This article is published in today's Nottingham Post:
Hundreds sign up for disability ID scheme
MORE than 1,000 people in Notts have signed up to a pioneering scheme allowing them to prove they have a disability.
The cards, which are being produced by the county council, help people who are not obviously disabled use services they are entitled to.
Since being launched last summer, 1,200 people have been given the photo-identity cards.
The authority, the first in the country to offer the scheme, is now planning to provide free cards to disabled children.
Youngsters will be able to choose from designs featuring a giraffe, a leaf or a dove if councillors give the go-ahead.
The scheme has now been recognised nationally after being shortlisted for two awards.
Paul McKay, director of adult social services for the county council, said its success had been "phenomenal".
He said: "It has given people more respect and dignity and improved their well-being.
"Not everyone has an obvious disability and this scheme gives people a lot more confidence."
The cards are designed to fit in a purse or wallet and include the holder's picture.In some cases, people with colostomy bags have been able to use the card to prove they are disabled when entering nightclubs.
As many as 40 people a week in Notts are now applying for the cards and the council has taken on a new part-time worker to deal with requests.
Arnold resident Terry Gallagher – who has had his bladder and large intestine removed but doesn't use a wheelchair or walking aid – came up with the idea.
He said: "The council deserves a tremendous amount of credit for doing this. I know a lady who suffers very badly from asthma who found a disabled seat on the bus and started using her inhaler.
"A group of young mums started calling her names for using the seat, but the poor woman was fighting to breathe and was so frightened she wouldn't go out.
"But she now has a disability card and is able to go out because she has the confidence. It is a wonderful scheme."
Michael Northridge, 69, of Hucknall, often needs to use the toilet at short notice after having an ileostomy.
He said: "When I saw this I thought it was a brilliant idea. I have already used it twice in emergencies.
"Once I had to visit a pub to use the toilet and I had the card already at hand. I felt very confident about it."
Leaflets and application forms for the cards are available at most libraries and all county contact points, where advisors can are on hand to help.
They are also available by phoning 08449 808080.
