Disability Information Service In Perthshire (DISIP)
DISIP is a one-stop shop for people needing disability-related contact details in order to help the disabled and impaired, of all ages, to live life on their terms by the provision of accurate, free, current and relevant disability related information.
The aim is to help the disabled and impaired, of all ages, to live life on their terms by the provision of accurate, free, current and relevant disability related information. DISIP hods extensive local and national information enabling it to respond to queries across all aspects of disability.
Currently there are three full time members of staff and 36 Volunteers, trained to give disability-related information, and to research disability related topics on behalf of clients. In the past three years it has been able to offer help or support to over three thousand disabled people, their families or carers.
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“We offer a customised, personal service to address individual requirements, and identify where our customers can get the specific support and services they require,” Project Manager Peter Hurley, told Comment.
The service was founded in 2001 by local people who experienced difficulties trying to obtain the sort of information that DISIP now provides. The funding in the first year was by Perth & Kinross Council, and thereafter by Lloyds TSB and the Community Fund.
Some of the issues covered in recent months have included:
Benefits - DLA, Carers Allowance, Incapacity benefit;
Community Care – equipment - wheelchairs, personal equipment, ramps;
Blue badge - parking, accessible transport;
Housing adaptations - renting, access to premises and grants;
Personal - counselling, health and support;
Education - training schools and research;
Holidays – accommodation, transport and travel insurance.
Development Work
Raising awareness of the service is a huge challenge. Leaflets are available in over 120 outlets, and talks, briefings and information days are attended wherever possible. This part of DISIP's work is continually expanding.
“We have recently employed a Development Co-ordinator, Wendy Pepper, to help increase awareness of our service throughout Perth & Kinross,” continued Peter. “We aim to establish information points in strategic locations throughout the county, and are need volunteers in these areas to help. We have been present at many of the Flu Clinics which have just taken place, and have received a large number of enquiries and much positive feedback as a result” he concluded.
To contact DSIP about disability-related enquiries, volunteering or general support, call 01738 440099.
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