Access cards - are they any good?

[Bellyfat]

Has anyone found the access card useful?

I applied for my daughter (almost 16yrs) and they've said she can have the queue part but not +1.

She is autistic with non-epileptic seizures caused by overwhelm/overstimulation, meltdowns and shutdowns that result in headbutting walls, hitting her head, joint locking, rocking, dribbling and semi-consciousness.

She's the most brilliant kid, some days are excellent and some days she masks so hard she makes herself poorly.

I sent all her medical reports but they said they need to see specifically about difficulties accessing the community. I think her medical letters show that and don't know what else to provide. We haven't applied for DLA as until now I have been able to afford her special interests and needs.

Also, I'm exhausted. Am I flogging a dead horse. Is the card even any good or am I wasting my energy on something that if she gets isn't worth the plastic it's printed on?

Personally, we haven’t bothered with paying for the access cards but my DSs are in receipt of DLA. We haven’t come across anywhere that only accepts the paid for access card and won’t accept other evidence. Some attractions/theatres etc. use Nimbus for their schemes but run a free scheme just for that attraction where you don’t have to pay for the full access card.

OP with all the medical history you have I am shocked you haven’t been given a 1+ on the access card.

Go back and spell it out with examples like…
”my child needs an emotional support person to help regulate their emotions “ or “my child needs to have someone with them to restrain them from hurting themselves “

Think of real life examples where you have helped them cope with a situation.

My daughter only got an Access card last year because she was going on a trip to a theme park with a group of other young adults with additional needs. The organisers asked that everyone apply. Tbh I’d never heard of it before.

Yesterday I phoned a theatre box office and because I had her access card number and expiry date to hand was able to buy tickets instantly rather than reserving and emailing the front page of PIP. So in answer to your question, yes the card is worth getting for the convenience of use.