advanced search

• home
• about us
• news / events
• directory
• key information
• helpline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Update Scotland?

Where is Update Scotland based?

What kind of information do you provide?

Where can I find out about buying disability information?

Where can I find out about buying and selling second hand disability equipment?

When can I buy equipment without paying VAT?

What is the Warm Deal and who can get it?

What is a direct payment?

Who can receive a direct payment?

How do I apply for a direct payment?

Where can I find public toilets for disabled people?

Where can I go for information and advice about accessible website design?

Who can I contact for information about alternative sources of government funding?

Is there a special number to report antisocial behaviour against disabled people?

How do I apply for/ renew a Blue Badge?

Who do I contact to claim DLA?; who do I contact to claim ESA?; how do I appeal the DWP/ Government’s decision?

I receive Disability Living Allowance and my carer wants to claim Carer’s Allowance. Will this affect my rate of DLA?

How do I apply for a Motability vehicle?

Who may drive my Motability vehicle?

How do I apply for a disabled home adaptation?

Who can I make a complaint to?

What are the social and the medical model of disability?

What is palantype and what is sternography?

How do I register to vote?

Who can I contact for more information on Dating, Penpal and Befriending Services?

 

 

 

 Q: What is Update Scotland?
A: Update Scotland is a national charity organisation, founded in 1999, whose role is to provide disability related information and services to information providers in Scotland.
back

Q: Where is Update Scotland based?
A: Our head office is based in Edinburgh.
back

Q: What kind of information to you provide?
A: We provide a huge range of information including things like addresses of useful organisations and services, legal information, factsheets, disability benefits and adaptations.
back

 Q: Where can I find out about buying disability equipment?
A:UPDATE can provide information on companies in Scotland that manufacture, sell or hire specific disability aids and equipment. We can also provide information on other agencies that provide specialist advice on disability aids, such as the Disabled Living Centres and The Disabled Living Foundation.
back

Q: Where can I find out about buying and selling second hand disability equipment?
A: The Disability Equipment Register is a specialist directory for people wishing to buy, sell or exchange second-hand equipment. Items for sale can be viewed at no charge, via their web site at www.disabilityequipment.org.uk. Disability magazines, such as Disability Now have a section for second hand disability equipment. To view items for sale logon to their web site at www.disabilitynow.org.uk. Another useful website is Equipmentdirect.org.uk which lists a number of web sites for finding second-hand equipment for disabled people. For more information logon to their website at www.equipmentdirect.org.uk
back

Q: When can I buy equipment without paying VAT?
A: Some goods and services that are bought specifically for use by a disabled person can be exempt from VAT. Goods and services that are exempt include equipment and appliances designed solely for use by disabled people, building work that adapts a house to be used by a disabled person, installing or adapting goods, medical and surgical appliances, or motor vehicles. 

The goods are bought without the VAT added on, which means that a written declaration has to be made to the seller that the goods are to be used by a disabled person. Further information can be found in, "Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people" which is on the HM Revenue and Customs web site www.hmrc.gov.uk or call HM Revenue and Customs disabled VAT relief helpline on 0845 302 0203, or the National Advice Services helpline for general enquiries on 0845 010 9000.
back

Q: What is the Warm Deal and who can get it?
A: The Warm Deal Scheme is aimed at people who are in receipt of income-based benefits and the over 60s. If eligible, you could receive a grant of up to £500 towards the cost of insulating your home. If you are aged over 60 and not in receipt of income related benefits you could still receive a grant of up to £125. Households with children with disabilities and in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance can also receive a grant of up to £500 for insulation. To apply contact Scottish Gas, Freepost, SCO 4421, Edinburgh, EH6 0BR or on 0800 316 6009 for the Warm Deal Scheme.
back

Q: What is a direct payment?
A: A direct payment is money in lieu of community care or children's services. Once an individual has been assessed as needing community care services, they can choose to receive the service provided by the local authority, or to receive a direct payment to pay for a service that they would then be in control of, or a combination of the two. The option of receiving a direct payment must be offered to the individual during the assessment. The Direct Payments system was reviewed by the Scottish Executive in 2006-2007. They have produced new national guidance which can be viewed at the following website link: National guidance on self-directed support
back

