Support organisations for people with disabilities
Keeping in touch with other people who have disabilities can be a good way of getting informal advice and support. You can get to know other people with disabilities through local support groups, disability organisations and charities, or online disability forums.
Local support
Your local council website may list local organisations and groups offering support to people with disabilities.
You may also find out about local disability groups:
- on noticeboards at your local library or community centre
- through your doctor's surgery
- through your local hospital
Support organisations for people with specific needs
Getting involved with a charity or other organisation that supports people with your specific disability or medical condition can be a good way of meeting people and getting advice.
Some national organisations have a network of local offices that offer support services and organise social activities for members.
Some charities for specific disabilities have online forums where you can chat with other people with the same disability.
Many also have magazines and other publications you can subscribe to.
Some organisations have a helpline you can call or access by textphone for specialist advice about your disability.
This could be especially useful if you are newly disabled or concerned about how your disability may affect important decisions, such as starting a family or returning to work.
Support if you are blind or visually impaired
- Glaucoma UK
- Guide Dogs Northern Ireland
- RNIB reading service
- Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
- Sense Northern Ireland
Support if you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus
- British Deaf Association
- Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
- National Association of Deafened People
- National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS)
- RNID
- Sense Northern Ireland
- Sign Station (external link opens in a new window / tab)