A Consultation on Improving Disability Assistance in Scotland

I think a larger percentage of the information should come from the patient or individual involved along with information from a GP and Pain clinics as well as carers. Far to much influence is given at the moment to a single assessment face to face with someone they do not know and cannot get enough information with. Following information from the patient the next best thing is a GP who has a long standing relationship with the patient. Far to much bias is still given to visits with a consultant whom has seen the patient for 15 to 30 minutes.

If the condition is unlikely to change then it should be a review date when the person awarded or the carer feels that they need less or more assistance. Anything else always feels like a trap to those claiming and a deadline of sorts. This may not be the intention but its what it feels like.

Should be much longer

Should be done a case by case basis based on affordability and the need to recover the funds.

Should be the original date and backdated payments paid

The current dwp approach is unbelievably bad and leaves people destitute and unable to get out a debt whole that half the time the DWP has caused.

it should have a more grounded and well thought out process based on what the individual struggles with and what they can and cannot do. For example saying someone cannot walk more than 10 meters is great but if you apply that in context to someone who cannot walk 4meters to a bathroom without holding onto someone or an aid is different. Walking 10m on flat level ground is very rare. Mobility should also take account of stairs, sitting and standing and the ability to get out of bed unassisted.

Essentially it needs someone to listen to the person being assessed or read what they go through and apply a common sense approach. If someone says they need help to get to a bathroom or cannot get out of seat or bed without help they should be getting the highest rate of mobility as they clearly need it. This same person once up may be able to walk with assistance for 10m though.

The PIP descriptors as a current claimants carer are ridiculous and far to non specific and vague. Do not take account of every persons needs and are a simple way for the DWP assessors to invalidate claims.

SPEAK TO PEOPLE !! Treat them as humans with compassion and if they are struggling to walk or in a wheelchair dont try do silly strength tests with them, Read the provided proof of the abilities of the person and make a judgement with them not for them. Far too often these tests feel like simply a way for the DWP and claim assessor to invalidate your claim because on this day of your test you may have been able to move your arm to your face to wipe away a tear. Its inhuman.

At home assessments or video conferencing should be used where available. Phone interviews where not. If you take away the need for face to face you can have more relaxed conversations with people. If a face to face is needed it should be at a local gp surgery where the able bodied assessor can visit. Why should disabled people be made to go somewhere?

Carer commitments and the pain of the person needing interviewed. How they are that day and how easy it is for them to get out on that day.

unlimited times this is not something someone disabled or in chronic pain or managing a life long illness can help so why on earth would you punish them. if they cancel several times why not visit them or perform a phone assessment or heaven forbid take their word that they are in excruciating agony and cannot make it.

No. Any circumstances should be considered as a valid reason. People miss appointments and people with illness and chronic pain cancel much more important events that they want to go to as well and feel bad enough about it.

Should be standard practice for all parties involved to provide an accurate event. Police do it so why can you not.