The Advice Team at Diverse Abilities has been appointed 12 months’ funding to help provide more support for people who are deaf or speech impaired and rely on communication support. 

The cost of British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters attending appointments can now be paid by the Advice Team on behalf of the person seeking advice, as well as covering the cost of the appointment itself. These appointments cover benefit applications, appeals, and Lasting Power of Attorney applications, all important to helping those with disabilities secure the support they need to live their day to day lives.

Elaine Ewing, Advice Team manager, commented: “This is a fantastic start to 2022, it really is great to know that we can further support deaf children and adults, and their families, all while being able to cover the operating costs.”

One recent client who has benefitted from the service added: “After several failed applications, Diverse Abilities helped me to complete the DLA application for my eldest daughter and it was successful. My other daughter also had a DLA application, Diverse Abilities assisted with this, and it was successful on the first application. The team has assisted me and provided me with the BSL communication support that I needed. I could not have done it without their help.”

The Advice Team is a not-for-profit service, part of Dorset’s disability charity, and provides support and guidance in all manner of disability requirements including Blue Badge Applications, Carers Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Child Disability Living Allowance and more. 

Elaine continued: “While this funding is initially for one year, we’re hoping to continue the service afterwards as we know just how vitally important it is for our community. Hopefully this first year will prove how necessary it is and encourage the case for it to continue.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/advice to find out more or call 0300 330 5514.