Hi Ray. I suppose it all depends upon which Local Authority you live in and how much cash you need. Small LA's like Argyll and Bute Council cannot assist with any funding and indeed it is only recently that I've been able to get a talking watch or a long cane replaced free of charge. When I worked as a vi social worker in Glasgow about ten years ago, I managed to get cash from the authority on a number of occasions for cctv's, talking microwaves etc. It was also possible then to apply for a grant from numerous charities for vi people, such as Action for Blind People, but I suppose given the current situation such organisations simply can not do it these days. Concerning travel concessions, large LA's have always been able to provide registered blind people with free fares and it is only recently, that small LA's such as Argyll and Bute and Borders Council have joind this scheme. I live about an hours bus ride from my closest town and it costs sighted people about £8.00 for a day return. This must be a nightmare for those on jobseekers allowance or on low incomes, but it makes all the difference to me. I'm able to go into town anytime I wish. Without the free travel, I'd not be able to and I'd be even more isolated. Do registered blind people in England have to pay for buses and trains? Best wishes. Andy from sunny Kilcreggan ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ray's Home" <rays-home@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2004 1:11 PM Subject: [access-uk] Access Technology from your friendly Social Worker? > Here's one for Vi's in Scotland. Somewhere, I don't know where, I heard > that some access equipment was being supplied, or paid for by Social > Services in Scotalnd. Can anyone there tell me if its true, or what the > actual situation is? > > Many sasanakcs are beginning to look at Scotland with envy, as I understand > you can travel anywhere in Caledonia on public transpoort for free. > > > Ray. > > > ** Going on holiday and want to halt messages? Send a message to:- > ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx > ** and in the Subject line type > ** vacation ## d > ** where ## is the number of days followed by d for days. > ** For other things like digest mode, send a message, to > ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq ** Going on holiday and want to halt messages? Send a message to:- ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** and in the Subject line type ** vacation ## d ** where ## is the number of days followed by d for days. ** For other things like digest mode, send a message, to ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq