For information on disabled access, wheelchair walks, easy access for all, mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles and buggy walks visit the ACE website.

This site also provides information regarding taxi companies with disabled friendly taxis, along with wheelchair and scooter hire.

The Blue Badge Scheme provides national parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel as drivers or passengers. The scheme is also for people who are severely sight impaired. People who have a blue badge can park close to their destination in on-street parking and car parks. The form can either be filled in online or you can call Somerset County Council.

The cost of a blue badge is £10. The badge can only be used with the person who owns the badge in the car at the time of parking, as a photograph is used on the badge, for identification. Badges take approximately a month to arrive.

The Card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema. The Card is also one way for cinemas to make sure they look after their disabled guests. If you require an adjustment to visit a cinema because of your disability, cinema staff should make them for you whether you have a CEA Card or not.

Compass Disability Services aim to enable and empower disabled people and carers to have independence, choice and control in their lives. Members have an opportunity to give their views on issues by attending consultation events, discussion groups and forums. Views are fed back to organisations and agencies that develop services such as local authorities and health services.

It’s free to join and members can participate as much or as little as they like.

English National Concessionary Travel Scheme Passes are available for residents of Somerset who are of pensionable age or eligible on the grounds of disability. The pass allows you to travel free on buses in every area of England subject to certain time restrictions. Download application form online or contact Transporting Somerset who will post form.

You may be able to apply for a disabled person’s rail card, if you are in receipt of certain benefits, are visually impaired or registered as deaf, please see website for details, the card will allow you a third off rail travel and costs £20.00 a year.

Brought to you in partnership with Nova Sports and Coaching, a specialist provider in disability sport. Bi-weekly on a Saturday from 1pm-3.15pm at Frome Sport and Fitness, Princess Anne Road, Frome BA11 2SA. For 5 years + £5 per person per session

Please note this club is for individuals with physical disabilities and their siblings. Participants do not need to be regular powerchair users or manual wheelchair users, nor own their own chairs.

Swimming and hydrotherapy sessions for children and young people with a disability or additional need aged between 5-18 years. The opportunity to develop water confidence, water skills and therapeutic movement in the water. There may be a waiting list.

Frome: Tuesdays between 4.00 – 6.00pm at Harry’s Hydro (Critchill School), Frome BA11 4LB.

To enquire about a minor adaptation such as grab rails, lever taps, threshold lowering etc. contact Somerset Direct.

Disabled Facilities grants:
To find out more about disabled facilities such as level access showers and stairlifts and apply for a grant (subject to eligibility) contact Adult Social Care via Somerset Direct and request to speak to an Occupational Therapist.

Independent Living Officers:
For referrals and enquiries regarding our hoarding service, Home Safety checks, Decent Homes, or for one of our trusted assessors to refer grab rails around your property contact Somerset Independent Plus.

If you need advice, small aids or equipment, guidance on home improvements or you would like a referral for minor works such as rails and ramping or larger works under a Disabled Facilities Grant you may benefit in visiting our Independent Advice Centre (IAC) in Shepton Mallet.

Here you will be able to try a range of equipment, to increase your home safety and independence. At an Independent Advice Centre, you will be able to speak to an Occupational Therapist or Adult Social Care Worker for professional advice and for a practical assessment.

Unfortunately, we are not currently offering a ‘drop-in’ system due to the ongoing implications of COVID-19, this may change in the future with the ongoing review of the guidelines by the Government.

To book a visit to view the equipment at an Independent Advice Centre, or to request a practical assessment please call Somerset Direct.

IPES is available for people aged 18 plus, who have a disability and live in the South of England, including Somerset.

IPES believe everyone should have the same opportunity to access a job that is right for them no matter what their circumstances are. Get in touch if this is you and they will sit down and look at how they can support you – giving you a very personalised service based on your individual needs.

You can borrow talking books free of charge, if you are registered with a visual impairment, are unable to hold or use printed material due to a physical disability or if you are dyslexic.

If you are disabled, you may be able to exchange your mobility allowance to get a vehicle that suits your needs. What’s more you don’t even need to drive. Family, friends or carers can drive on your behalf.
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair by exchanging their Government funded mobility allowance . If you receive either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP) , the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) you may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.

The Somerset Disability Engagement Service aims to empower those from the disabled community in Somerset to get their voices heard in wider forums.  It identifies potential areas of concern and brings understanding of the needs and concerns of the disabled community in Somerset to those who make the decisions.

Please visit their website for information of monthly activities, meetings and volunteering opportunities for everyone in the Somerset  area.

These fun sessions are for people with disabilities and are delivered by qualifies coaches.

Venue: Strode College 3G Astro Pitch, Street, Somerset, BA16 0AB

When: Every Monday evening 5pm – 6pm

Cost: Free

Age 16+

We provide an integrated service for the disabled and vulnerable people of Somerset, to enable them to be
more independent, improve their housing and to live in safer homes through disabled adaptations, home
improvements and prevention services.

The Home Maintenance Service is a subsidised service for small repairs and jobs around your house. The care and repair team works together with local authorities as well as the NHS in Somerset. The service also aims to reduce accidents and help make your home more secure.

To book a visit or to enquire an assessment at one of our Independent Advice Centres please contact Somerset Direct On 0300 123 2224 or alternatively you can email adults@somerset.gov.uk