Proof of disability and carer.

[Karenanne61]

One of my most favourite things is the theatre! Most theatres offer concessions for disabled and carers. Sometimes we are asked for proof. E.g confirmation of PIP and carers allowance . However, not everyone who is disabled receives PIP and not all carers receive carers allowance. I have been asked by a local theatre what I think could be shown as proof instead so I thought , whilst having a think myself, I'd also ask the knowledge people on here what they could /would /do offer as 'proof'. So many places do offer these concessions. Some say 'registered' disabled, there is no register as far as I know, only for the blind. Thankyou all. (Karen )

[Bevvy]

Hi. Have a look at something called an Access card. This is a card you need to apply for and will give you the proof required. My Access card gets me into theatres often with concession plus a carer/friend for free. It also means that I ring for tickets and the theatre ensures I am seated in a suitable place. Eg not too many stairs and near a toilet! If you just want for theatres then the card is free. I decided to pay for my card £15 for 3yrs. This means it can be used at other places such as amusement parks or the zoo I could go on.

Of course not all places accept the card but many do so it’s worth a look.

[Karenanne61 in reply to Bevvy]

Thankyou. We have looked into the Access card but some of the smaller, local theatres don't accept it. Which includes the theatre who asked for my ideas on proof of eligability.

[Bevvy in reply to Karenanne61]

Typical but I would certainly challenge that particular theatre to accept the Access card! I use mine as one way of not having to carry my personal and private PIP information around with me. Other methods of checking eligibility such as evidence of Blue Badge wouldn’t work at a theatre. People would need the BB to park so couldn’t show it!!

I suppose people under retirement age could show their Travel card…..??

[Karenanne61 in reply to Bevvy]

Thankyou so much! I wonder if a photocopy of the blue badge would work . . .?

[Bevvy in reply to Karenanne61]

Possibly but it would be difficult to carry around a piece of paper without it getting crumpled! Also would need to photocopy both sides for sufficient proof.

I genuinely don’t understand why places don’t accept the Access card? Believe me it isn’t easy to get an Access card and they do thorough checks to ensure people can’t “cheat” the system.

[Karenanne61 in reply to Bevvy]

I will definitely recommend the Access Card to the theatre. Thankyou.

[BrigidsFire in reply to Karenanne61]

Or a photograph of the side with your photo on it. Easy to keep on your phone.

[Titchykath in reply to Bevvy]

I have a photo of my blue badge on my phone and explain I can’t leave my car without the blue badge on show 😁

[Titchykath in reply to Bevvy]

yes I have a n access card , you can also go to the front of the queue, side doors for access, help if needed and check before you buy two tickets if your companion can go in free 🙂

[Maninblack]

A very interesting post. My husband has bronchiectasis and has a pacemaker/icd. He is considered disabled but these are hidden disabilities and we do not receive any allowances. I have taken a photo of his blue badge on my phone to use for hospital car parks etc. We have memberships to English Heritage and RSPB where I go free as his carer. It would be nice to go to the local theatres but access is often difficult with stairs.

[Bevvy in reply to Maninblack]

Duh of course you are right I had visions of a photocopy of blue badge when you can take a picture of it on your phone 🤦‍♀️. I would imagine you still need to take pictures of front and back of card to demonstrate that the card actually belong to your husband.

[Maninblack in reply to Bevvy]

Yes, you do. My husband is always nearby so they can match the photo to the person.

[Karenanne61 in reply to Maninblack]

Thankyou. Many theatres now are very accessible, i.e. ramps, lifts and wheelchair spaces. Some have designated phone numbers for access help. They will discuss your needs and help you find the most suitable seats.

[Numptybrain]

Surely a carers emergency card would be proof for carer through local authorities. get PIP so I have the proof and my husband is my main carer but I can imagine it’s difficult without the evidence.

Wendy xx

[Karenanne61 in reply to Numptybrain]

Thank you. My husband has researched this, and our local authority do not have this.

[Numptybrain in reply to Karenanne61]

How awful for you. I have mobility and a brain injury which makes my needs complex so my daughter put an application in for an access card for me but I also have a CEA card for my local cinema too. Sometimes hidden disabilities are complex, I also carry a lanyard with me with the sunflower on and most shops recognise it although some don’t look, even consultants in hospitals arnt very good when I need to attend an appointment on my own for any reason, I look fine on the outside, apart from my mobility issues but inside I struggle.

