For finding the term "registered disabled" annoying?

[BobbyBiscuits]

As background, I worked on behalf of the DWP for 15 years, and one project was developing the process/ forms etc for DLA to PIP transition. It was not a nice workplace but I really enjoyed speaking to the clients and getting their voices heard. (I was too junior for any decision making and simply interviewed clients in view to designing the forms etc)

After a MH breakdown, I found myself in the same position as my clients and now claim both PIP and ESA. I have MH which has now generated PH issues. My family are also on same/ blue badge etc.

For some reason recently this terminology has been annoying me...I hear a lot of people describing themselves as "registered disabled'. Why not just say 'disabled'?

This is a voluntary self reporting scheme that some councils offer. There is no such thing in any meaningful terms. Disability is a spectrum and how if affects each person is very different. I hate the benefit system and am not advocating it but get frustrated when people use this terminology as it's meaningless.

There is no register of disabled people, and it's really misleading. It can muddy the waters when people seek help.

I'm not blaming disabled people, but whoever started the terminology.

Any thoughts on this?

No one is saying disabilities don't include being blind. I don't know why you can't grasp this? We are saying that when people think you have to be "registered" to be be disabled then some people miss out on vital protections.

You are missing the point.

But people who are registered as sight impaired are not registered as (generically) “disabled”, are they? They’re registered with their specific level of sight impairment. There is no one “registered disabled” list encompassing everyone who is disabled (which would of course include people registered as sight impaired), yet is what a lot of organisations seem to be implying / requiring.

@WhompingWillows

how about we can all exercise our right to freedom of speech and all talk about our personal experiences of disabilities? The irony of people getting pissed off because the whole premise of the thread was that there is no such thing as being registered disabled and me constantly sticking my hand up and reminding that, yes, there is, and then being told that you want to have a debate about disabilities that doesn’t include being blind….

The debate is about disabilities that are not registered, which does not include blind people.

There is no central register, as has been said. There are lots of separate registers for various things which disabled people may or may not be included on.

I see "registered as disabled" as distinct from "identifies as disabled"
Meaning there is some verifiable evidence of the person being disabled. That might include a diagnosis but not necessarily.

@sondot, no the whole premise of the debate, if you refer back to the OP, is that there is no such thing as being registered disabled. Anyway, it’s brilliant to have acknowledgment and recognition that blind people ARE registered and are disabled, thank you. I appreciate that. I’m not agin you, as the parent of two children who have multiple disabilities, some of which are registered (😅) and some which are not.

I don't "identify as" disabled. I am disabled. I have a diagnosed condition that caused disability. But I am not on any register and I do not claim any benefits. I would need to adduce medical evidence to demonstrate disability.

That's my distinction. I am disabled, it's not something I have coopted as an identity. It's ever present in my life. Being on a register somewhere wouldn't make it more or less real.

I see disabled as anyone that meets the criteria in the Equality Act (that would include the registered blind and those that claim PIP or have voluntarily registered with a local authority but it is not limited to them )

It's annoying that some tourist type places say that you can have eg a carer ticket for free if you are "registered" disabled. How are you meant to prove it??

This makes disturbing reading.

My council has issued me with a blue badge and disability bus pass (renewed several times) but at no time has told me about their "register" or if I'm eligible for any help with grab rails or council tax reduction etc.

I also didn't realise that having PIP opened doors to other benefits. I was always told DH earned too much and that door slammed shut, eg I have to pay for prescriptions . FML.

if you have a disability benefit then an.award letter is proof of eligibility for concession tickets or entrance stuff.

Local advice centre and we use the term registered disabled so we know if people get PIP/AA/DLA, so we can then know if they are entitled to other things due to being registered disabled. Getting those benefits can be a passport to other entitlements.

Because you'd have an award letter.

But they don't mean you are registered disabled. This adds to the problem.

It does for benefit purposes and disabled grants we apply for everyday.

Yeah, usually DLA/PIP. Most people I know on PIP will get "free" tickets (meant to be carer tickets) to local theatre shows etc, yet don't need a carer in their day to day life.

Then you have people like my best friend who has a Blue Badge, and does need escorting when out, but was turned down for PIP.

I really don’t like “registered disabled” equating to PIP/DLA/AA. The implication is then if you don’t get one of these benefits you aren’t really disabled, which is definitely not the case!

Plus anyone who’s ever had interaction with disability benefits knows how unpredictable / unfair DWP decision-making can be…

It does for benefit purposes and disabled grants we apply for everyday.

It does what?

You can say that makes you registered disabled all you like but it doesn't. It means you qualify for a disability benefit. That's all.

OK I'll tell citizens advice that tomorrow thanks.

YANBU it is annoying. What is this register, and how do you get on it?
The only register I am aware of is that for blind people.

My best friend has a Blue Badge (so considered disabled by her local council), is unable to work, yet was turned down for PIP.

Well, DLA/PIP is going to be used to award sickness benefits (for UC) at some point, which makes no sense at all.

most people or just people you read about on the Internet getting "free stuff"

@LondonerLassy

OK I'll tell citizens advice that tomorrow thanks.

I realise you are being sarcastic but actually it's something that should be raised.

No, people I know in my personal life. One lady was awarded PIP then went on to brag about all the free tickets she could get to things.... when she has always gone to such things alone anyway.

I did say most people I know.

I mean citizens advice really ought to know the law tbh so if they don't it would be good to set them straight

what free tickets though I mean did she pay full and get a carers ticket ?

Definitely, it's ridiculous
The fact I'm not entitled to PIP doesn't make my immunocompromised condition go away or any of the others