Other sections on this site are concerned with improving independence, mobility and access. This section gives further information about specialist services and voluntary organisations for people with particular physical disabilities and medical conditions.

There is a range of specialist NHS services which people with physical disabilities can obtain at local, regional and national level. These include help from continence advisers, rheumatologists, neurologists, dermatologists and rehabilitation consultants. Specialist rehabilitation services are available, for example, for people who have had strokes, head or spinal injuries, who have neurological or multiple disabilities and for young disabled adults.

Voluntary organisations

The Directory for Disabled People has a detailed section on Helpful Organisations. This site does have most of the addresses mentioned in the directory (see ‘Addresses). The Voluntary Agencies Directory has concise details or around 2,000 organisations, many relating to physical disability. (see ‘Useful Information’)

Arthritis Care aims to promote the health, well-being and independence of people with arthritis through services, support, self-help, influence and information. It has over 650 branches and groups, 64,000 members, runs four specially equipped hotels and a national visiting service. It publishes a range of free leaflets and other publications.

Arthritis Care also runs an information counselling service offering confidential support and information.

Young Arthritis Care is for people under 45 with arthritis. It has a nationwide network of over 80 contacts, all of whom are themselves young people with arthritis.

ASBAH (The Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) works to achieve equality of treatment in, education, employment, housing and many other areas for life and to improve awareness not only about the problems, but the potential of disabled people.

Advice and support for over 60 local associations run by parents and/ or young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus;

A team of advisers to support new parents, families and people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus;

A team of specialist advisers for individuals, families and professionals on mobility, continence, management, education and medical matters;

Advice and help for children at school and young people going on to higher education for seeking a job

Detailed assessments for community care through START - Service Team for Assessment, Rehabilitation and Training. Tel: 0113 255 6767

The British Diabetic Association is a leading funder of research into causes, treatment and possible cures. Over 450 local branches and 5 regional offices can offer help at local level. Its Careline can help with general questions on living with diabetes, including visual impairment. Tel: Careline 0207 636 6112

The National Society for Epilepsy is striving for a world without epilepsy. In the meantime they seek to enhance the health and well-being of people with epilepsy by improving clinical treatment and care and by the provision of health information to people with epilepsy, to health professionals and the general public. Website: http://www.epilepsynse.org.uk

The British Epilepsy Association provides information and advice on epilepsy-related issues for people with epilepsy, their families and professionals involved in caring for them. As well as a variety of information materials, the Association organises conferences and has over 150 branches nationwide offering help and support at local level.
Freephone Helpline: 0808 800 5050 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 4.30pm, Friday 9am to 4pm) Office phone: 0113 210 8800Fax: 0113 391 0300 
Website: http://www.epilepsy.org.uk     Email Helpline: helpline@bea.org.uk  

Epilepsy Wales - Web:  http://www.epilepsy-wales.co.uk

The British Polio Fellowship (BPF) supports people who have had polio, including those experiencing the late effects of polio. BPF provides details of health professionals with an interest in polio related problems, as well as information and advice on disability issues. Helpline: 0208 842 4999

Cancerlink provides emotional support and information to people with cancer, their families, friends and health professionals. It produces range of publications and acts as a resource for over 500 cancer support and self-help groups by offering training and development. Free Cancer Information Helpline 0800 132 905

Headway National Head Injuries Association Ltd is the leading national voluntary organisation for people with head injuries. Its mission is to promote understanding of all aspects of head injury and to provide information, support and services to people with head injury, their families and carers. Headway has over 100 support groups and 40 day care centres and produces a range of publications. Tel: 0115 924 0800

The Motor Neurone Disease Association brings together everyone connected in any way with MND - people with MND, professionals and carers. Its two priorities are the support of research and the provision of care to people affected by the disease. The National Office operates a comprehensive information service and publishes a magazine and information bulletins. Regional care Advisers are based in the community and give a service to both people with MND as well as having an education role. In addition, the Association can offer equipment on loan and make limited financial grants. An expanding branch of network volunteers enables people to find support and practical help locally.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society aims to promote research into finding the cause of and a cure for MS: and to encourage people with MS to come together in mutual support. The Society campaigns to influence Government to improve everyday factors which affect people’s independence. It produces information booklets and the magazine MS Matters. Most of the work is done through a network of 362 local branches:

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