he initially confirmed you were eligible for the standard bus pass, and were eligible for DLA. :roll: :roll:

That information is sent back to Howden House, :roll: who (eventually) will send you a letter, to take to the travel centre, to pick up your " + carer" pass.

I have had (very strong!!!) words with the PTE about this. I think it's ridiculous that you have to JTH to get your DLA in the first place, then you have to JTH, again, to obtain your bus pass, and to cap it all, to exchange your pass for a " +carer" pass, you have to JTH yet again.

I think it's demenaing and humiliating, as well as stupidly long winded, and will definitely put many people off from taking up their entitlement.

One can't help wondering if that's exactly why they've made the process such a pain??

One can't help wondering if that's exactly why they've made the process such a pain??

It's not to stop people who are entitled, it's to make it not worth the hassle for the numpties out there who are on the fiddle.

the issue about carer's passes is that you have to get the high rate of the care component of DLA (not just the mobility component). this is paid to people who need both daytime and night-time care.

Which is very confusing, seeing as the legal definition for the relevant bit of the middle rate is:

"...... you must be so severely disabled physically or mentally that ...... you require [from another person] continual supervision throughout the day or night in order to avoid substantial danger to yourself (or others)."

Bearing in mind that this has to be satisfied for the higher rate too, and the other three parts are irrelevant to travel, really, I can't understand why the middle rate isn't applicable too.

If you only qualify for the middle rate of DLA care (because you need someone with you in the daytime), you don't qualify for a carer's pass.

Do they think disabled people only want to use night buses

Not quite, but it's a common misconception. If you satisfy either of the night time care conditions, but neither of the daytime conditions, you'll qualify for middle rate care. For example, if someone can control their bowels in the day, but not when asleep at night may satisfy the night time conditions.

In a nutshell, it's care which is spread out through either day or night.

It's not to stop people who are entitled, it's to make it not worth the hassle for the numpties out there who are on the fiddle.

Another agenda which is over and above this objective is to restrict access to already very tightly stretched resources and therefore only the most very severely disabled people will find they are entitled to receive these benefits.

the issue about carer's passes is that you have to get the high rate of the care component of DLA (not just the mobility component). this is paid to people who need both daytime and night-time care. If you only qualify for the middle rate of DLA care (because you need someone with you in the daytime), you don't qualify for a carer's pass.

Do they think disabled people only want to use night buses?

As illogical and unfair as this may seem, I have had this confirmed by Barnsley social services today. For the carer's pass you need to be on higher rate for both care and mobility. There has been a change on the age restriction, people who turn 65 no longer have to surrender their "Mobility with carer" pass. However, it appears it's not available to people who are already over 65. Roll on the day when age discrimination doesn't only apply to employment.

On a related topic, I sent a letter to the company who owns Hollywood Bowl a while back asking for clarification on their company policy regarding the admission of carers with disabled people. The Area Manager of Hollywood Bowl rang me on the mobile today and told me that the carer actually gets in free on production of registered carer's ID! I'm sorry but what the hell?! My carers show their ID every time at HB at Centertainment but they still get charged! :loopy:

Oh well, we shall test this alleged policy some time in the near future, might even go tomorrow if we've time.

If it does turn out that the carers have been wrongly charged, methinks the Bowling Alley owes us about 30 quid in charges at £6 a game! And I for one intend to ensure they cough up.

Anyone wanting to find out about travel and free travel for a carer to accompany you if you require the support, needs to contact sheffield council at Howden House and ask for a PLUS ONE disability travel pass form. i work with a large group of people in sheffield who have these and thier support staff get to travel with them for free, the main criteria is that you are on high rate DLA CARE, it doesn't have to be mobility componant. hope that helps someone out there save a bit of money

I have just collected a with carer mobility pass today it was quite easy ,however........................ the form that needs filing in that goes to be proceesssed by social services still says disabled over 65 as my son is no where near that age having queried poliltely why in this day and age there isn't a form that meets the criteria, I wrote a covering letter explaining the reasons for applying.

Just wondering about other disabled people's experiences of bus vs tram.

I love the trams in nearly every way, but I have really noticed something. When I'm on a bus, if it's busy and I'm standing up, someone sitting down will see my stick and offer me their seat. Virtually every time. But on the trams, that has never, ever happened.

Does anyone else have this experience? And if so, why do you think it is? I do love going around on the tram normally, but it's getting more and more difficult lately.

