Registering as disabled
All local authorities are required to keep a register of disabled people, however registration is voluntary.
It is no longer necessary to register as disabled for employment purposes. In order to register you must have a disability or impairment which is both substantial and enduring ie. it is expected to last longer than 12 months.
Most of the services, benefits and concessions available to disabled people only require people to meet the criteria to be registered and not actually to register. However, there are a few benefits which are only available to people who register as disabled. Some people find that being registered as disabled makes it more straightforward to apply for some of the benefits and concessions they are entitled to.
The registration process
For sight or hearing loss contact Sensory Services Team.
For physical disability contact Common Access Point for Health and Social Care (CAP).
For adults with learning disabilities contact Community Learning Disability Team.
For children with disabilities there is a separate record called the Child Disability Index.