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Scope’s online community
Share experiences, get disability advice and discuss the disability issues that matter to you.
Our online disability forum is a vibrant and supportive space for disabled people, parents and carers to get disability advice and information, and talk to people with similar experiences.Category List
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86 discussions 450 replies Most recent: My dog ate my Wheelchair project by ritchieashleigh on April 18
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Community chat
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Chat with other disabled people.
Here you can chat with other disabled people about all things related to disability, from accessibility and attitudes, to issues that you are currently facing or changes and improvements you’d like to see.1.3K discussions 6.4K replies Most recent: local compliance telephone interview by Sandy Devon on 12:50PM
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The place to chat and seek help for carers of disabled people and parents of disabled children.
If you need advice about caring for disabled children or adults, our online community can provide help and reassurance. Join one of our discussions on everything from childhood disability and development to home care, or start a new one to discuss your needs and concerns as a carer.895 discussions 3.9K replies Most recent: Looking for others with a sibling in residential care by JennysDad on April 17
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Share your experiences of parenting as a disabled person and get advice from other disabled parents. Join an ongoing discussion below, or start a new one by clicking the 'New discussion' button.
40 discussions 206 replies Most recent: Children removed by social services due to parents disability by Colourfull on April 18
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82 discussions 463 replies Most recent: Why disabled people can’t afford to #DeleteFacebook by nanof6 on April 13
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This is the place to post all events, surveys and opportunities relating to disability and related issues.
570 discussions 1K replies Most recent: Helping with DFW adoptions adaptability campaign by ritchieashleigh on 6:33AM
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Regularly updated blog posts on a wide variety of issues.
There are always key issues relating to disability worth talking about, and here you can read disability articles from disabled bloggers, professionals and people with a story to tell. If you’re interested in writing a guest post, contact Scope’s community team at community@scope.org.uk.172 discussions 1.9K replies Most recent: I would like to have been more prepared for ageing with Cerebral Palsy by Joe_F on 12:40PM
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Life can be difficult sometimes, and we see many of these stories here in the community. But there are also stories of hope, little moments that bring a smile to your face and lift your spirits. This is the place for those stories, and we hope that you will share with the community your successes, your positive slants and any other reasons that you have found to be cheerful.
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Disability benefits
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Get advice and tips on ESA benefits.
Do you have questions about Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)? Ask our community by starting a new discussion, or join an existing one below.1.1K discussions 5.3K replies Most recent: esa capabiltiy questionnaire form has arrived, im worried sick by shazier on 11:25AM
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Advice on all issues relating to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Applying for PIP for the first time, or in the process of transferring from DLA? Need advice prior to attending your PIP assessment, or for appealing against the result of a recent PIP claim? Many of our community members have gone through the process already and can help you navigate your way through the system.2.5K discussions 17.5K replies Most recent: Advice on what evidence to send? by EllieStar1989 on 1:40PM
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Universal Credit is replacing the current system of earnings replacement means-tested benefits and tax credits. You can ask questions and discuss Universal Credit here - such as the eligibility, how to claim and the interview process.
87 discussions 433 replies Most recent: ESA SUPPORT GROUP TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT by CockneyRebel on 12:56PM
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If you’re not sure what benefits you or someone you care for is entitled to, start here.
PIP, DLA, ESA, carer’s allowance... disability benefits can seem very confusing when you first approach them. If you’re not sure what you’re entitled to, Scope’s benefits calculator is a good place to start. If you’re still not sure, start a discussion to get advice from people who’ve been there.318 discussions 1.3K replies Most recent: Should I have been given disability premium? by CockneyRebel on 12:37PM
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Practical support and information
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Share experiences and tips relating to chronic pain with people in a similar situation.
107 discussions 702 replies Most recent: I have chronic back pain copd and asthma amongst other bits by Gill53 on April 18
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Get advice and discuss issues on everything from wheelchairs and mobility scooters to AFOs, hearing aids and screen readers.
