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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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Expand for more options.Your views and opinions can help us to keep improving our services, support and campaigns. If you are interested in joining the research panel, please sign up on our website.
11 discussions
12 replies
Most recent: Young people needed for Focus Group in Manchester by Scope_Panel_Manager on
October 8
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Introduce yourself to the community, or welcome those who have just joined.
For whatever reason you’ve joined, welcome to Scope’s online community. Here you can tell the rest of the community a little about yourself, or if you’ve been here a while, do take a moment to welcome our newest members. -
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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.
1.8K discussions
9K replies
Most recent: To the Scope team (about featuring my Scoliosis story) by Sam_Scope on
10:25AM
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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.
1K discussions
4.3K replies
Most recent: Struggling to come to terms with my daughter's diagnosis by Sam_Scope on
10:19AM
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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. -
Pour yourself a brew and chat about anything.
Want to chat about something outside of our disability forum categories? Enter our virtual coffee lounge, and chat to other community members about anything and everything. -
121 discussions
861 replies
Most recent: Inspiration - is it ok to use the word regarding disabled people? by Ami2301 on
10:27AM
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This is the place to post all events, surveys and opportunities relating to disability and related issues.
693 discussions
1.2K replies
Most recent: Can you share you experiences of school as a disabled person? by vysvader on
October 14
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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 [email protected]
227 discussions
2.5K replies
Most recent: Preparing for childbirth as a disabled person by Sam_Scope on
10:13AM
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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. -
Disability benefits
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Expand for more options.
116 discussions
534 replies
Most recent: New Style esa and careers allowance by brighid on
October 13
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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.
1.8K discussions
9.7K replies
Most recent: Do they realise what this does to people? by axwy62 on
11:10AM
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Advice on all issues relating to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA).
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. -
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. -
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. -
Practical support and information
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Talk to other disabled people about everything and anything related to dating and relationships. Join in an ongoing conversation or start your own by clicking the 'new discussion' button.
76 discussions
465 replies
Most recent: Should I be honest about my disabilities on the dating scene? by Ami2301 on
October 13
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Share experiences and tips relating to chronic pain with people in a similar situation. -
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.
431 discussions
1.5K replies
Most recent: Looking to pass on a wheelchair/scooter lift by Sam_Scope on
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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.
105 discussions
561 replies
Most recent: Workplace discrimination- mental health by debbiedo49 on
October 9
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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. -
Your questions about disability housing and accessible housing issues.
The place to discuss disability housing, housing benefits for disabled people and independent living issues. Share your experiences, discuss accessible housing needs or ask the community for advice. -
Join our discussions on leisure activities and disability sports, or create a new discussion and tell us what activities you enjoy.
127 discussions
454 replies
Most recent: My Own YouTube Music Channels For My Own Music Creativity Live Compositions by Jazzguitar on
October 6
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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. -
Talk about specific conditions
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Explore our Autism and Aspergers forum
Start a new discussion relating to autism or Aspergers or take a look at the posts below on autism diagnosis, support and related issues.
272 discussions
1.6K replies
Most recent: What is it like having a brother or sister who's autistic? by Sam_Scope on
9:57AM
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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. -
Not all impairments can be seen, but they are often experienced with no less severity than those that are more readily visible. This is a space to talk to others about your experiences and challenges of having an invisible or hidden impairment.
60 discussions
398 replies
Most recent: I have ME and arthritis and getting worse by Hooley101 on
October 14
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Get advice and support on issues relating to learning difficulties.
Whether you, your child or another family member has a learning difficulty, Scope’s community is here to offer advice on specific learning difficulties and all issues relating to adults and children with learning difficulties. -
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.
226 discussions
1.7K replies
Most recent: Lost my wife due to my mental health problems by Pippa_Scope on
8:58AM
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Advice and support for neurological conditions
Ask our community about issues relating to neurological conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Share your experiences and get support from others in similar situations. -
Talk to others with physical impairments and mobility issues.
Share your experiences of physical disability and related mobility issues, or ask for advice from people in a similar situation to you.
70 discussions
332 replies
Most recent: Walking sticks, how do you use yours ? by Circe on
October 12
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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.
72 discussions
327 replies
Most recent: PKD, anyone out there familiar with this? by pippaT on
October 13
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Connect with others and get advice on visual impairments and hearing impairments
The place to seek advice regarding sensory impairments, or share your experiences of visual impairment, blindness, hearing loss and deafness.
54 discussions
268 replies
Most recent: A short survey on kitchen products by deborahayebare on
October 13
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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. -
Hi, Im Jack, I'm an autistic campaigner and advisor, I received my diagnosis in childhood for Asperger's Syndrome I have worked with organisations that specialise in autism advocacy and services, which comprise of Ambitious about Autism, Autistica and the National Autistic Society.Ask me questions about parenting autistic children, anxiety disorders and ASD.
84 discussions
576 replies
Most recent: Hi, Im Jack, ask me questions about Autism and Aspergers today by Jack_W on
October 11
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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. -
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.
53 discussions
188 replies
Most recent: Hi I'm Vicki. I worked as paediatric audiologist with children with complex needs. Ask away! by debbiedo49 on
September 13
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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. -
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.
60 discussions
251 replies
Most recent: Diabetic high cloresterol and blood pressure. Kidney stones constipation interstitial cystitis by Sam_Scope on
10:16AM
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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. -
University can be a scary thought for the majority of students and disabled students can prepare for the realities of higher education if they are given realistic information. Ask our disabled student advisor your questions today.
36 discussions
133 replies
Most recent: Esa, Pip, student loans, single mother and so confused by sarah50 on
October 12
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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.
188 discussions
785 replies
Most recent: Access to Work discrimination by design? by RachelSB on
8:58AM
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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.
71 discussions
354 replies
Most recent: Mobility scooter transport issues by Jean_Scope on
October 11
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I'm Kelly - blogger, Virtual Assistant and home educating mother of two. My six-year old daughter is autistic and goes to a special school, my 11-year old son is home educated. We have plenty of experience of autism, sensory processing issues, anxiety, mental health issues, home educating, EHCP process, autism diagnosis process, child care (I used to be an Early Years manager) and all the parenting things in between! Ask me anything you need to know about special needs and parenting now! -
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.
92 discussions
557 replies
Most recent: Mentally underdeveloped son reaching puberty, please help by Sam_Scope on
10:09AM
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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. -
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.
13 discussions
35 replies
Most recent: Hi I'm Bryher, ask me questions about Getting Older by Jazzguitar on
October 11
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Question and answer sessions with guest advisors on a wide range of subjects.
138 discussions
763 replies
Most recent: Ask your questions about Cerebral Palsy and ageing: Q&A with Dr Shah by Pippa_Scope on
October 8
Child Categories: Ask a question about Educational Health and Care Plans - This category is now closed, 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 - This category is now closed, Ask a mental health advisor - This category is now closed, Ask a Specialist Learning Disability Occupational Therapist - This category is now closed, Ask a pre-employment advisor - This category is now closed, Ask a sleep expert - This category is now closed, Ask a speech and language therapist - This category is currently closed