Do you face challenges in your life? Or do you need advice for a family member?

By answering some quick questions about your current situation, the self-help tool will direct you towards information, advice and services that could help you to live independently and improve your life, completion of the self-help tool will determine if you need a self-assessment to get further support from adult social care teams.

Getting help

If you think that you, a relative or someone you care for might need support with a physical or sensory disability phone Care Direct on 0345 155 1007 or email csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk to speak to us about having a social care needs assessment.

If you are eligible for services we will work with you to identify your needs and the best ways to meet them.

We can help you to find out more about:

• equipment to live independently
• benefits and finances
• social clubs and activities

Our sensory team provides services to people who:

• are visually impaired
• are Deaf
• have an acquired hearing loss
• are deafblind – sometimes known as a dual sensory impairment – a significant combination of hearing and sight loss

Further information

The Independent Living Centre offers a free assessment and information service to anyone looking for equipment and gadgets to help them. They don’t sell equipment but will work with you to look at your needs and find the best solutions.

If you are finding it difficult to travel there are a range of options to help you get out and about.

Use Pinpoint to find out about activities and groups in Devon for people with physical and sensory impairments. Refine your search by age, location and ability to find activities and clubs near you.

Activity

The NHS says that people who do regular activity have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.

People with disabilities may find it more challenging to do regular exercise and may need extra support to get started or maintain an active lifestyle. The NHS Live Well website has lots of general advice about keeping fit and active as well as specific information for people with disabilities and fitness advice for wheelchair users.

Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing the risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Adventure bound, not house bound

Tom Pales is the founder of Freetrike Rehab Cycling offering cycle coaching to people with disabilities. He picks them up from their home, transports them to their nearest traffic-free cycle path and delivers 2 hours of 1-to-1 supported exercise on adapted trikes, bikes and tandems. He gives them the freedom to challenge their disability and re-engage with the outdoors.

Watch our video below to see an example of Tom’s great work.

More information

The English Federation of Disability Sport website has lots of useful resources for people with disabilities who want to get fit.

AbleThrive is US-based but has lots of useful information for people with disabilities about being active generally. It also focuses on disabled fitness and individual and team sports.

Specialised activity groups or holidays are a great way for people with disabilities to get active and share experiences with others. National disability charity Scope has details of accessible leisure and activity providers and holidays.