Today there are a great variety of assistive technologies available to help disabled people go about their everyday lives. If you’ve got a question or concern about mobility aids, disability equipment, accessibility software or anything else, the community may be able to help.358 discussions 1.2K replies Most recent: Seeking advice- technology for hearing impairment by CHEN on April 18
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Ask the community about schools, further education and learning for disabled children.
Take a look at some of our community discussions on learning, schools, special educational needs (SEN), educational health and care plans (EHC) and more. If you’ve got any questions or views on related issues like SENCO co-ordinators or educational psychologists, go ahead and post a new discussion. -
Work With Me is our new campaign to tackle the barriers disabled people all too often face when trying to get into and stay in work. Find more information at www.scope.org.uk/WorkWithMe. Use this category to talk about anything from pre-employment and finding work, to employment issues once you are in work.
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There are many hidden costs of disability. Share your top tips for cutting costs, or have a chat about managing your finances, and our community members will offer their advice.
55 discussions 242 replies Most recent: Will my pension affect tax credits? by CockneyRebel on April 18
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Get advice and tips on motability and blue badges
Do you have questions about motability? Are you looking for advice about blue badges and cars as a disabled person? Ask our community by starting a new discussion, or join an existing one below.96 discussions 641 replies Most recent: What to do if you lose your motability car by wilko on April 18
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Talk about specific conditions
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Whatever stage of life you or your child are in, Scope’s community can provide support and advice on cerebral palsy.
Providing information and support to people with cerebral palsy (CP) is an important part of Scope’s heritage. Today you can find a wealth of information about cerebral palsy on our website, and share and discuss your experiences and issues here on our online community.471 discussions 2.5K replies Most recent: Finding training, voluntary work or activates for physically disabled people in east London by Shajada on April 18
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If you have an ongoing mental health disorder or are currently experiencing mental health issues, here you can chat and seek advice from the community.
Any advice given here should not be seen as professional advice or as a substitute for professional evaluation and care. Mental health charity Mind have a wide range of resources and can advise you on seeking help.
If you are feeling suicidal, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. -
If you have an undiagnosed or rare condition, this is the place where you can get advice, chat and share experiences with people in a similar position.
51 discussions 193 replies Most recent: Feeling unwell again.... And more recently I feel like with certain movements my bones by AbilityInAction on April 18
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Talk to a community advisor
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Hi I'm Richard. I live with Cerebral Palsy (Spastic Quadriplegia) and I use a wheelchair. I am passionate about equal rights for people with impairments to access education and the workplace.
5 discussions 12 replies Most recent: Hi, I'm Richard - ask me questions about CP by Richard_Scope on 8:39AM
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Hi, I’m Violet My son has High Functioning Autism and I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in my forties. I am also diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, which I manage through a combination of meds, humour and downright bloodymindedness.
Ask me questions about parenting autistic children, anxiety disorders and ASD.
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Hello everyone, Scope's Head of Assistive Solutions and Regional Assistive Solutionist Andy and Ryan are here to help you with all your Assistive Technology questions.
71 discussions 245 replies Most recent: request for information on how to obtain text phone by jays712 on April 11
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Hi everyone, my name is Vicki. I worked as a paediatric audiologist with children with complex needs, and am now an advisor for the National Deaf Children's Society. If you need information and support on anything relating to the ears, hearing, hearing tests, types and causes of hearing loss, hearing aids or anything else, just ask me a question.
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547 discussions 3.1K replies Most recent: Introducing The Benefits Training Co.-Experts in disability benefits, tax credits and other benefits by BenefitsTrainingCo on February 18
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Hello I'm Claire - I am a mum to 3 young adults and we have hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a genetic condition which affects the connective tissue. My first major back surgery, aged 21, left me with permanent nerve damage and chronic pain. I was forced to stop nursing due to my health so I started writing about living with chronic pain. Blogging along with a spinal cord stimulator & meds, helps me cope and I'd like to support you too. Ask me anything related to living with chronic pain.
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Hi, I'm Kirsten Davies and I am a nutritionist, food psychology coach and founder of The Food Remedy. I combine my nutritional knowledge with food psychology helping clients understand the link between the food they eat and the thoughts they think.
