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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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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. -
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.
1.5K discussions
7.4K replies
Most recent: Am I in the wrong or is the doctors? by littleruthie123 on
June 24
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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.
940 discussions
4K replies
Most recent: Only member of household not ASD by ilovetodig0044 on
June 23
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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.
43 discussions
290 replies
Most recent: Children removed by social services due to parents disability by Topkitten on
June 19
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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. -
This is the place to post all events, surveys and opportunities relating to disability and related issues.
617 discussions
1K replies
Most recent: FITNESS APP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES by dani96 on
June 21
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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]
191 discussions
2.2K replies
Most recent: Being a chronically ill fashion blogger by Redbarron on
June 24
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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.
84 discussions
391 replies
Most recent: Be happy not sad here some motivation by thespiceman on
June 18
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Disability benefits
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Expand for more options.
76 discussions
320 replies
Most recent: Carers allowance and Attendance allowance by BenefitsTrainingCo on
June 16
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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. -
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. -
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.
135 discussions
712 replies
Most recent: Uniiversal credit and early paydays due to weekends. by poppy123456 on
7:50AM
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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.
385 discussions
1.6K replies
Most recent: Receiving PIP. Any other benefits I would be entitled to? by Pippa_Scope on
June 22
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
260 discussions
1.2K replies
Most recent: Is it discrimination to be refused medical priority because i can manage a single flight of stairs ? by tryingmybest on
June 24
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Join our discussions on leisure activities and disability sports, or create a new discussion and tell us what activities you enjoy. -
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.
112 discussions
782 replies
Most recent: I've would like to apply for a blue badge but I'm unsure if I can by wilko on
June 22
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Talk about specific conditions
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Explore our autism forum, covering all forms of autism spectrum disorder, including Asperger’s.
Start a new discussion relating to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), or take a look at the posts below on autism diagnosis, support and related issues.
240 discussions
1.4K replies
Most recent: General Disccussion about your connection to autism! by SunshineLou on
June 22
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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.
54 discussions
329 replies
Most recent: If you suspect a relative has an eating disorder by Pippa_Scope on
June 22
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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. -
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.
71 discussions
352 replies
Most recent: Husband had a brain aneurysm op and is not the same man - can you help? by SunshineLou on
June 16
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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.
51 discussions
219 replies
Most recent: Does my use of a mobility scooter mean I must be brain dead too? by Misscleo on
June 24
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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.
59 discussions
245 replies
Most recent: Am i the only one? (warning graphic photo) by thespiceman on
June 20
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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.
36 discussions
162 replies
Most recent: Survey about how you use the Kitchen by mikehughescq on
May 22
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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, 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.
73 discussions
518 replies
Most recent: Hi, I'm Violet, ask me questions about ASD by Geoark on
June 23
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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.
45 discussions
153 replies
Most recent: Help hearing equipment and support groups by CaderMac on
June 11
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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.
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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.
26 discussions
90 replies
Most recent: How does being a student affect benefits by melaniethorley on
June 21
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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.
153 discussions
613 replies
Most recent: Discretionary fund payments by BenefitsTrainingCo on
June 24
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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.
79 discussions
614 replies
Most recent: Cuts to my support and benefits by littleruthie123 on
June 24
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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.
46 discussions
246 replies
Most recent: Hi I'm Jean - ask me questions about Occupational Therapy by Jean_Scope on
June 20
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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!
30 discussions
128 replies
Most recent: Wish I could have some answers. Struggling by Zeezee on
June 7
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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. -
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.
28 discussions
118 replies
Most recent: My friend is suffering from stammering by Pippa_Scope on
June 22
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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.
134 discussions
731 replies
Most recent: Tribunal issues by lixsharp13 on
April 22
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
