VAT computer stuff

[Jora]

I'm about to buy a new iMac as unfortunately, it's not viable to mend my old one. I have two questions which some of you might be able to answer:

1) I'm thinking of getting the latest tracker pad to replace the magic mouse. So my question is whether anyone has used both and found an improvement with the pad.

My hands quite often flare badly, so it looks as if the tracker pad would be helpful in that context. Of course, I can go and try it out in an Apple Store, but doing that for 10 minutes is very different from daily extended use.

2) Has anyone successfully claimed VAT relief from Apple on the grounds of RA?

Exemption does seem to be on the basis of self-certification, but the manufacturer does have to co-operate.

Thank you. J

[Jora]

Thanks. Yes, that's vaguely what I thought, as it depends whether the pain is worst in my fingers or my wrist, and that varies. One tiresome problem is my permanently dislocated and wayward baby finger, but that's mainly because when it's in naughty mode it hits the wrong keys ! No amount of magic in a mouse of trackpad will solve that one.

[Hidden]

Hi Jora

I have no experience sorry. I've never owned a Mac. Would NRAS know about the vat?

Will email you now

Kiki x

[Jora in reply to Hidden]

That's a good idea.I'll ring NRAS in the morning. x

[Matilda7 in reply to Jora]

Could you let us know what NRAS say...I had no idea we could claim VAT relief..have you done it successfully before?

[Jora in reply to Matilda7]

Yes I have, most significantly on an expensive, but life-changing pod lift by Stiltz. I also got relief on a walking stick from Flexifoot (highly recommend this) and various grippers and aids. Some of these I got at the outset, before I was diagnosed, but I was still able to claim.

I've also got a lot of support from Access to Work.gov.uk/access-to-work

I'm a self-employed artist working from home and I was given a lot of really useful stuff.

I will post the outcome of my Apple enquiry.

[Scottiedottie in reply to Matilda7]

Neither did I!!!! I have severe dactylitis in 5 fingers and just pay for my own work equipmwnt

[Jora in reply to Scottiedottie]

Well, I'm very glad I posted that question, not least because it is potentially helpful to you and Matilda. Good luck. Access to Work isn't very well publicised. Perhaps this is because if everyone who qualifies actually claimed, they would quickly run out of funds and would have to spend more time turning people away. I'm only half-joking.

[Scottiedottie in reply to Jora]

I have access to work but work for a NHS CCG who are in financial restraint. Was provided with an expensive chair but thought of buying my own mouse etc as I can keep them when I leave

[Gnarli]

I know it's not the same but I claimed back the VAT on my wheelchair which came to over £20. I would have thought that if it's an aid to make life easier for us it's possible. Best of luck

Jan

[Nik8210]

inclusive.co.uk/Lib/Downloa...

The link above has the Hmrc factsheet on what u can and can't claim the general rule is that it has to be specially designed for people with disabilities. But am always of the don't ask don't get mentality.

[Jora in reply to Nik8210]

My easel was definitely not designed exclusively for disabled people. I didn't even ask for it! A girl came and assessed my needs, observing me as I moved around the studio and the house. In total,. I think the items came to about £2,000. It would have been a lot more if I hadn't politely declined several things.

Maybe it was just good timing. If it was near the end of their financial year, they would have been keen to use up their 'slush fund' or the Governnent might have cut their budget for the next year. Jo

[Nik8210]

I know worked in health and social care for years and in the end you are never sure about funding and allocations till someone makes them I would just apply for the vat relief and see if the vat man comes looking.

[Caroline-NRAS]

Hello all, regarding VAT relief you may find this link useful: gov.uk/financial-help-disab...

[Jules13]

Wacom much better than mouse. I have RA in my fingers hands and wrists and it's the downward twist of the hand when using a mouse that hurts the most. With the Wacom pen your hand is in a mayoral position. You don't have to grip hard. It takes a while to get used to but much better for design work anyway.

[Jora in reply to Jules13]

I had a Wacom pad and pen and couldn't hold the pen for long. But I got to Apple on Friday and compared the Magic Mouse with Trackpad 2 and really liked the latter, especially as I could use it with either hand. And, unlike with the mouse, I could wear my hand splint . I also preferred the Numeric Keyboard to the regular one as it felt more spacious and able to accommodate my wayward dislocated pinkies!

I'm glad the Wacom works for you. J

[Jules13 in reply to Jora]

What's a trackpad 2. No mouse?