Telephone 01592 203993

Access out and about

Leven River Parks Community Engagement Development Plan:

Say Hello to Ice Cream Architecture on 15th May and keep up to date

Below is a note from Ice Cream Architecture that explains what they will be doing over the coming months in Levenmouth and surrounding localities.

The River Parks Project is working to create an accessible, attractive, and biodiverse public park and active travel network for the local communities of Levenmouth.  It is part of the wider Leven Programme of connected projects, to deliver environmental improvements for the river and the surrounding areas, making them great places to live, work and visit.  Click here for more information about the Leven Programme

Ice Cream Architecture (ICA) is creating a Community Engagement Plan, which will be co-produced with the local community and ensure that key decisions are informed by the people who will use the Leven River Parks.  As part of this, ICA will be facilitating a number of events and feedback sessions in the coming months, and they want to hear your thoughts.

Please leave your information here if you wish to hear more about opportunities and events happening to inform the Leven River Parks Community Engagement Plan.

Covid-19 regulations:

The Scottish Government has introduced new guidelines last night.

 
Most of the people that volunteer or that we support are in the ‘at risk’ category.
 
For that reason while the 12 week or longer Safe Distance regulation is in place we will not be physically present at our office in WestBridge Mill.
 
However, our information service and everything we do is still operational.
 
You can still contact us by phone 01592 203993, email chair@disabilitiesfife.uk and post. The only thing that changes is that we will not be physically in the office but working remotely.
 
As this regulation was sprung on us at short notice the service will be slightly disrupted today and tomorrow.
 
Any phone calls left on answer phones – initially may not sound like our normal response but will be processed – the normal answer phone service should be operation after Monday 23rd March 2020
 
As a bonus we are looking at new ways to supply those that qualify for RADAR keys with the keys and the access info they need. Please check back here for more info about this over the coming days.

Who is this page for?

  • Individuals using a service

Which countries is it relevant to?

  •   England
  •  Scotland
  •  Wales
Your rights when travelling by air

The Equality Act 2010 gave disabled people rights including in the areas of public transport and consolidated and expanded existing equalities legislation, including introducing a new public sector equality duty. Transport operators have a duty to proactively consider how they are going to effectively reduce the barriers for disabled people.

EU regulations: Air passengers rights

Under European law-Air passengers Rights, if you are disabled or have difficulty moving around you can receive assistance when you fly to, from and within Europe.

You do not need to be permanently or physically disabled to benefit from this service. In fact, anyone who has difficulty moving around, for example because of their disability, age or a temporary injury, can receive help when they fly. This may include help when travelling through an airport, boarding or disembarking an aircraft and during a flight.

Sometimes, however, the assistance you get may not meet your expectations or communication can break down. In some limited cases, your requirements may not be covered by the law.

You can find out more from our booklet Top tips for disabled and less mobile passengers – Your Passport to a Smooth Journey.

You can find out more from our free step-by-step guide ‘Your Rights to Fly

Last updated: 19 Feb 2019

 

Further information

If you think you might have been treated unfairly and want further advice, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service.

Phone: 0808 800 0082
Textphone: 0808 800 0084

You can email using the contact form on the EASS website.

Also available through the website are BSL interpretation, web chat services and a contact us form.

Post:
FREEPOST
EASS HELPLINE
FPN6521

Opening hours:

9am to 7pm Monday to Friday
10am to 2pm Saturday
closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays

Alternatively, you can visit our advice and guidance pag

Disability and air travel

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/disability-and-air-travel

Air Travel – FAQs

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance-faq/air-travel-faqs

Top tips for disabled and less mobile air passengers

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/top-tips-disabled-and-less-mobile-air-passengers

Pay for damaged wheelchairs, leading Paralympian tells airlines

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/our-work/news/pay-damaged-wheelchairs-leading-paralympian-tells-airlines

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nooriginalthought.bluebadgeparking

What is BlueBadgeParking.com

BlueBadgeParking.com is a free, worldwide map and database of disabled / handicap parking places.

Through the power of crowd-sourcing, and with your help, we are building the most comprehensive and most up to date collection of disabled / handicap parking locations in the world.

From this data you can print your own maps – searching for a specific area, town, street or even a particular attraction – or download the database to your SatNav and search on the road! Continue reading

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/disability-and-air-travel

What is on this page?

Who is this page for?

  • Individuals using a service

Which countries is it relevant to?

