Q. Where else can I get help and advice on employment for people with physical / sensory disabilities?
Training into Employment (TiE)is an employment service designed to help disabled and disadvantaged people find and maintain employment. They support the individual through all stages of training and employment, starting with an assessment for suitable work, benefit checks and contacting employers. TiE offers specialist support for school leavers and people who wish to receive support from an employment mentor. Advice and guidance is also available to employers.
Contact Training Into Employment on 0161 633 7754.
Q. I need a Walking Frame/ Wheelchair. What do I do?
For wheelchairs and walking frames you should contact your G.P.
Q. What is an assessment of need?
An assessment involves you explaining your situation and the problems you may be experiencing within it – according to your health, housing, support network, financial, family, situation etc. the assessment should highlight any help you need which we will provide if it falls within eligibility criteria.
Q. I need equipment to aid me with my visual / hearing impairment. What should I do?
Telephone the physical and sensory disability team on 0161 770 4799 and ask to speak to the Duty Officer. Alternatively you can write or call in to see the Duty Officer at the Link Centre 140 Union Street, Oldham Ol1 1DZ. Or fax the team on 0161 770 3803 or make contact via the minicom/text phone on 0161 770 4803.
Q. Does everybody get help from Social Services if they have a child with a disability?
This will depend on the nature and severity of the disability. Families can refer themselves to the Children with Disabilities Team at Woodfield to see if they are eligible for a service. We encourage all parents to make use of the Disability Database that collates information about children's disability in Oldham and sends out a regular information newsletter.
Q. What transport provision is there in Oldham for children with disabilities?
The School Transport Service provide transport, if they assess that it is needed, for statemented children to and from school. If children require transport for hospital appointments, we liaise with a voluntary agency (Transport for Sick Children) to provide this. The Education Dept. and ourselves issue bus passes for young people who have a severe learning disability or a sensory impairment. Families themselves can contact the Ring and Ride or the Handyride service. If families are on the high rate of the Disability living allowance benefit, they can obtain a car through the Motability scheme. If we, as social workers, require the use of an adapted vehicle, then we approach our transport section for assistance.
Q. What happens when my child reaches 18 and has been receiving a service from the Children with Disabilities Team?
At 18yrs, if the young person has been receiving services from this team, transition plans will already have been made. The young person may transfer to the Adult Learning Disability team or the Physical and Sensory team or the vulnerable Adults team under Community Care legislation.
Q. How do I get support for myself as a carer of a disabled adult or child?
A parent or carer of a severly disabled adult or child can have an Assessment of Need, using the Framework of Assessment, which incorporates the needs of carers.
Q. How can I receive help from Occupational Therapy?
Contact the Community Occupational Therapy Team on 0161 770 3782 They will arrange for a specialist worker from the team to visit you and carry out an assessment with you. During this visit you should discuss your difficulties and ways of solving them. The specialist worker will then be able to advise what equipment or adaptations to your home you may need, if any. They will recommend the most cost-effective solution to your problems.
Q. I have just had a "Hip Replacement". Can I hire equipment from Occupational Therapy?
Some equipment can be provided on short term loan – there is no charge for this.
Q. Is there a charge for the loan of equipment or minor works?
There are no charges for most equipment loans. Charges for minor works depend on your circumstances.
Equipment is on loan and we ask that you return equipment if you no longer need it.
Q. What do I do if I want to return my Occupational Therapy equipment?
Contact the loan stores at Royal Oldham Hospital on 0161 627 8692.