Disability registration cards in Devon

From 1 April 2015, we only issue disability registration cards to people with a sight impairment. We no longer issue new disability registration cards for other disabilities. This is because of changes to the law made by national Government on disability registers.

Existing holders of any disability registration card can still use their card as evidence of a disability to apply for benefits such as:

• Travel concessions
• VAT exemption for equipment
• Public leisure facilities
• Council tax reduction
• Disabled Facilities Grant
• Tax Credits
• Personal Independence Payments

You won’t lose any disability-related benefits or be prevented from applying for a disability benefit because we no longer issue disability registration cards.

You can still apply using an alternative proof of a disability, such as:

• letters from DWP confirming Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment entitlement
• letter or evidence from GP
• self declaration is acceptable for VAT exemption for equipment
• hearing aid book if you are Deaf
• evidence that you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• evidence that you receive the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, and have been assessed as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking

Registering a sight impairment

To register a sight impairment you will need to have a medical examination by a consultant ophthalmologist which confirms that you have a visual condition which qualifies as sight impaired or severely sight impaired. The registration process is completed by staff in the Sensory Team. Contact the Sensory Team by phoning Care Direct on 0345 155 1007 or emailing csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk

Registering a sight impairment may help you to get other benefits and concessions such as a reduced TV Licence and may help as evidence when applying for welfare benefits.

Registering as deafblind

The legal definition of deafblind is: ‘Persons are regarded as deafblind if their combined sight and hearing impairment cause difficulties with communication, access to information and mobility.’

We have to keep a record of deafblind children and adults in Devon. This is to help us deliver specific duties for people who are deafblind including:

• providing targeted information and advice
• being aware of the demand for specific services and helping to make them available
• ensuring that Deafblind children moving into adult services are supported appropriately

We will maintain the record through:

• direct contact with you, including through assessments
• exchanging information with other people providing services, such as health services and schools or colleges. This will only be done with your consent

For more information contact the Sensory Team by phoning Care Direct on 0345 155 1007 or emailing csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk

Get more information about:
RNIB – Registering sight loss