Case Studies

ID cards for disabled

by Mark Rowe

A national Disabled Identification (DID) Card was thought of by Tanya Beaney, pictured, after she saw comments posted on social media sites that disabled people were frustrated at having to constantly produce paperwork to prove they were entitled to some form of disability benefit, to obtain a concessionary rate. The UK has about 11 million disabled people. Most impairments are not visible, as less than 8 per cent of disabled people are wheelchair users.

The card which works as certified ID for anyone who is registered as blind or is receiving qualifying disability benefits from the DLA, PIP, AFIP and the AA, has been approved by various regulators of ID cards including the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and Trading Standards.

The postings on the social media sites struck a chord with Tanya Beaney as she had been rudely questioned when she had asked for a concessionary rate for her son. “The man asked “What’s wrong with him then?” in a confrontational manner,” said Tanya. “This experience led me to believe that my idea for the DID card would be of particular interest to parents of children with disabilities and special needs, such as my son who has learning difficulties and children whose disability is not immediately obvious.”

The DID card made the shortlist for the semi-finals of the 2015 Virgin Media Pitch-to-Rich Competition. Essentra Security supplied Tanya with a Magicard Rio Pro printer, software and ID card stock to enable her to set up a card issuance programme. The Rio Pro printer can offer single or double-sided printing.

Sue Woodcock, Marketing Manager for Essentra Security, said: “We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to support Tanya with the launch of the DID card. ID cards are commonly used day-to-day in so many different ways, including Access Control, cashless vending, library systems, time and attendance and for visitor management systems, but it is good news that our ID solutions are now helping people with disabilities who are rightly entitled to concessionary pricing at theatres, museums, attractions, leisure and at many other public environments.”

Disabled individuals or their guardians can apply for a DID card by visiting: www.did-card.co.uk/apply.php.

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