Jargon buster

A UK government scheme that can fund workplace adjustments, equipment, and support workers for disabled employees or self-employed people.

A toilet designed for wheelchair users, typically with grab rails, enough turning space, and an emergency alarm cord. Not the same as a Changing Places toilet.

Professional support to help a person express their views, access services, or challenge decisions — often available free through local organisations.

Any device or software that helps a disabled person perform tasks — from screen readers and switch access to powered wheelchairs and communication aids.

A tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability or illness.

A parking permit for disabled people that allows use of designated bays, on-street parking concessions, and exemptions from some restrictions across the UK.

British Sign Language. A visual language used by many Deaf people in the UK, recognised as a language in its own right since 2022.

A weekly benefit for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone receiving certain disability benefits.

A larger accessible toilet with a ceiling hoist, height-adjustable changing bench, and enough space for the disabled person plus up to two carers. Much rarer than standard accessible toilets.

Money from the local authority given directly to a disabled person (or their representative) so they can arrange and pay for their own care and support.

A local authority grant of up to £30,000 (England) to fund home adaptations such as ramps, stairlifts, wet rooms, and door widening.

Funding for UK higher education students with a disability, long-term health condition, or specific learning difficulty, covering equipment, support workers, and travel.

European Accessibility Act. EU directive (coming into force June 2025) requiring key products and services to be accessible. Affects UK businesses that trade in the EU.

Education, Health and Care plan. A legal document for children and young people (0–25) with special educational needs, setting out the support they must receive.

The main UK law protecting disabled people from discrimination. It requires service providers and employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’.

A disability that is not immediately visible — such as chronic pain, autism, epilepsy, mental health conditions, or inflammatory bowel disease.

An assistive listening system that transmits sound directly to hearing aids set to the ‘T’ (telecoil) position. Common in reception desks, theatres, and ticket offices.

An entrance or route with no steps — either completely flat or with a gentle ramp (ideally 1:20 gradient or shallower).

A UK scheme that lets eligible disabled people lease a new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using their higher-rate mobility benefit.

Local NHS teams that assess, provide, and maintain wheelchairs. Waiting times and what they provide vary widely by area.

A health professional who assesses daily living needs and recommends equipment, adaptations, and techniques to maintain independence.

Personal Independence Payment. A tax-free benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term health condition or disability. Assessed on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.

A universal key that opens locked accessible toilets across the UK under the National Key Scheme. Available for around £6 from Disability Rights UK.

A change that a service provider, employer, or school must make under the Equality Act to remove barriers for disabled people — unless it’s not reasonably practicable.

Temporary care that gives the usual carer a break. Can be provided at home, in a care setting, or through a holiday scheme.

A controlled environment designed for people with sensory processing differences — often featuring soft lighting, projectors, tactile surfaces, and calming sounds.

A free assessment by the local authority to determine what care and support a person needs and what the council will fund under the Care Act 2014.

A green lanyard with sunflower print worn to indicate a hidden disability. Recognised by many shops, airports, and transport providers across the UK.

Moving from one seated position to another — for example, from a wheelchair to a car seat, toilet, or bed. Technique varies by mobility level.

The space a wheelchair needs to make a full 180° or 360° turn. A standard manual chair needs roughly 1500 mm diameter; powered chairs and scooters need more.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. A car or minibus adapted with a ramp or lift and floor-mounted wheelchair restraints, allowing a person to travel seated in their wheelchair.