Adjusting to disability
Becoming disabled through illness, injury, accident or a worsening medical condition can affect many areas of someone's life. Here are some of the things you may need to think about.
Your doctor (GP)
Your local doctor (GP) will be central to much of the health support you receive whether you have a progressive illness (something that develops over time or in stages) or a sudden disability caused by, for example, an accident.
You may also come across doctors and consultants and their teams who specialise in certain conditions and disabilities at hospital and clinics.
Health and social care support
Becoming disabled means you may need support from health and social care services for the first time. A health and social care assessment with your local trust is the first step.
You may be entitled to a package of support which could include home care help, disability and/or health equipment and adaptations.
You may also be entitled to a grant to help you adapt your home or be offered alternative accommodation such as supported housing.
Financial support
If you become disabled, you may be entitled to financial support to help meet extra costs as a direct result of your disability.
This ranges from disability benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance, to VAT relief on products and services related to your disability, rates' reduction or grants to help adapt your home, if necessary.
Employment
If you become disabled while in work there are many things you, and your employer, can do to enable you to remain in employment. You do have employment rights under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Adjustments to the workplace, processes or your duties could include providing practical aids and technical equipment to help you, organising a phased return to work, alternative employment within the same company, flexible hours or perhaps part-time work.
Whether you are in or out of work, Disability Employment Advisers at Jobcentre offices can give you support and advice about work.
Driving and your vehicle
If you are a driver, you must let the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVANI) know about any medical condition or disability that may affect your driving.
If you become disabled, you may be able to get your own vehicle adapted.
Otherwise there are several options of getting an adapted vehicle, including the Motability scheme. You may also be exempt from paying vehicle tax.
Support groups and organisations
Keeping in touch with other people with disabilities can be a good way of getting informal advice and support - especially if your disability is new.
Your family and friends
Family members and friends may suddenly find themselves in a 'caring' role. They are also entitled to an assessment of their needs as a carer. They may be entitled to receive financial support such as Carer's Allowance.
If you are a parent or thinking of becoming one, look at our information covering having a baby, parental support, schools and more.
Mental health
A new disability can sometimes affect a person's mental health - often there is a period of adjustment needed.
If you experience mental health problems, your doctor or another health professional may refer you to a specialist like a psychotherapist, community psychiatric nurse or a counsellor. These professionals will work with you to help you find ways of dealing with problems you are experiencing or concerns you may have.
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