Ask me questions about diet, nutrition and body confidence now.
41 discussions 162 replies Most recent: Hi, my name is Kirsten, ask me questions about diet and nutrition by Jazzguitar on April 18
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My name's Simon Wilson. I have cerebral palsy and use a communication aid, and I have a disability consultancy called SimonsAble, focused on promoting independence and equality for disabled people. Whether you're a parent seeking the right equipment and support, or a disabled person planning to live independently, I can advise you on steps to take and who to contact. Ask a question.
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Work With Me is our new campaign to tackle the barriers disabled people all too often face when trying to get into and stay in work. Find more information at www.scope.org.uk/WorkWithMe You can ask our employment advisors questions about anything from pre-employment, finding work to employment issues once you are in work. Welcome to our employment advisors Mwila, Rian, Donisha, Pia and Zaid.
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Hi, I'm Rebecca. I am a qualified hypnotherapist and a counselor volunteering for ChildLine and the NSPCC. I work to support children and young people with a variety of mental health needs. I have spent 20 years working within local government in both social housing and social services supporting people who are vulnerable and with complex needs. I am a keen advocate of supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
61 discussions 438 replies Most recent: CAMHS care co-ordinator- anxiety and depression by PippaScope on April 18
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Jean Merrilees is a registered Occupational Therapist and has worked for Scope since the 1990’s. She welcomes questions about how to overcome barriers that hinder disabled people being able to do the things they need or want to do. Occupational Therapists find solutions by suggesting adaptations to the environment, suggesting aids or equipment to assist, or adapting the task to make it more appropriate to the needs of the person.
39 discussions 206 replies Most recent: Games to play with adult clients with learning disabilities? by Victoriad on April 18
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My name is Vic and I am a mum of 4. I live on the Kent coast with my wife and our children. 2 of my children have additional needs. Some of these needs include Autism, sensory processing difficulties, sleep disorder, food allergies and much more! I am a family and lifestyle blogger and a graphic designer. Ask me anything you need to know about special needs and parenting now!
28 discussions 114 replies Most recent: Help with extra care days, spitting, and being violent by debbiedo49 on April 11
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Hi, I'm Gill. I'm a personal, social and health education therapist at a specialist college near Birmingham for young people with complex disabilities. In my role there I deliver sex and relationship education sessions as well as 1:1 support. Ask me a question about anything related to body changes, staying safe, what resources are out there or anything else.
69 discussions 399 replies Most recent: Are there any links between Cerebral Palsy and an inability to orgasm by JennieGillies on April 16
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Hello everyone, my name is Nicola. I am a children’s speech and language therapist, and deal with a range of issues from simple lisps to complex needs. I am head of The Owl Centre, which provides multidisciplinary therapy services for children across 19 counties in England and South Wales. If you need information and support on speech and language development, social communication issues, or behavioural difficulties, just ask me a question and I’d be very happy to help.
25 discussions 107 replies Most recent: 3 year old not talking and doing hand movements? by lillybelle on 1:21PM
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Hello, I’m Bryher. I work at The Silver Line which is the only free and confidential helpline for older people which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It doesn’t matter what time of day or night you would like to call us, we will be on hand. Since we opened our helpline we have answered more than 1.6 million calls. If you need help, we can point you to the right organisation and if you are on your own and would love to have a chat, then we would be delighted to hear from you.
8 discussions 23 replies Most recent: Advice Please on Growing Older With CP by naomi_97 on March 15
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Question and answer sessions with guest advisors on a wide range of subjects.
133 discussions 729 replies Most recent: Please Help, how can I turn off email notifications for this site? by sandyp196 on April 3
Child Categories: Ask a question about Educational Health and Care Plans, Ask a behaviour advisor - This category is now closed, Ask an educational psychologist - This category is now closed, Ask a housing and independent living advisor, Ask a Specialist Learning Disability Occupational Therapist - This category is now closed, Ask a pre-employment advisor, Ask a sleep expert, Ask a speech and language therapist - This category is currently closed