Q: Who can receive a direct payment?
A: The following people can get direct payments: disabled adults assessed as needing community care services; disabled 16 and 17 year olds assessed as needing children's services; parents, or people with parental responsibility for, a disabled child (under the age of 18) who has been assessed as needing children's services; attorneys and guardians with welfare and financial powers to act on behalf of the person who needs the services. The only requirements are that you can consent to receiving a direct payment and are able to manage it.
back

Q: How do I apply for a direct payment?
A: Contact your local authority’s Social Work Department. We also recommend you contact Self Directed Support Scotland on 0141 550 7459; email: info@sdsscotland.org.uk; website: http://www.sdsscotland.org.uk
back

Q: Where can I find public toilets for disabled people?
A: The National Key Scheme, sometimes known as the RADAR Scheme, was developed because some public toilets designed for disabled people had to be locked to prevent damage and misuse. Radar publish the National Key Scheme Guide which lists over 6000 accessible toilets fitted with the NKS lock throughout the UK, available to order online at www.radar.org.uk. The Scheme has been adopted by local authorities and other toilet providers throughout the UK and is widely recognised by disabled people. Keys should be available from your local authority.
back

Q: Where can I go for information and advice about accessible website design?
A: You can contact the WorldWideWeb Consortium W3C UK – an International organisation whose standards are widely accepted as the definitive guidelines to create accessible websites. 01235 44 6619, www.w3c.rl.ac.uk  
W3C HTML free online validating tool (for testing website accessibility):  
http://validator.w3.orgOr contact the Scottish Accessible Information Forum (SAIF): 0141 226 5261, www.saifscotland.org.uk/
back

Q: Who can I contact for information about alternative sources of government funding?
A: Contact the Social Fund, part of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) or the Benefits Enquiry Helpline Telephone: 0800 88 22 00 textphone: 0800 24 33 55.
back

Q: Is there a special number to report antisocial behaviour against disabled people?
A: Not yet. Contact your Local Authority’s anti-social behaviour action team. Find their number on www.asb.homeoffice.gov.uk. You can also contact your Community Safety Team, Community Support Officers or your local Neighbourhood Warden. They are trained to deal with just this sort of thing. Your Local Authority or Police Station will give you their details.
back

Q: How do I apply for/ renew a Blue Badge?
A: Contact either your local authority or the blue badge advice line (0207 944 2914 or 0161 367 0009; email: bluebadge@dft.gsi.gov.ukFind your Local Authority: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/DevolvedAdministrations/DG_4003604
back

Q: Who do I contact to claim DLA?; who do I contact to claim ESA?; how do I appeal the DWP/ Government’s decision?
A: Contact the DLA helpline telephone: 08457 123 456 textphone: 08457 22 44 33; Contact the ESA helpline telephone 0800 055 6688, textphone 0800 023 4888;
To appeal first write to the DWP, then contact the Independent Tribunals Service on 0141 354 8400.
back

Q: I receive Disability Living Allowance and my carer wants to claim Carer’s Allowance. Will this affect my rate of DLA?  
A: No. Your rate of DLA is not affected whether you have a carer who claims Carers Allowance or not. To make a claim for Carers Allowance please call 0845 608 4321.
back

Q: How do I apply for a Motability vehicle?
A: You must first be receiving the high rate of the mobility component of Disabled Living Allowance (DLA). Contact Motability on 0845 456 4566.
back

Q: Who may drive my Motability vehicle?
A: When you purchase a vehicle through the Motability scheme you will be asked to designate two drivers who will be insured to drive the car. One could be you and the other a friend, carer or family member. Or you may designate two others as drivers if you wish, although this means you may not drive the vehicle yourself. The designated drivers can use the car whenever you wish - you do not need to be actually present in the car when it's used.

