How to get disability diagnosis

[WellINeverKnewWho]

Hello,
I'm wondering how to go about getting registered as disabled. My mental health means that I struggle with day to day tasks and have done for over 12 months. My GP is aware and has me on anti depressants and counseling but I want to be registered disabled. How do I go about this? Thanks in advance.

What exactly do you mean by 'registered' disabled?

There's no such thing as "registered disabled". You could try applying for PIP, if you think you'd meet the requirements, it's not very easy to qualify for it.

What advantages do you see being on a register would bring you? I've been disabled for 10 years and I don't think there are any. Maybe if you explained more people might be able to help.

I'm glad you're getting the help you need.

There is no register of disabled people. What are you wanting to achieve from a register?

There isn't such a thing as "registered disabled" on a national level.

Medical services should record your protected characteristics including sex, religion etc. and disability status would be included in that. You could ask if when yours are recorded it is noted you have a disability.

You can also contact social care for an assessment for support if you need one and in that respect you might be registered with them.

If you work you can speak with occupational health about it.

People use this term but there isn't really any such thing. There's no central government list of disabled people.

Some people are eligible for certain disability related benefits. Some people are blue badge holders (I believe there is a register for this).

A great many people meet the definition of disabled as set out in the Equality Act 2010 but that doesn't in itself put you on any kind of register. I hope for obvious reasons.

So it really depends on what you want or need to achieve.

Thank you firstly! I totally did not know there wasn't a type of register (& I do realise that's not the right word). To answer the questions bluntly: I would like to train and use an assistance dog. I feel this would open so many day to day things that I'm not able to do for to anxiety (shopping etc).

www.assistancedogs.org.uk/members/

I think it's very unlikely you will get an assistance dog based on a diagnosis of depression tbh.

Thank you. I know about that organisation but as I understand it there's also no register for assistance dogs so you can train your own and there is no legal certification so I'm more wondering how to show if I'm disabled.

Maybe start off from what are you hoping to achieve?

Your local authority may have a voluntary register - there’s some general information here.

I'm hoping to achieve being able to walk into a shop without any trouble. Being able to order a drink. Walk down the road easily. I think a dog could do that but I don't know how disability is judged for something like that. I've read all the equality act and I think I qualify but I don't want to do anything illegal.

Sorry for not putting that in my first post, I hate threads where people do that 🤦🏻‍♀️

Thank you. I know about that organisation but as I understand it there's also no register for assistance dogs so you can train your own and there is no legal certification so I'm more wondering how to show if I'm disabled.

Isn't that just, a dog? There is no way to show you are disabled unless you quality for PIP. That is usually enough to open gates, for example to get a disabled persons railcard unless you are epileptic or blind (from memory) you need to be on PIP/DLA.

pads.foundation/what-we-are/

Again thank you for replying and I'm sorry I'm not explaining myself well. I would like a dog who can be legally defined as an assistance dog as they could then accompany me to places that pets are not allowed, they become assistance aids legally.

Oh and again you've told me something I had no idea - that there's no proof of disability. I wouldn't be seeking PIP.

Again thank you for replying and I'm sorry I'm not explaining myself well. I would like a dog who can be legally defined as an assistance dog as they could then accompany me to places that pets are not allowed, they become assistance aids legally.

But you have said there is no register or legal certification?

Oh and again you've told me something I had no idea - that there's no proof of disability. I wouldn't be seeking PIP.

I'm disabled - I have my diagnosis letter to prove it.

There’s more information about assistance dogs here

I know, yikes I think that's why I'm confusing myself. I think my depression and anxiety would qualify under the equalities act, I want to be sure though as I don't want to do something illegal (eg claim a dog as an assistance dog if I then didn't actually meet the criteria for disability). Which is why I posed the question badly in the beginning. I suppose what I mean to ask is who can I check with to see if I do meet the criteria?

Thank you all for your patience.

Thank you!

You’re welcome. Maybe you could start by talking to Assistance Dogs UK about whether an assistance dog would be right for you?

PADs Foundation provides information on the rights of Psychiatric Assistance dog users, information on how to train your own dog. We provide help with choosing the right breed and individual dog as a psychiatric assistance dog as well as information on the Public Access test needed for you to gain membership. We will be providing resources for the public and businesses and friends, family and carers.

To utilise an assistance dog, regardless of the type of disability, a handler must qualify as disabled under the Equality Act of 2010. This means that their disability must have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Psychological assistance dogs in other countries have been used by people with a wide variety of diagnoses, including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, and Schizophrenia.

PADs UK does not discriminate based upon diagnosis (or anything else, for that matter) and is open to recipients with any psychological condition, provided they meet the legal standard to qualify as disabled. Potential clients will be assessed to assure that they would benefit from an assistance dog, that they can provide for the dog’s needs, and that the use of the assistance dog would complement their treatment plan

pads.foundation/frequently-asked-questions/

How am I deemed fit to have a Psychiatric Assistance Dog?

As part of the application process, your psychologist or doctor that is familiar with your mental history will need to verify that you are fit enough to both look after a dog and be safe with one in public places. Your condition must have been officially diagnosed at least 12 months previously to your application date and must be a significant mental health condition:

PTSD
Severe Depression
Severe Anxiety
Bipolar
Dissociative episodes

How does the application process work?
PADs Foundation accepts preliminary applications year round after an initial phone call to discuss the training process. Subsequently all applications will be completed through our secure online platform, currently under development.

Please note: submitting a full application does not mean the applicant is automatically approved for membership.

It is necessary for your Dr or psychiatrist to complete our downloadable questionnaire and vets form as part of the registration process

Ah ha, so maybe this is a question I can ask a GP. Thank you.

My daughter gets PIP due to her MH. She doesn't get a dog though.