    •  England
    •  Scotland
    • Wales
Your rights when travelling by air

The Equality Act 2010 gave disabled people rights including in the areas of public transport and consolidated and expanded existing equalities legislation, including introducing a new public sector equality duty. Transport operators have a duty to proactively consider how they are going to effectively reduce the barriers for disabled people.

EU regulations: Air passengers rights

Under European law-Air passengers Rights, if you are disabled or have difficulty moving around you can receive assistance when you fly to, from and within Europe.

You do not need to be permanently or physically disabled to benefit from this service. In fact, anyone who has difficulty moving around, for example because of their disability, age or a temporary injury, can receive help when they fly. This may include help when travelling through an airport, boarding or disembarking an aircraft and during a flight.

Sometimes, however, the assistance you get may not meet your expectations or communication can break down. In some limited cases, your requirements may not be covered by the law.

You can find out more from our booklet Top tips for disabled and less mobile passengers – Your Passport to a Smooth Journey.

You can find out more from our free step-by-step guide ‘Your Rights to Fly

Last updated: 19 Feb 2019

The above information is from  https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/disability-and-air-travel

Request assistance for your journey, two hours or more before you travel.

Our opening hours are 07:00 to 22:00, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day) for phone and online bookings. If you’re travelling early in the morning, make sure you book assistance before 22:00 the previous evening.


You can book assistance:

  • Online using this form
  • At any staffed station on our network – check opening times at your station
  • Free Assisted Travel Helpline: 0800 912 2901
  • Assisted Travel Textphone: 18001 0800 912 2 901 (for people who are hard of hearing)

If your journey goes beyond our network, and includes travel on other train operator services, we ask that you book assistance 24 hours before travelling so we can meet their notice period requirements.

More information about accessible travel can be found here

Book assistance online

We’ll verify your journey details, make sure we can fulfil your request and confirm arrangements via email. If you’ve provided your phone number, we’ll call you if we need to talk things through.

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/form/assisted-travel

The below information is from http://www.wheelchairchildren.org.uk/

Go Kids Go! was formerly known as Association of Wheelchair Children which in turn came out of The Newham Rollers  – a local activities group for wheelchair-using children, which operated in the East End of London in the late 1980’s.

As news about its work spread, founder Owen McGhee (BSc, MCSP, SRP) who was the Senior Community Paediatric Physiotherapist for the Newham Health Authority, identified a national need for these specialist wheelchair services. In 1990 AWC became a registered national charity and since that time has helped literally thousands of wheelchair-using children and their families. Continue reading

Fife Bus – Appointment Based Dial-a-Ride for the less able…

fife.bus@fife.gov.uk 

03451 55 11 88

Alternatively, if you are deaf or hard of hearing…

Email: fife.bus@fife.gov.uk Text: 07985 737 018 (Please note this mobile does not accept Voice calls.)

Extract of information from Fife Council with some additional items…

https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/fife-bus

Fife bus – for people that are physically or mentally challenged

Please telephone the Fife Bus (An appointment based Dial as You Ride) office on 03451 55 11 88. For the deaf and hard of hearing…

Email: fife.bus@fife.gov.uk Text: 07985 737 018 (Please note this mobile does not accept Voice calls.)

But what is Fife Bus…

It is Fife Council’s Demand Responsive Transport Service (DRT), and it provides door-to-door transport for people who are unable to access mainstream public transport.

Theses minibuses have very low steps, or a passenger lift. This allows wheelchair to travel on the mini bus too.

The Council’s friendly driving staff are on hand, to allow our passengers to board and leave the bus. They will also help with you with wearing a seatbelt, if that is a challenge for you.

Who can use Fife Bus?                        

Anyone who has difficulty in using mainstream public transport due some form of reduced mobility. That is,

your reduced mobility may be:

  • physical,
  • mental,
  • or a sensory impairment,
  • and may be permanent or temporary.

What does it cost?                        

The service is free to use

Where can passengers go…

You can go anywhere within your permitted travel area. This is detailed in the Fife Bus Service by Town  https://www.fife.gov.uk/__data/assets/excel_vdoc/0039/79995/Fife-Bus-Expansion-Jan-2024.xlsx publication.

How do I use Fife Bus?