Good luck

Wendy x

[Titchykath in reply to Numptybrain]

Yep also cea card 😁

[katieoxo60]

Hello you are in that maze called disabled by law but not by proof, our local theatre accepts blue badge, railcard for disabled, attendance allowance , as well as the ones you said but there is a card you can buy now and just show it has been mentioned before and gives you reductions for theatre and other entertainment, however to get one you have to show some proof and often have to download it on the computer. Think Bevvy has mentioned it on your post An access card. This card is brilliant . I hate to ask but do you have an unseen disability, if blind there are other places that can help or if partially sighted. Not sure about deafness . Some disabled workers carry a disabled bus pass which has your picture on just like a blue badge many theatres allow disabled to register with proof for a period of time then you have to renew, but your name would still be on the computer. Theatres who do not recognise disability need are technically breaking the law on access need but smaller ones have a law covering that but most require you to prove your right to disability access assistance. This law is very complex not all disabled use wheelchairs . But may need help or ramps ect. Thank you for opening up this issue, mine is even more complex I have numerous proof of disability plus being over 70 now they try to blame it on my age, age just adds to the problem. Good luck with finding things for your theatre to ask for and do encourage them to honour disabled peoples rights.

[Karenanne61 in reply to katieoxo60]

My main disability is very severe copd with all it's attending difficulties. E.g. laboured breathing, coughing, mobility issues, anxiety etc. My daughter is 'registered ' blind so has a card with a number on it. (Though it does resemble something made by a toddler and is very flimsy!)

[katieoxo60 in reply to Karenanne61]

I have COPD too so share your sentiment, do you not claim pip or attendance allowance? I have moderate COPD and have to take 3 inhalers plus I have multi joint arthritis , visual impairment and the emotional toil all that imposes on us. I have a sight defect plus cataracts on both eyes =, fortunately they are willing to operate on my eyes. Beware if you go to a show that the stage smoke can irritate COPD. Now you have the facts you can consider what to do I am registered with my council as a disabled resident but I also worked for them as disabled too so they cannot ignore the facts.

[Karenanne61 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thankyou. I have severe copd and do claim pip but my husband is not eligible for carer's allowance. We are so lucky that we are able to visit the theatre often but have only been asked for 'proof ' of eligibility for discounted seats at this one particular theatre. 'Proof' is hard to provide if you are not eligible for government sanctioned benefits, which not everybody is.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Karenanne61]

it is difficult for those who do not have benefits proof . But you do so it just means showing your DWP most recent letter . Your Husband can be allowed a carers discount with out receiving carers benefit at most theatres. I would go for an access card myself in your case so you don't have to keep showing your benefits letters. In our city we get CV cards as they are called for discounts too for unemployed & disabled. Everywhere is different so always enquire in your area. Good night

[Karenanne61 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thankyou. It's interesting because non of the theatres we visit regularly have asked for proof. We just ring the box office, or dedicated access line, have a chat explaining my needs and preferences and seats are booked!

[katieoxo60 in reply to Karenanne61]

It is different everywhere you book. you are lucky , I guess at big theatres they give more preference to those in wheelchairs as access with wheelchair is harder. For me it is the difficulty of steps so although they may have lifts most upstairs seating is step access with very little handrails to steady you, plus having to stand up to let others by very disorientating if your balance is dodgy. The only place I know that is all downstairs is the theatre at Thursford where they do all the Christmas shows.

[JPC2]

My daughter has a physical disability and has the Access card she said it is much easier than having to take photocopies of everything for proof. I’m with Bevvy ask your local theatre if they’ll sign up to use it x

[Karenanne61]

Thankyou for all your helpful comments. It's a difficult one as none of the other theatres we visit, from large e.g. RSC and Milton Keynes to small local theatres e.g. Chipping Norton and The Mill, Banbury, have ever asked for 'proof'. We ring and their emphasis is always on accommodating the needs of the disabled person with the needs of the theatre and safety and comfort of other patrons. At the moment I do receive pip but my husband, my carer, is not eligble for carer's allowance due to having a company pension(!) It is really vexing me as I feel as though we are under suspicion.

[JeannieW]

Thanks for bringing this up Karenanne61, I'm my husband's carer, he looks very frail so we've never had a problem (I'm the one with the slightly dodgy lungs).

I've never heard of an Access Card so will investigate that - thanks all!

[MELNEL]

Hiya 😃 I actually use my blue badge card as proof. It worked so far for me. And so far here, if you don't get PIP you don't get a blue badge. Or it is extremely hard to get one without it.

[janice01]

'Registrable' is the term needed I think...I once had a problem with having a carer at a concert/exhibition. They wanted proof of a blue badge - which of course is needed in the car parked outside!

The doorman tried to advise the booking clerk but was not listened to either.

Paid full admission price for both and phoned with complaint to the office next day.

Got a refund but it was embarrassing being asked to explain my disability so publicly...

I now have a card which says I'm registrable as needing a carer.

The card came from a disability scooter shop. It was free of charge too. Just signed my name on the back of it...

Good luck...J.

[Karenanne61]

Thankyou.