We need DLA mobility part for some under 3's

[sleepysox]

The Disability Living Allowance has 2 parts- a care part and a mobility part.

Children have to be over 3 to get the mobility component of the DLA. In a nutshell, this is because a child who can't walk isn't considered to have special needs in the area until they are 3 or above. Up until this point, they could be classed a late developer.

However, children who are under 3 often need special needs buggies due to having low muscle tone etc and needing lots of support for their bodies. These buggies are huuge and don't fit in the boot of an average size car and the mobility component can provide a car in some instances.

So I'm asking for your support to ask the government to look into each case individually, like they do with the blue badge scheme, so that children who need a special needs buggy early can also claim mobility.

In my case, DS has a sn buggy because he has low muscle tone amongst other things (he has a rare brain condition and associated conditions), he's 15 months old. We got given the smallest, lightest sn buggy on the market, and it doesn't fit into the boot of our average sized family car. Not to sound overly dramatic, but we have no way of transporting the pushchair around, as it doesn't fit in our boot, and can't go onto the back seat due to 2 carseats being there. It doesn't fit in our roof box either.

So, I feel there's sometimes situations where people with disabled kids under the age of 3 require the mobility component of the DLA.

Mumsnet have said they'll back this campaign if we get enough responses, so please consider giving your support and responding to this thread.

Even if your child doesn't have additional needs, please consider the points I've made.

Thank you for your support.

[ouryve]

You definitely have my support.

Castle, I've signed your petition.

[sleepysox]

Thank you all for your support.

Thanks 5inthebed :)

[madlet]

You have my support too.

[superfantastic]

Got my support too. :)

[pinkorkid]

You have my support - it should be on a needs basis not a blanket policy.

[Thecarrotcake]

You have my support as well :)

[LunarRose]

you have my support

[MrsYamada]

You've got my support. Off to sign Castle's petition too.

[RespectTheDoughnut]

Adding my support :)

[Albrecht]

No experience of special needs (yet..) but would like to add my support.

[sleepysox]

Thanks for all your support :o

Will go and hunt out the article Riven.

[BALD]

adding my support

[poppyknot]

You have my support.

[beachholiday]

If its any use to you to know, in Ireland the scheme is that if you need an adaptation to your car (which can include a special carseat for baby with SN) you get VAT and VRT refund. No lower age limit Afaik, the child's need is assessed by a doctor.

So the thinking is that the doctor effectively assesses the child's need for adaptations and there are no arbitrary age limits that prevent a child with a need getting included in the scheme.

[loubielou31]

Blanket policies always mean that people with a genuine need miss out. Cases should be considered based on their particular needs. I support your campaign. Good luck.

[MrsShrekTheThird]

I'll back you, and sign up to any petitions you come up with.
I thought mobility couldn't be applied for til 5yo, so always thought this very wrong. As you say, much younger children can need it and not be considered. Well done for starting it off, sleepysox.

[Binfullofmaggotsonthe45]

Adding support -good luck

[readywithwellies]

Having had experience of fostering children with SN and disabilities, I agree with the OP's opinion that under 3s need to be looked at on a case by case basis and in cases of genuine need that the extra funding be allocated.

[Quenelle]

Adding my support.

[sleepysox]

I wrote to my MP when I started the campaign, but have yet to receive a response.

Here's a way of emailing them.
www.writetothem.com

Thanks Riven :)

Thanks to everyone whose supporting this.

[LadyBiscuit]

I will give my backing to your campaign - largely because I know how much my friend's adapted pushchair cost for her DD when she was that age.

[coppertop]

You have my support too.