Do I have a disability?

I'm not sure but do I have a disability? My issue is with my eyesight being extremely bad to the point that even with glasses I am not able to see well. I wear very powerful glasses and I think I have reached near the end of what prescriptions my opticians deal with. Am I possibly disabled or do I not come under disability of any sort?

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

I read this: https://www.gov.uk/pip

Is this all what decides if I am disabled and if I was then do I have to tell anyone?

Reply 2

Hazelly

Study Forum Helper

First of all, PIP isn’t just for someone with a disability. Although, if you’re suffering from long standing issues with your eyesight you might be eligible for PIP. Also, PIP doesn’t decide that you have a disability or not. Remember that it’s extremely difficult to apply for and you usually have to face consultation appointments and provide lots of proof to how your condition affects you on a daily basis. A lot of people end up going to court/tribunal over PIP allowances.

If you want to know if you’re defined as being disabled you will need to look at the Equality Act 2010, which talks about the protected characteristics of an individual (e.g. disability). Have a look at this:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

Have you seen anyone else other than an optician for your sight impairment? Someone more specialised?

Hope this helps.

Reply 3

Kindred

Original post by Anonymous

Disability is based on the symptoms a person had and how their life is affected. The criteria for being disabled are given in the equality act and can be found on the .gov website (and with the link somebody else has posted here). Essentially if you have long term symptoms that significantly affect day to day life you can be considered disabled. If you do meet the criteria you still don't have to define yourself as disabled, but you are covered under the equality act and can refer to yourself as disabled if you want to.

PIP and other benefits relating to disability have more specific criteria. Not all disabled people are eligible. You need to be affected in certain ways and to certain extents.

Does your eyesight mean you would struggle to read normal text (like price tags, books, your phone screen etc)? Does it mean you struggle with basic tasks (like shoe laces, buying food, washing clothes, getting the bus, crossing the road?
If so you may well be disabled. You can take a look for yourself at the equality act and see if you think it applies to you.

What you do with that information will vary. Either way you should look into getting support with your education (talk to your school/ college/ uni.
You might also find that you would be eligible for various support in a workplace, benefits, special equipment etc. And online groups for the visually impaired might be able to help you make life easier with various tips and tricks.

And if you haven't already I would look further into why your eyesight is bad even with glasses. Perhaps your prescription is out of date or there's some other issue going on that needs to be addressed. Obviously you may well have already done that and just didn't mention it here.

Do I have a disability?

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