Frequently Asked Questions
If you, or someone you care for, has a problem or an issue surrounding a disability they may not know whom to contact for help. This page contains some of the most frequently asked questions that are received in a local DIAL. It contains links to the contact details of a local dial in your area where you can get help and advice.
Q. I am interested in setting up a Disability Information Advice
Line can DIAL UK help with this?
Q. I have a disability related enquiry who do I contact?
Q. We are a Disability related organisation and would like to
promote a disability service with flyers that we have produced. Can we promote
this via the DIAL UK membership mailing?
Q. I want to apply for Disability Living Allowance
Q. I want to go into town but have mobility problems.
Q. I am disabled and want to go on holiday.
10 popular myths about people with disabilities:
FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. I am interested in setting up a Disability Information Advice Line can DIAL UK help with this?
At DIAL UK we have a development team who can assist you with all aspects of setting up an information and advice centre for more information contact our development team email developmentenqueries@dialukorg.uk or Telephone 01302 310123.
Q. I have a disability related enquiry who do I contact?
DIAL UK refers your enquiries to your local DIAL to assist you with your query. You can find your nearest DIAL on the DIAL UK web site from our Find A DIAL section. The DIAL UK phone number 01302 310 123 is for members and other organisations but we can also refer you to your local DIAL if you give the locality you are in for example Town and/or County.
Q. We are a Disability related organisation and would like to promote a disability service with flyers that we have produced. Can we promote this via the DIAL UK membership mailing?
Yes we have a mailing once a month which we mail out to our subscribed members. For costing please email our Information team or Tel 01302 310 123 for the attention of the Information team.
Q. I want to apply for Disability Living Allowance but the claim form seems very Complicated. Do you know anyone who can help me to complete it?
A. The Disability Living Allowance claim form is difficult to complete and can be quite daunting. One problem that people face when completing the form is how to describe their illness or disability, and the problems they are experiencing. Some people tend to under state the difficulties they are having and often get turned down for DLA.
You can contact a local DIAL, they are staffed by people who have personal experience of disability and may have, or be able to refer you to, people who can help you to complete the form effectively. Some local DIALs also offer home visits.
Q. I want to go into town but have mobility problems. Where can I hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter from?
A. Your local DIAL will have details of organisations in your own area that hire wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Q. I am disabled and want to go on holiday. Where can I find holiday accommodation that is accessible to people with disabilities?
A. If you have an idea of where you would like to go on holiday in the UK you could contact a local DIAL in that area, they will have local knowledge of holiday accommodation that is suitable for disabled people. Alternatively, you could contact a local DIAL in your own area that may be able to give you general information on holiday accommodation.
10 popular myths about people with disabilities:
Myth 1: Disability is a devastating personal tragedy with no cure.
Truth: The lives of disabled people are not tragic. The solution to disability is to remove the environmental and attitudinal barriers, which are the real causes of the disabling process.
Myth 2: Most deaf people can lip-read.
Truth: This skill is never wholly reliable, requires intense concentration and can be very tiring. Deaf people communicate most easily in sign language.
Myth 3: Blind people acquire a sixth sense.
Truth: Other sense may be used to gain accurate information, but there is no such thing as a sixth sense.
Myth 4: Children should not ask people about their disabilities.
Truth: Some adults find the natural, uninhibited curiosity of children embarrassing. Reprimanding children for asking questions may cause them to think there is something bad about disability. Most disabled people will not mind answering a child's questions.
Myth 5: Disability and illness are interrelated.
Truth: Disabled people are not necessarily sick, but are subject to the same illnesses as any other person.
Myth 6: Disabled people always need help and may be dependant.
Truth: Being physically unable to do something does not cause dependency, not being able to fly is solved by using the services of an airline company. Disabled people may require different services and it is only when choice over those services is removed that dependency occurs.
Myth 7: Most disabled people are unable to have sexual relationships.
Truth: People with disabilities, like other people, are sexual beings. They can have relationships and children.
Myth 8: Disabled people are brave and courageous.
Truth: The experience of disability requires an adaptation of life style rather than bravery and courage. It should be viewed, in many ways, as similar to any other significant life event.
Myth 9: Wheelchair use is confining, the users are literally bound.
Truth: A wheelchair, like a shoe or a car, is a mobility aid that enables a person to get around. Wheelchair users are restricted by an environment that has been designed for able-bodied living.
Myth 10: The expectations of disabled people differ from others.
Truth: Disabled people go to school, work, form relationships, do their washing, eat, get angry, pay taxes, laugh, cry, have prejudices, vote, plan and dream like anyone else.
