The Department of Transport has advised that new regulations for the Blue Badge scheme will be laid before Parliament in April 2019. The regulations will make it possible for people with hidden disabilities to be eligible for a Blue Badge to help them overcome issues around travelling.
In the meantime new guidance for local authorities is being prepared. Local authorities are responsible for administering the scheme and issuing badges.
Dr Clare Mills, Public Affairs Manager for Headway, said: “We are pleased to hear that the plans to extend the scheme are being put into effect and that people with hidden disabilities, including acquired brain injury, will be included in the Blue Badge scheme from spring 2019.
“Once legislation is in place, we’ll be asking brain injury survivors, their families and carers to let us know if they still experience problems in obtaining a Blue Badge. But hopefully this will be a seamless transition.”
The complexities of brain injury can make it difficult for people to communicate or ask for help. Carrying an official Headway Brain Injury Identity Card can provide survivors with the confidence to know that if they need help, their needs can be easily identified, whether in social situations, or if they come into contact with police officers or other emergency services workers. The card is available to anyone in the UK aged 18 and over who has a verifiable brain injury.
Back