A comment made by an area manager for Punch Pub Chain was " Catering for the disabled is not cost effective ". The fact that many pubs do not cater for the disabled is in contravention of the Disabled Human Rights. It becomes a crime not to cater for the disabled. It is unfortunate that this Pub Chain quickly get rid of their " To Let " pubs to gullible tenants. It is then the tenants responsibility to make disabled adaptations to the pub inside and out. The Pub Chain is then not responsible for any accidents or any alterations that need to be made for disabled people. The tenant finds this far too expensive and cannot get insurance cover for a disabled person because of the liklihood of an accident. I intend to investigate this further. I am hoping members will send me a list of any Public Houses they know of that does not have disabled access or facilities. Managed or Tenanted. Any Pub Tenant reading this needs to contact the Pub Chain they are contracted to and find out just where they stand. Managers need to contact the Pub Chain they work for and insist that alterations are made. I am hoping that soon it will become law that a pub chain must make the much needed alterations if there is a change in tenancy. Also I would be gratefull if members would contact their MP and or Councillor to ask them to contact me with a view to assisting. Planning Permission and licenses should never be given to Pubs that are not disabled friendly. Yet they are being given planning permission for alterations that do not include disabled facilities. Many Public Houses are in breach of laws that have recently been brought in.

Anyone wishing to assist improving facilites for disabled in Public Houses. Or to assist in forcing Pub Chains to accept responsibility please contact me using the following e-mail address. para.legal@blueyonder.co.uk

i am disabled and me and my carer can get on the bus and tram for free,i have a disabled +carers bus pass you can get one from the bus station you have to fill a form in but and the disabled person has to have a picture but then you can go with her for free

I think its disgusting how Athsmatic people have to pay for they're medicine whereas diabetics don't. It cost's my mate £££££ per year in sprays! If your life depends on something, it should be free!

i am asthmatic and need 2 sprays which i get on my medical certificate as well as my vitamin b12 injection.

then on the other hand i dont mind having to pay for my prescriptions as my 7 year old daughter is diabetic and when she needs strips for her tester she gets 500 a month,lancets for her tester, hypostop gel to bring her round when she is hypoing, glucagen hypokit for hypoing if you cant get hypostop on her gums. mixtard 30 for in a morning, humalog for if she goes to high, and levemir for the night time, she has on average 5 to 6 needles a day, it isnt something that a couple of puffs on a inhaler will sort out, i know asthma is a threating condition, but diabetes is a LIFE threatening condition, i have seen my daughter unconscious due to her sugars dropping so quick, i have seen her fitting (next stage coma) and when she comes round she cant remember nothing due to the fact her brain has started shutting down.

she could go blind due to the sugars attacking her eyes, she could lose limbs due to poor circulation, i am sorry but i havent heard of one person losing any of these being asthmatic.
so next time you wanna moan about diabetics getting free prescriptions please read the above and think to yourself would you like to be in my daughter plus other diabetics shoes.

if i could wave a magic wand i would trade places with my daughter a million times over as she has to put up with alot for a 7 year old and it will probably only get worse

Also, when we go anywhere like the cinema or bowling, I have to try and blag the carer in free otherwise I end up having to pay for them as well as me! I'm sorry but what the hell?! I'm on a limited income for chuff sake! I can't afford £10.60 every time we go to the cinema, and we'll be going quite a bit over the coming months cos all the big summer blockbusters are coming like Shrek 3, Harry Potter 5, Transformers etc... And that's £10.60 just for 2 tickets (£4.60 for myself at student discount rate, and £6 at full price for teh carer) before I even get any ice creams or anything for the film! :loopy: :rant:

Have you heard about the CEA card, gets carers into the cinema for free, OK it costs £5.50, but it's valid for 3 years!!!!

See link below for more information.
http://www.yourlocalcinema.com/cea.card.html

You can also get a Slice card for SIV (Ponds forge, Hillsborough leisure centre, Don valley etc) Which lets carers in for free. hop this helps anyone with carers, if I hear of any more, I'll let you know!!

Have you heard about the CEA card, gets carers into the cinema for free, OK it costs £5.50, but it's valid for 3 years!!!!

See link below for more information.
http://www.yourlocalcinema.com/cea.card.html

You can also get a Slice card for SIV (Ponds forge, Hillsborough leisure centre, Don valley etc) Which lets carers in for free. hop this helps anyone with carers, if I hear of any more, I'll let you know!!

I have both already.

The Slice card's a waste of time though, it doesn't hardly save anything, even with the card it still costs me 3 quid a time (twice a week) to go to Karate at Hillsborough Leisure Centre, goes up 10p every year, so from January it'll be £3.10.