Possibly odd question about Social Services

[MiladyDeSummer]

We've moved house and I'm finding the kitchen a real problem.

We did a housing association exchange and have been told that it's in an "acceptable" condition.

There are things I can work around such as a draining board which doesn't drain and leaky taps, manky sealant. Fine.

The cupboard doors are all fitted any old way and my DD who has a blood-clotting disorder is constantly bashing herself in the head and face opening them the wrong way. The HA know this.

But the main issue is that the fifteen year old units don't have exterior handles to which I can attach locks. DS is autistic so you can imagine.

I've been told that there is a grant available, up to 30K for adaptations but it can only be accessed by applying to the disability team at SS who will send an OT. I really do not want to do this. Besides, what the hell will any old OT do? They would need to be sensory / ASD trained surely? It isn't about mobility in the home. He's too sodding mobile if anything

Is there a way, do you think, of getting an OT out to look at the place without requesting a full-on jump-through-hoops SS assessment?

I'm actually considering ringing up "on behalf of a friend" to find this out because I'm that bothered about being on their radar.

You will have to go through the Disability Team to request a visit from their OT-not sure if you will have to have an assessment of your ds as well.
We have had a visit from the OT at our disability team as we are short of space and have 2 ds with Autism, and the psychiatrist suggested converting the loft into a bedroom.
The process has been loooong,(though by law shouldnt be), and we are now waiting for the OT to speak to her line manager.
The OTs are not ASD specific, but work with the disability team on requests for housing apadtations.
If the work you need doing isnt going to cost much, youll probably get it done, but, big money=biiiig wait-especially in this economic climate. Our next step, is to make an official complaint.
SS can be helpful-sometimes-these days,they may not offer much in the way of Respite, but they do have knowledge of charities and can apply on your behalf.
Lastly, have you tried the Family Fund? They may be able to help with funds to sort the kitchen. Good Luck.