Firstly, you need to register before you can book a journey. Registration is quick and simple. Please telephone the Fife Bus office on 03451 55 11 88. Fife Buses friendly staff will talk you through the process and let you know if you qualify. Registrations will be accepted between 9 am and 4.30 pm

Alternatively, if you are deaf, have hearing loss or are speech impaired, you can make your bookings using Email or Text.

Email: fife.bus@fife.gov.uk Text: 07985 737 018*

*Please note this mobile does not accept Voice calls.

Additionally, If you have difficulty using the telephone, someone can call Fife Bus and register on your behalf. Once registered, Fife Bus will send out a welcome pack providing further details of the service and how you can use it.

What can I use it for?                        

You can use the service for any transport you require, for example:

  • going to the bingo or cinema
  • going to college
  • trips to friends
  • for leisure
  • for a visit to the park
  • visiting relatives
  • shopping trips, and…
  • Going to Work

Fife Council staff can also tell you which shopping centres have Shopmobility, https://www.shopmobilityfife.uk who may be able to arrange:

  • a helper for you or
  • provide you with a scooter, or
  • a powered or…
  • manual wheelchair if needed.

What if I need a helping hand?                        

If you feel the support of a friend or family member would help, please bring them with you (just let us know when you book the bus). You can also bring your hearing or guide dog.

Where can I use the service

Fife Bus is a Fife-wide service, available across Fife 8am to 5:30pm (Mon to Sun). Bookings are only taken the day before travel, with Friday and Saturday bookings taken on a Thursday and Sunday and Monday bookings taken on a Friday. You can see what days the service is running in your area by looking at Fifebus Service by Town.

https://www.fife.gov.uk/__data/assets/excel_doc/0039/79995/Fife-Bus-Expansion-Jan-2024.xlsx

As with other public transport services, it will no longer be a mandatory requirement for passengers to wear a face covering whilst travelling with us. Fife Bus would, however, still strongly encourage their use at this time.

The Council will continue to review the Fifebus service in line with changing circumstances and any Government advice/measures and we will keep customers informed of any changes.

For further information about the service, please call the Council’s dedicated dial number – 03451 55 11 88 – anytime between 9:00am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. A trained member of Fife Council staff will take time to discuss with you the various services available in your area.

Contact Information

Telephone: 03451 55 11 88

Email: ffe.bus@ffe.gov.uk Text: 07985 737 018*

*Please note this mobile does not accept Voice calls.

By Post: Passenger Transport Services (DRT), Bankhead Central, Bankhead Park, Glenrothes, KY7 6GH

The below is from https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/disabled_passengers.aspx       added 31/08/2019

For A Helping Hand When Travelling By Train

At National Rail we want all our customers to be able to access stations and trains for a more inclusive journey experience.

We understand that when making a journey some customers would be more confident travelling with a little extra support and that’s why all train companies offer a helping hand for any trip through Passenger Assist. You can book assistance 24-hours a day by contacting Passenger Assist on freephone 0800 0223720.

Here’s a guide for more information on available assistance.

Passenger Assist

Simply book assistance for any train journey, with one number. For a helping hand around the station, to boarding a train or arranging a ramp.

The train company you’re travelling with will organise assistance for your entire journey, even if you travel with someone else to complete the trip.

The Train company you are travelling with can arrange for someone to:

  •   meet you at the station entrance or meeting point
  •   help you navigate around the station and accompany you to your train
  •   help you on and off the service
  •   provide a ramp on and off your train
  •   meet you from your train and take you to your next train or the exit
  •   carry your bag (up to three items of luggage as per the National Rail Conditions of Travel)

How to book

Simply call for free on

0800 0223720

24 hours before travelling or a text 60083.

For textphone/minicom 0845 60 50 600 or visit www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/travel-assistance

Let us know the journey you are planning to take, and we will connect you to the appropriate train operating company to make your booking request.

For text and textphone we’ll send an instant SMS with the number you need to dial from your textphone unit.

Call and texts are at no charge.

Save time and book ahead

It’s always best to book as far ahead as possible. Some train companies may ask for up to 24 hours’ notice before travel, although some may accept requests for booked assistance at short notice.

Where a station is staffed they will always help you if they can, even if you just turn up on the day of travel. However, it might mean that sometimes this might take a little bit longer to arrange as staff may be assisting other customers, dispatching a train, or looking after safety on the platform.

If staff are not able to help you straight away they will explain clearly why not and do their best to assist as soon as they can.

If Things Go Wrong

If the train you want to travel on is cancelled or delayed

You will not have to pay extra if you cannot buy your ticket before getting on the train due to an impairment.

