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SN children

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Original poster

Access card companion symbol

30 replies

wejammin · 21/02/2023 16:23

I've just applied for an access card for DC1 who is 11, diagnosed autistic with PDA profile.

We've been granted the 'queuing' symbol which is great, but rejected for the 'companion' symbol i.e. no free carer ticket.

I explained on the form that DC needs a constant 1-1 adult at all times because if his needs are not immediately met or he becomes disregulated he will become aggressive and/or run off. He's very able academically but as an example, if I took him and DC2 to the theatre and he wasn't enjoying it, he wouldn't just sit there and accept it, he would kick off until we all left. I'm not blaming him for this at all, but surely this is the exact sort of thing a companion ticket is for?

So just wondering really, if you've got an access card did you get a companion symbol? Otherwise this feels like a company making money out of disabled people but not actually meeting their needs.

OP posts:

Lesley25 · 21/02/2023 16:38

We did get a companion symbol but w e had to prove this with documents showing my child’s difficulties before they would issue it.

Original poster

wejammin · 21/02/2023 16:55

I submitted his full psychological assessment and his local authority letter confirming that the assessment was agreed. He's not got any other documents and his assessments only really relate to his education needs. All I got from the LA was a "handy leaflet" 🙄

I don't really know how I would "prove" he needs an adult with him apart from the fact he has a diagnosis.

OP posts:

Lesley25 · 21/02/2023 20:06

Are you in receipt of direct payments for carers?
receive DLA or carers allowance?
have a social worker complete a child in need review?
I submitted the above and the social services documents were the clearest in showing that his needs in the community warranted a carer with him.

Original poster

wejammin · 21/02/2023 20:24

No we don't get any benefits. I need to do the DLA application as I think he qualifies. I've just been putting it off because it depresses me.
No social services involved.
We don't get help from anyone.

OP posts:

Ilovechoc12 · 21/02/2023 21:13

An EHCP with a 1 to 1 at school? Or out of school? Special school?

Original poster

wejammin · 21/02/2023 21:25

None of those, he masks really well at school and is extremely academically bright so manages without a 1-1 or EHCP, he just has a learning support plan but none of the points on it would relate to support in the community, only to things like needing advance notice of changes, not using metaphors to explain things, social skills support, use of fidget toys.

OP posts:

Catherine66 · 16/06/2023 18:58

Hi, my son has the +1 on his Access Card.

Amyw27 · 15/09/2023 13:26

@Catherine66 Hi could you tell me what you put to get this please as they are after more details. My son has autism non verbal l ADHD and global developmental delay. I can explain how he needs constant supervision etc but this isn't good enough. I've also explained that taking him out can be very short of he gets overwhelmed.

thanks in advance :)

Catherine66 · 15/09/2023 13:49

Hi, I’ll try and dig out my application for the Access Card and get back to you with what I put. Xx

Amyw27 · 15/09/2023 17:24

@Catherine66 thank you, that means a lot x

Quisquam · 15/09/2023 21:04

I’ve never had an access card at all for DD1. I just show people her blue badge or the latest DWP letter about the rates this year, for her indefinite DLA award.

Often people don’t even want that. They can tell just by looking.

Amyw27 · 16/09/2023 05:28

Yes you can do this in some places but these cards for for places like theme parks and theatre.

Quisquam · 16/09/2023 13:56

Yes you can do this in some places but these cards for for places like theme parks and theatre.

We’ve never had a problem in theme parks or theatres either, although there is documentation saying DD needs 1:1 supervision all her waking hours; and 2:1 in the community!

OvertakenByLego · 16/09/2023 15:00

For companion tickets at some theatres e.g. those who use ATG tickets you have to apply to Nimbus (who run the access card scheme). You don’t have to pay for the full access card, but you do have to complete the application via Nimbus beforehand. Documentation such as blue badge and DWP letters (unless attendance allowance specifically) isn’t enough.

Nimbus now implement Merlin’s RAP scheme too. Again, you don’t have to pay for the full access card, but you do have to complete the application via Nimbus beforehand. Turning up with documentation on the day isn’t accepted. Although you don’t need to +1/+2 for free carer entry with them, other documentation is accepted for that.

Amyw27 · 18/09/2023 13:23

Yes my little one is the same but this documentation can't be used everywhere

Catherine66 · 18/09/2023 19:09

Hi, just checking that you got the PM that I sent you? I hope it helps. X

Amyw27 · 19/09/2023 06:55

@Catherine66 hi Catherine, I'm new to all of this how do I check 😅 sorry to be a pain x

Wonderwoman2016 · 05/01/2024 18:07

Hi Catherine I was wondering if you could help me too? My DD has ADHD and is being assessed for ASD. She's currently being granted the queing symbol and toilet access but she's being refused the companion symbol. I'm at my whits end what proof they require

Any help would be appreciated sorry to jump.on this post

Jules912 · 06/01/2024 15:07

How old is your child? I haven't got an access card as assumed DD wouldn't qualify for the +1 as any 8 year old would need accompanying. May have to look again if that's not the case.

OvertakenByLego · 06/01/2024 15:13

Any 8 year old would need accompanying, but not all need the same level of care. For example, some need 1:1 or 2:1 which could mean the need for an extra adult. Some 8 year olds qualify for +1 or even +2.

Amyw27 · 06/01/2024 15:37

Hi I was successful. I stated that my little attacks me when overwhelmed x

Kayone · 21/02/2024 13:09

Plus 1
This is taken directly from the Access Card website:
For children, we do not question that your child may need a certain amount of support when out and about, but we are unlikely to award the +1 symbol where they would already be in direct supervision and guidance by a parent or other family member

Sprogonthetyne · 01/03/2024 12:59

I've just completed an application for DD, I point out that I cannot take both my children out on my own, like other parents would, as I cannot just ignore my other child for half an hour while I deal with DD's meltdown. Therefore we always have to take and pay for 2 adults, where other families could have all the DC supervised by 1.

Not sure if they will agree, but will report back when I get a response.

Lisamjj · 04/05/2024 13:30

@Catherine66 hi. Can I ask how you managed to get the +1? My 12 year old daughter with Asd needs constant supervision and apparently isn’t eligible. Thank you

Sprogonthetyne · 04/05/2024 20:47

I posted previously when I was applying for DD. I didn't get the +1 for her, despite asking for reconsideration and providing more evidence. I did however get it for her older brother. The kids have a similar level of need, so the only real difference is DS gets lower rate mobility on his DLA, for extra supervision when out/ walking which DD doesn't (DD is 4, so doesn't qualify). Sorry, that probably doesn't help anyone.

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