Useful organisations

There are a range of organisations that offer support to people with disabilities. We have provided contact details for some of the most useful ones below - just click on the title to see more information.

Accessibility

Centre for Accessible Environments
Nutmeg House
60 Gainsford St
London SE1 2NY
T: 020 7357 8182
F: 020 7357 8183

Concerned with improving the design of the built environment and also offers information and advice.

Computing

AbilityNet
PO Box 94
Warwick CV34 5WS
T/Min: 01926 312847
T: 0800 269545
F: 01926 311345

Offers a comprehensive information service and consultancy, as well as education and training on the opportunities that computers offer disabled people.

British Educational and Communications Technology Agency (BECTA)
(formerly National Council for Educational Technology)
Milburn Hill Road
Science Park
Coventry CV4 7JJ
T: 01203 416994

Promotes the use of IT in education and learning, and evaluates the potential of new and emerging technologies.

Foundation for Communication for the Disabled
Beacon House
Pyrfind Road
West by Fleet
Surrey KT14 6LD
T: 01932 336512
F: 01932 336513

Supplies and supports computer systems for disabled people.

Discussion groups and general advice

DIAL UK (National Association of Disablement Information and Advice Lines)
Park Lodge
St Catherine's Hospital
Tickhill Road
Doncaster DN4 8QN
T/Minicom: 01302 310123
F: 01302 310404
E: DIS-FORUM@MAILBASE.AC.UK

  • An email discussion network for disability advisers about disabilities
  • Any questions can be answered by suitable experts
  • Gives free, independent and impartial advice on all aspects of disability

Disability Resource Team (DRT)
Office 2
Pallmark House
11 Amwell End
Ware SG12 9HP
T/Min: 01920 466005
F: 01920 466031

A national resource centre providing information and advice, consultancy, training and a taping and Brailling service.

Disability Alliance Educational and Research Association
Universal House
88-94
Wentworth Street
London E1 7SA
T/Min: 020 7247 8776
T/Min: 020 7247 8763 (Rights Advice Line, open Mon and Wed, 2-4pm)

Provides information on benefits and also publishes the Disability Rights Handbook.

Employment

Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Employment Opportunities Head Office
Crystal Gate, 3rd Floor
28-30 Worship Street
London EC2A 2AH

T: 020 7448 5420
F: 020 7374 4913
E: info@eopps.org

Disability Services Team (formerly PACT)
Central and North London Area Office
6th Floor
19-29 Woburn Place
London
WC1H OLU

T: 020 7713 7911

Equipment

Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
380-384 Harrow Road
London W9 2HU
T: 020 7289 6111
F: 020 7266 2922

Provides a national information and advice service on equipment.

Government funding

Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC)
Donaldson House
97 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh EH12 5HD
T: 0131 313 6500
F: 0131 313 6501

Funds higher education in Scotland and publishes Access to Success.

Rehabilitation

Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR)
12 City Forum
250 City Road
London EC1V 8AF
T: 020 7250 3222
F: 020 7250 0212
Minicom: 020 7250 4119

Campaigns for rights and offers an information and advice service.

Transport

London Transport Unit for disabled passengers
T: 020 7918 3312

Transport facilities in central London for people with disabilities. Also:

  • acts as a focal point to co-ordinate initiatives to improve access
  • deals mainly with bus and underground systems
  • provides, free of charge, large print underground maps and London bus routes

Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
T: 020 7222 1234

  • Designed to allow easy access for passengers with disabilities
  • Wheelchair accessible bus available on two hours notice

Transport for London
Minicom: 020 7227 3015

Enables hearing-impaired callers to make enquiries about buses, underground, and DLR.

Tripscope
T: 0345 585641 (voice and minicom)
E: tripscope@cableinet.co.uk

A nationwide telephone-based travel and transport information service for people with mobility difficulties. It also offers assistance with any aspect of travel in the UK and abroad.

Volunteer Work

CSV (Community Service Volunteers)
237 Pentonville Road
London N1 9NJ
T: 020 7278 6601
F: 020 7833 9621

Places young people as full-time volunteers to work as personal assistants.