Category: Let's talk
I'm going to an event in London, it's like a big video blogging/youtube con, and I've asked for accessibility info. I explained I'd need to bring someone with me, because the event will be crowded, I can't read signs and I'll need assistance with finding the meet and greet, things like that. I'm also attending a creator day and there will be a ton of presentations, and I really want to have someone with me who can read the slides in the event I can't get them in an alternative format on the day or before.
They sent me a link to a form to fill out to get a carers pass.
However, they require proof that you need a carer, either in the form of a DLA letter stating you receive both high rate mobility and care, or a doctors note. For reference, DLA is disability living allowance, a kind of benefit we receive here in the UK.
I only receive middle rate care, and I'm not sure my doctor would be willing to say I need a carer.
90% of the time I don't need assistance, or at least not to bring someone with me. And I I could go to an event like this without it, but it would be incredibly stressful. I don't want to be wasting my time having to ask and ask and ask where things are, to attempt to find each table where the vloggers I want to see will be at, to find an appropriate area for the dog to go to the bathroom etc. If I have someone with me, we can share some of that responsibility.
What should I do? I explained my requirements but they directed me to this form. Do you think the proof they require is appropriate, and considers all disabilities?
I genuinly don't want to fight them, because I can understand why they are doing this. They need to ensure people aren't just bringing someone along and trying to get a free ticket. But for some people, especially those with sensory impairments I'm not sure we could get the documentation they want.
Should I go alone, even though to be honest I really don't want to do this? Or buy a ticket for someone to come with me, even though it's a 3 day event so will be quite expensive.
Or do you think it's worth talking to them about this and seeing if there's something I can do.
I just...don't know. I mean, I feel bad because some disabled people really do require care, and I obviously don't. But having someone to assist me at an event like this would mean I could just do the things I want and not have to think about certain things, which would be nice. I'd also be able to get more done each day, making my ticket worthwhile.
Keep it simple.
Tell your doctor what you need. She or he will fix it, and that's that.
Not necessarily. A lot of doctors here will not write such a letter, unless they feel care is needed. I am going to call them though.
I should have added, and of course I know I don't need care, it's just the term the accomodations form uses. But I would like a guide!
Requiring a guide is in a sense, another form of care. Your doctor should be intelligent enough (hopefully) to realize this. I mean, why should you be the only one who gets to go to this thing which incidentally, does sound kinda neat but not get to enjoy it to the full level of enjoyment of your sighted piers?
Exactly. Explain what you require and why.
I'm sure your doctor will understand this.
I agree, definitely try the doctor angle first and if, after your explanation of the situation, your doctor doesn't see the need, you might want to shop around doctors in the future (if that is something you can do with your health system).
If the doctor declines and you don't have another doctor you can ask, whether or not you go alone or with someone you are footing the bill for depends on a lot.
Can you afford the expense and at what cost to your budget, short and long term?
Also, you know yourself. If you go alone, will it still be worth your time and effort with all the added stress and overload and time spent?
If you can afford it and think someone assisting you will add to the experience, spring for the ticket, etc. I hope the doctor is sensible and you don't need to cover the cost on your own, though.
You could always go alone, but I'm willing to bet that if you have a good relationship with your doctor, they will sign the form, no questions asked. They are usually good about that. If not, go to a clinic and pretend to be completely incompetent; they'll sign that paper right quick.
Good luck.
Thanks, I'm calling the doctor regardless, because it definitely seems worth a try.
Say how it goes.