Blue badge what you don’t know and how to apply.
The blue badge
What came as a big surprise to us was that we qualified for the blue badge and disability parking in the first place. When we were told this by our social worker we did, I admit, raise an eyebrow and ask if we were talking about the same child. Ours was, after all, the one halfway up the curtain and looking to use it as a rope to swing Tarzan-style onto the couch before launching an assault on the side board, pausing momentarily only to wonder why the TV was now in a glitching mess on the floor before swinging off the door and climbing the banisters. She was in no way physically limited in a way that seemed to merit a disabled pass.
The social worker sighed and looked at us. She pointedly asked what would happen if we opened the door for her in the car park and didn’t immediately catch hold of her. Without hesitation we both replied, ‘she would leg it’. With a smug look the social worker said “Exactly. She’s not safe. You need to have the ability to open the door wide enough to bodily block her from escaping, and be as close as possible to a pathway so she’s as close as possible to a safe route.” The only response we had to this was: “Oh. Good point..” We asked how to apply; she shrugged and said google it, then left with a smile.
Google it. Helpful. Sigh. Ok well let’s have a look at how to do this.
How to apply:
Go here:https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
Who can apply?
You apply for your fae if:
• They have a PIP or DLA (there’s that sodding form again)
• They have terminal illness and a ds1500 form
• They are under 3 and have bulky medical equipment or need equipment that is needed in the vehicle
• And most importantly: If they are constantly a significant risk to themselves or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks; or find it difficult or impossible to control their actions and lack awareness of the impact they could have on others
The underlined parts are the ones that will apply to most parents here.
There are a multitude of other reasons, but these are the ones that are most likely to parents raising modern fae children. Basically: If you don’t trust your fae around traffic, you should at least consider applying for a blue badge.
So, having worked out if you are likely to qualify for the badge, you then need to apply. Please note we applied WITHOUT a DLA and were successful, so it is not necessary to have one before the other, but you can do both concurrently – if you can stomach all the forms. This one is far easier, although you will need an up-to-date photo saved on the device from which you are applying.
The form is very straightforward, but make sure you state what they need to know. Emphasize that your fae is a risk to themselves and others: can they escape the seatbelt? Do they run the moment the door is open? Can they be trusted to stand still near the car in carparks? etc. You need to make sure you drive your point home. Assume that the person reading your application is trying to find a reason to deny your application, make it as hard as you can for them to justify doing so.
Honestly? The hardest part we had was keeping our fae still against a white background long enough to get a suitable photo. Submitting the form costs around £10 and the badge lasts 3 years. It is definitely worth it.
If you’ve read this far please like, comment or share. Remember we are not alone in our struggles.
Raising the Modern Fae 