Train companies will do everything possible to get you to the station you want to travel to. If it is not possible to access a rail replacement bus, the train company will provide an accessible alternative, such as a complimentary  taxi to the station you are planning to travel to.

You can complain if your journey goes wrong and the train company will investigate it fully and fairly. You may also be entitled to compensation if there is a delay to  your journey or something goes wrong . To understand your full rights please refer to the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

Throughout your journey

  •   The train company will do all it can to communicate effectively
  •   Staff will treat all customers with respect and dignity
  •   Staff will understand your needs
  •  Trained staff will know how to use company equipment that may help with a journey

You can also book assistance and find out more information direct from the train company on the numbers below:

Train Company Access Information Online Telephone Textphone/Typetalk
c2c c2c Access Information 0345 744 4422 03457 444422  (Textphone
compatible with Ultratec Minicom 6000)
Caledonian Sleeper Caledonian Sleeper Access Information 0330 060 0500 1 800 103 300 600 500 (text relay service)
Chiltern Railways Chiltern Railways Access Information 03456 005 165 08457 078 051 (Textphone)
CrossCountry CrossCountry Access Information 0344 811 0125 0344 811 0126 (Textphone)
East Midlands Railway East Midlands Railway Access Information 03457 125 678 03457 078 051 (Textphone)
Gatwick Express Gatwick Express Access Information 0800 138 1016 0800 138 1018 (Textphone)
Grand Central Grand Central Access Information 0344 811 0072 0344 556 1400 (Textphone)
Great Northern Great Northern Access Information 0800 058 2844 0800 975 1052 (Textphone)
Great Western Railway Great Western Railway Access Information 08001 971 329  18001 0800 197 1329 (Textphone)
Greater Anglia Greater Anglia Access Information 08000 282 878 18001 08000 282878 (text relay service)
Hull Trains Hull Trains Access Information 0800 316 1323 0800 304 7513 (Textphone)
Island Line Island Line Access Information 0800 528 2100 0800 692 0792 (Textphone)
LNER LNER Access Information 03457 225 225 18001 03457 225 225 (Text relay service)
London Northwestern Railway London Northwestern Railway Access Information 0800 024 8997 18001 0800 024 8997 (Next Generation Text)
London Overground London Overground Access Information 0343 222 1234 020 3031 9331 (Textphone)
Merseyrail Merseyrail Access Information 0800 0277 347 0151 702 2071 (Textphone)
Northern Northern Access Information 0800 138 5560 08456 045 608 (Textphone)
ScotRail ScotRail Access Information 0800 912 2901 18001 0800 912 2 901 (Typetalk)
Southeastern Southeastern Access Information 08007 834 524 08007 834 548 (Textphone)
South Western Railway South Western Railway Access Information 0800 528 2100 0800 692 0792 (Textphone)
Southern Southern Access Information 0800 138 1016 0800 138 1018 (Textphone)
Thameslink Thameslink Access Information 0800 058 2844 0800 975 1052 (Textphone)
TfL Rail TfL Rail Access Information 0343 222 3456 0800 112 3456 (Textphone)
TransPennine Express TransPennine Express Access Information 0800 107 2149 18001 0800 107 2149 (Textphone)
Transport for Wales Transport for Wales Access Information 03330 050 501 08457 585 469 (Textphone)
Virgin Trains Virgin Trains Access Information 08000 158 123 08000 158 124 (Textphone)
West Midlands Railway West Midlands Railway Access Information 0800 024 8998 18001 0800 024 8998 (Next Generation Text)

Accessible stations

We have a wealth of detail relating to all National Rail served stations. Each station has its own page and you can find the one that you are looking for by using our Station Finder

You can easily look up the accessible features of any National Rail served station, including step-free access, lift availability and accessible toilet information, with our interactive Access Map.

Discounts

If you have a disability you may be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard.

If you do not have a Railcard and you are blind or partially sighted and travelling with a companion, or if you use a wheelchair, you can get a discount on Anytime tickets.

Train facilities

It can be helpful to have an idea of what facilities are available on board the train. This information is arranged by Train Company. If you are unsure which Train Company is running your train you can check using our Journey Planner.

Mobility scooters

Train Companies have different policies about carrying Mobility Scooters on trains.

Further information

The Disabled Persons Railcard website provides lots of useful hints and tips on rail travel for disabled rail users.

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