Registering as a Disabled Person

People who register as a disabled person may qualify for various concessions including being exempt from paying VAT on a range of goods and services

The best way in which to register depends on why you wish to register, and what you wish to apply for:

The Blue Badge scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions to people with severe walking difficulties.

If you are having problems with your sight, you should see your GP or optician. They can refer you to a consultant ophthalmologist (eye specialist),who will assess whether you qualify to register as:

If you qualify, the ophthalmologist will complete a Certificate of Visual Impairment. They will send it to Vista who maintain the register on behalf of Leicestershire County Council. Vista will also be able to offer help and advice about the range of other services available.

Registering with Vista as blind or partially sighted can entitle you to travel concessions, such as a Disabled Persons Railcard. Registering as blind can entitle you to other concessions such as a Blue Badge parking permit and a discount on your TV licence.

See GOV.UK for information about sight care and services. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has information about registering your sight loss and the benefits of registration.

If you are having problems with your hearing, see your GP who can refer you to a hearing specialist.

The Register is maintained by the  Deaf and Hard of Hearing Team. Registering as deaf may entitle you to travel concessions, such as a Disabled Persons Railcard. The team will also be able to offer help and advice about the range of other services available.

If you have a dual sensory impairment ie sight and hearing loss you can contact  Vista  and/or the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Team for help and advice about the range of services available.

The Deafblind Register is maintained by Vista on behalf of Leicestershire and County Council and registration confers the same benefits as registering as blind or partially sighted.

Leicestershire County Council also maintains a register of people with other disabilities ie physical disability, learning disability,mental ill health. Anybody over the age of 18 with a disability which is permanent and has a significant effect on their daily life can apply to be registered.

Every Adult Social Care Department is required by law to maintain a register of people with disabilities, and the information contained helps the County Council to plan services needed by people with disabilities living in Leicestershire. Registration is voluntary, and is covered by the Data Protection Act.

People who are registered may be exempt from paying VAT on a range of goods and services

• Contact details for Adult Social Care