Access and parking
Resources
Access and access to public loos
Parents who have children with complex physical needs have to plan outings, even simple everyday ones, with care. Even a trip to a supermarket can present problems if your child uses a wheelchair or large buggy. Brighton & Hove city council and access groups produce sets of leaflets about access, which can be a useful starting point. They have details of a wide range of accessible places locally, including disabled toilets. They are also useful if, for instance, you want to find out which branch of your bank or building society has a ramp.
If you are on the internet, the Brighton & Hove Federation of Disabled People website contains an Accessible City Guide giving information on accessible accommodation, restaurants, bars, clubs, shops or attractions in Brighton & Hove. Disabled Go is a website with access information for many towns around the country but sadly, Brighton & Hove is no longer listed. Also you may be able to get a RADAR key to open accessible public loos; contact the Council or RADAR.
It is always worth checking with the place you are going to because the information does get out of date, and sometimes the level of access described in leaflets can be misleading.
Blue Badge scheme
This enables the holder to parking concessions to make it easier to park closer to your destination. You can use it in anybody's car, but it belongs to the child and is there to help them rather than the rest of the family. It is valid for three years.
Brighton & Hove City Council administers the scheme and applies strict criteria; however it is always worth asking and explaining your mobility problems. Children are unlikely to get a blue badge if they are under two and, for children over two, it will depend on the degree of their disability. They will normally qualify if they are receiving the higher rate of the mobility part of Disability Living Allowance or are registered blind. To apply for a blue badge you need to contact the Blue Badge Section at Brighton Parking Information Centre on 01273 296270. Find out more about Blue Badges.
Disabled parking bay scheme
If your child has problems with getting around and has a blue badge, you may be entitled to a disabled parking bay outside your house, as long as you do not already have off street parking. Ask for a form from the Highways department at Brighton & Hove council. It's important to note that, although it will be outside your house, the parking bay is available for use by anyone who has a blue badge.