Search This Blog

Thursday 4 January 2018

Disability and being awesome

I've been thinking quite a lot about disability these last few days.  I'm "mobility challenged".  I can walk short distances but for more than a few yards I use a mobility scooter.  

This means that I need a car which has a ramp on the back so I can carry my scooter with me wherever I go.  My car (which was damaged in an accident at the end of November) has to be replaced.   As you might expect, suitable adapted cars are more expensive than standard models and they are more difficult to find.  (I don't qualify for Motability.)

Normally when one's car is judged to be beyond economic repair it is collected very quickly by the insurer but as my car is still driveable, although bashed, my insurers have given my three weeks extra to find a new car.  The law requires them to take account of my condition and make a "reasonable adjustment" to their procedures to allow me time to do the extra searching a travelling I have to do to find the car.

So far I have been to see two cars, one near Leicester (ninety miles away) and one near Manchester (115 miles away).   I had each inspected by the RAC but because the car has been modified they have refused to do the basic check which is all I require.  Instead I have to pay an extra £90 for a fuller inspection even though they don't check the modifications.  

So I've decided to argue that to allow disabled people to have just a basic check (at £99) even though the car has been modified would be a reasonable adjustment as the law requires. 

This small battle will be my first attempt at being awesome in 2018.


7 comments:

  1. Good for you. I for one will be cheering you on.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It all sounds very complicated and I can fully understand why this is not an enjoyable process. I am sure you will prevail, however! Be awesome, Mary!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Having a disability seems to lead to more and more challenges than for 'fit' people. And with it all then leads to depression. Hey ho.

    ReplyDelete
  4. For some reason I can't do replies under each comment so I hope no-one minds but I'll respond to all three together.

    Thanks, Mama. I shall need support. The RAC is a sizeable opponent! However, they can afford the financial hit better than I can.

    Melissa, I shall be as awesome as I can be. By the way is the Royal Automobile Club, one our leading breakdown services.

    And Justjill, I have decided to look at my disability as an opportunity to be more awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm feeling a litle concerned about you, Mary; ot's been almost a month since you last posted on this blog. I hope you haven't been struck down with this awful Aussie Flu that is knocking us down like ninipins. If so, I hope you are soon feeling much better and fit enough to make a very welcome appearance. Wishing you well - Rosemary xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for missing me! I shall be back blogging soon. It's been a mixture of things but mainly January bleugh. Sorry about that!

    ReplyDelete