This group was established in 2001, to support 100s of disabled people in Hackney, whose application for freedom pass was rejected. This was because London Borough of Hackney (LBH) introduced new eligibility criteria for freedom pass.
Following the expiry of freedom passes in 2004 many disabled people encountered tremendous difficulties to renew their passes. Some were unable to get their passes renewed on time even when the expiry date for the old one was extended. This was because the renewal application forms did not reach applicants on time to complete and return. According to the local authority, the post office was partly to be blamed for this fiasco. This is because, some application forms return to the Social Services got missing in the post, and at some stage the post office ran out of the new Oyster Cards.
The DPFPG was the only self-help group in the borough that was supporting and comforting the anxious disabled people who were uncertain about the future of their freedom pass.
Within 2003/04 financial year, the group (DPFPG) assisted 64 disabled people. 70 percent of those beneficiaries came to us when their original applications for freedom pass were rejected. This category of beneficiaries was assisted with appeal application. 80 percent of appeals prepared by us were successful. The high percentage of successful appeals implies that freedom pass application process is not accessible.
This issue was raised with the Hackney Social Services with proposal to review the freedom pass application process. Reviewing the application process will include Disability Equality Training for staff who are involve in assessing freedom pass application forms.
The group also extended its works to other disability transport issues, including blue badges and Door-to-Door transport services. The group was also involved in giving information and advice on welfare benefits that are part of the freedom pass eligibility criteria, such as the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
The group has also succeeded to influence the local authority to drop the £10 replacement charge for lost or stolen disabled people freedom pass.
The work of the DPFPG is provided by disabled volunteers who have undertaken Disability Hackney s Advocacy Training. The group was partly funded by the London Borough of Hackney Voluntary Sector Grant.
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