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Is type 1 diabetes a disability

T

Tracy

Member
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Can someone advise if type 1 diabetes is a disability , asked the hospital consultant who said that true diabetics were on more than me - (won't tell you what I thought at the time) but eventually established that it is covered under the act. What exactly does that mean , when I apply for a job do I tick the disability box or not , what are my rights?

Thanks

Tracy
 
Meh, it's a grey area. A small number of people are on DLA, but mostly Diabetics can't argue that their condition is a disability unless they're suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy (or retinal problems).

It's not something I've ever been in favour of - as it implies limitation where none exists and just encourages people to disqualify us from doing the more fun things in life.
 
i think i read somewhere that parents can claim DLA for children with diabetes.

For the work thing, yes I tick the disability box, expecially on the guarenteed interview ones. I qualify on on other grounds too which means I don't feel guilty about doing it.

Do i consider diabetes as a disability- for me, I dont, but you know what i never asked for this, it's **** alot of the time, so why shouldn't I get some benefit on occasions
 
this is one to check with diabetes Uk. It's the kind of thing they DO know
 
sofaraway said:
i think i read somewhere that parents can claim DLA for children with diabetes.
Click to expand...


True but you sometimes have to go before a review panel (as a parent) to convince them it's necessary.
 
For work I don't tick the disability box they should have a section on medical conditions that contains diabetes - if not don't tick the disability. A far as I'm aware it only becomes a disability if it could directly affect your work making you a danger - I work shifts and until I was short listed for interview I didn't even mention it.
Personally no its not a disability I work with children with disability not in the same league at all !
 
Goodness me, I didn't even consider this one! I will have to bear this in mind in future although I have to say although this is a pain in the bottom I don't see myself as disabled and would only do so if I had conplications ie sight / feet etc.

Does this mean I can apply for a car sticker? :wink: that would make my life easier!
 
I have to say that I have always considered myself to be someone with a medical condition, rather that a disabled person. But if you check the Diabetes and Employment section of the forum main website you will see that diabetes is covered by the Disability Discrimination Act, so technically it is regarded as a disability whether we think of it in those terms or not.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-employment.html
 
Yes Yes and Yes.
There are many jobs which as a type 1 diabetic we cannot do by law.
If you suffer from any complications or lack of hypo awareness due to diabetes you are entitled to disability living allowance and if you are given the higher rate mobility or care component you are also entitled to Disability working tax credits too.
In my humble opinion everyone should make a claim because that money is just sat there waiting to be used and we are all entitled by law no matter what your opinion on the subject.
 
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