However, the journey must benefit the disabled person in some way. This could mean shopping on your behalf, picking up medication or going to the post office for you. The drivers that you designate may use the car to travel to and from their work - as long as you benefit from the subsequent salary or wages - e.g. the driver is your spouse and they pay bills, rent or for groceries. However, you must give your consent to the driver and control must remain with you.
back

Q: How do I apply for a disabled home adaptation?
A: Contact your Local Authority’s ‘Home Adaptations and Grants’ team. To find your Local Authority please visit: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/DevolvedAdministrations/DG_4003604
back

Q: Who can I make a complaint to?
A: A private firm?
Contact the Trading Standards Office: 08454 04 05 06 (Consumer Direct) www.tradingstandards.gov.uk; The Office of Fair Trading: 08457 22 44 99 www.oft.gov.uk/
My employer?
Contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS): 08457 474 747 www.acas.org.uk
The NHS?
Contact the NHS Ombudsman: 0800 377 7330; www.spso.org.uk NHS Quality Improvement Scotland: 0131 623 4300 www.nhshealthquality.org
My local authority?
Contact the Local Government Ombudsman: 0300 061 0614 www.lgo.org.uk/ or Commission for Local Administration in Scotland: 0131 225 5300
A government body?
First, complain to the department or agency directly. Then contact your local MP: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/diol1/doitonline/dg_4018047 Your MP may refer your case to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration: 0345 015 4033 www.ombudsman.org.uk/ NB: their powers exclude Local Authorities, the Police, nationalised industries and the Post Office
back

Q: What are the social and the medical model of disability?
A: The 'social model' of disability makes a distinction between the impairment itself (such as a condition that makes a person unable to walk) and the disabling effects of society in relation to that impairment. In simple terms, it is not the inability to walk that prevents a person entering a building unaided but the existence of stairs that are inaccessible to a wheelchair-user. In other words, 'disability' is socially constructed. The 'social model' is often contrasted with the 'medical model' which sees 'disability' as synonymous with 'impairment.'

The medical model of disability understands disability to be the result of a physical condition, intrinsic to the individual (it is part of that individual's own body). The disability may reduce the individual’s quality of life, and causes clear disadvantages. Therefore, a just society should invest resources to cure disabilities medically and make disabled people more "normal".

The social model views disabled people as having the same desires, needs, and aspirations of non-disabled people. Therefore disabled people should be allowed to enjoy the same freedoms and choices as those who are not considered disabled, and should be allowed equal rights and responsibility in making life decisions. Disability is not seen as something invoking pity or in need of a cure, and it may be viewed as a positive asset. Equality for disabled people is often seen in the same light as equality for other socially marginalised groups.
back

Q: What is palantype and what is sternography?
A: Palantype and sternography refer to two similar processes of verbatim computer-aided transcription for deaf people. A trained specialist types spoken words into either a palantype or stenograph keyboard, which is then translated into conventional English by a software package and appears almost immediately on a laptop, visual display unit (VDU) or projector screen.
back

Q: How do I register to vote?
A: Simple. Just contact the Electoral Commission on 0845 8500 501 or  0131 225 0200. www.aboutmyvote.co.uk infoscotland@electoralcommission.org.uk
back

Q: Who can I contact for more information on Dating, Penpal and Befriending Services?
A: Friendship: www.disabledunited.com, www.disabledfriends.com,  
www.abilityfriends.comDating: www.disabledpeopledate.com, www.enabledalready.com, www.disableddating4u.co.uk.
Befriending: Age Concern: www.ageconcernandhelptheagedscotland.org.uk; Helpline: 0845 125 9732.
Befriending Network Scotland: www.befriending.co.uk
back

 

A: When you purchase a vehicle through the Motability scheme you will be asked to designate two drivers who will be insured to drive the car. One could be you and the other a friend, carer or family member. Or you may designate two others as drivers if you wish, although this means you may not drive the vehicle yourself. The designated drivers can use the car whenever you wish - you do not need to be actually present in the car when it's used.

However, the journey must benefit the disabled person in some way. This could mean shopping on your behalf, picking up medication or going to the post office for you. The drivers that you designate may use the car to travel to and from their work - as long as you benefit from the subsequent salary or wages - e.g. the driver is your spouse and they pay bills, rent or for groceries. However, you must give your consent to the driver and control must remain with you.

Go to Top