In 2019, the DfT issued updated criteria to extend eligibility for Blue Badges to people with hidden disabilities. This workshop is intended to assist Local Authorities and healthcare professionals in implementation of the revised Blue Badge criteria and build best practice for individuals involved in assessing eligibility for the scheme.

The workshop is open to all and builds upon our previous introduction to the changes by focusing on real-life case studies. The course will examine current interpretation of the new criteria provide delegates the opportunity to have some of their questions and queries answered by the DfT.

This valuable opportunity will provide delegates with both a comprehensive overview of the best practice approaches being implemented across the sector and give authoritative answers to any queries or difficulties they are encountering.

Delegates are encouraged to submit their questions and queries by 11th November, and the DfT will aim to provide answers ahead of the workshop.

The workshop will cover:

• Study of the updated criteria and their impact on eligibility
• In-depth look at the conditions most likely to be encountered under the updated criteria and the types of evidence that assessors can expect to utilise
• Understanding the user groups likely to benefit from the updated criteria and developing service structures that are fair and accessible for them
• Approaches to ensure informed decision-making where documented evidence is sparse
• Potential constraints, challenges and limitations and how to overcome them
• Presentation of real-life case studies looking at complex case scenarios and how the criteria is interpreted when assessing those.

Delegates are encouraged to get in contact ahead of the day if they have a case study they would like to present or discuss at the workshop.

• DfT responses to delegate queries and group discussion thereof.

The workshop will also provide:

• Opportunities for networking, further learning and understanding

The course will be delivered Stephen Naylor (Managing Director, Access Independent) and Sue Gray (OT - Clinical Lead for Eligibility Assessments). Sue has worked closely with Access Independent and our Local Authority and third sector partners to develop the tools and approaches needed to accommodate the changes to the criteria. Stephen has worked directly with the DfT and a number of special interest groups to develop appropriate assessment approaches and clarify intended interpretation of the published guidance and has provided hidden disabilities training to Local Authorities nationwide.

Multiple Q and A’s will be held across the day and time is allotted for learner-directed topics.

A full buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day are included, so please let us know of any special dietary requirements as soon as possible.

If you would like to know more information, please feel free to contact Lindsey Powell or Stephen Naylor on 01223 229091

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Please note, cancelling a booking requires written notification, we kindly ask that if you must cancel a booking you offer as much notice as possible as places are limited.

Cancelled bookings will incur an administration fee of 20% of the total booking fee if made 6 weeks or earlier from the course dates and an administration fee of 60% of the total booking fee if made 2-6 weeks before the course date. We are unable to offer refunds to cancellations made with less than 2 weeks’ notice.

Travel and accommodation expenses cannot be refunded