Press release: Benefit changes must not isolate deafblind people

08 April 2013

Sense today warned that the benefit changes which are introduced today must not isolate or disadvantage deafblind people. The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has replaced the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which helps disabled people with the additional costs they face on a daily basis. The assessments will be carried out by Atos Healthcare and Capita.

Sense Deputy Chief Executive, Richard Kramer, said:

“The needs of deafblind people are often complex and make it difficult for them to play an active role in society. DLA was key in helping many disabled people overcome these barriers and it would be damaging if the changeover to PIP made lives more difficult for deafblind people or left them without support and cut off from their own communities.

“We know that many deafblind people are fearful about losing benefits as a result of the changes, while pilot testing showed worrying examples of unacceptable practices. One deafblind person could not be provided with an interpreter. Another was asked to copy what the assessor was doing – despite not being able to see. These basic mistakes must not be repeated and Sense will be monitoring the performance of both Atos Healthcare and Capita closely to ensure deafblind people are treated fairly and correctly.”

Mr Kramer added:

“Sense is also concerned about about the level of stress placed on disabled people as they are being assessed for benefits. The DWP and the assessors must do everything they can to provide clear information and ensure they make the right decision initially so that disabled people do not have to appeal to get the benefit they are entitled to".

Any deafblind person in need of support should contact Sense on 0845 127 0060 (voice and textphone) or info@sense.org.uk for accessible information and expert advice.

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James Gosling, PR Manager 0207 014 9379
Out-of-hours 07770 580 843

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