Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
I live in London and recently became aware of the disability freedom pass and that those with autism are eligible to receive one. I was just wondering if I needed to have more requirements than simply being autistic to receive it, while I do face challenges being out in the public, I did not think they'd allow me to have a freedom pass because I do not suffer from a physical disability and I'm relatively high functioning. Does anyone know if these would be barriers to obtaining a pass?
Watching this one with interest...
Transport is huge for me. I got a driving licence after many tries at 18 but haven't driven since I was 19 because objects were never where I saw them and it was getting dangerous. I'm now 57. I can't ride a bike either 'cos I can't co-ordinate the pedals or balance.
Public transport with all its sensory demands is exhausting for me, yet I have to do it. Even so, there is no public transport in our area after about 9 at night, so I'm kind of scuppered if I want to go any where.
A freedom pass would help, but I'd still have to find £ for taxis after 9.
As I'm getting older, I'm considering a mobility scooter - if - BIG IF - I can manoeuvre that. It's not that I can't walk, it's just that some places are too far to walk to, or involve walking through unsafe areas and I have no other transport.
There is so much I want to do now and can't because I can't get there :-(
You are describing being unable to drive because of your medical condition.
You can get a bus pass by writing to dvla telling them this, who will confirm you are unsafe to drive. This letter or a similar letter from GP or specialist will be all the council need. (Dvla may need doctors letter)
NHS separately can provide patient transport (timing can turn a short appointment into a long day) if the above is explained.(Although only for nhs hospital appointments)