Background
In 1994, a blind person won a landmark judgement in the House of Lords which means that Deaf and Blind people were much more likely to be entitled to Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance. The challenge was to develop a campaign which would ensure Deaf and Blind people in Newcastle made claims for these benefits. Both groups have their own particular problems of access to information and citizens’ rights.
Two distinctly separate campaigns took place for these two groups of people. They developed differently mainly due to the differences in funding resources and the organisations involved.
THE CAMPAIGN FOR DEAF PEOPLE
Campaign Pack
To improve the collection of relevant information we designed a pack. It has since been requested from many advisers around the country. So far, over 1,000 packs have been distributed. It is useful for advisers who want to help Deaf People claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Click here to find out how to get a pack for Deaf People and DLA.
The Campaign
The Welfare Rights Service, with involvement from the Sensory Support Team, scripted a video with British Sign Language, subtitles and voice over. We used a video company run by Deaf people.
The video informed the person of their potential entitlement to DLA/AA and encouraged them to contact their nearest advice centre.
The advice centre was able to book an interpreter in order to fill in the claim packs and supporting material. The interpreters' fees were met by the City Council.
All advice services in Newcastle took part, which included our services and those from the voluntary sector.
Consideration is being given as to how to help people when they register with the Social Services as having a hearing impairment.
Results
In Newcastle, in 1995, there were approximately 273 profoundly deaf people registered with Social Care Services. Of those who were sent a video, half responded and made a claim.
By Spring 1999 the campaign had raised on average between £40 and £61 per week extra benefit for each person it had helped (over £200,000 a year). £79,478 arrears of benefit was also obtained.
Now
In 2001 a process was set up where the Sensory Support Team refers each new person who registers as deaf to the Welfare Rights Service for a benefits check.
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THE CAMPAIGN FOR BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
The Welfare Rights Service involved the Sensory Support Team in Social Care Services and the Society for Blind People in Newcastle. The Royal Victoria Trust agreed to fund the necessary costs for a period of 18 months. Social Care Services also contributed.
A management committee was set up to oversee the campaign which consisted mainly of the above.
In mid 1996, a worker was seconded from the Society for Blind People. Volunteers were recruited and trained by the project worker and a worker from the Welfare Rights Service. Much preparatory work was done on written material. Using the Social Care Services register, the project then started to contact blind people ward by ward in October 1996.
By May 1999, all people registered as blind had been written to and work started on visiting partially sighted people. Near the end of the project, the worker moved back to the Society for Blind People in April 2000. The worker continues the work part-time on the remaining people on the register, the newly blind and referrals.
Results
At March 2000, £663,000 per annum (£12,750 per week) has been raised in unclaimed benefit. This is about £41 per week per person.
Now
In 2001 a process was set up where the Sensory Support Team refers each new person who registers as blind to the Welfare Rights Service for a benefits check.
Back to 'about us'
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