Accessible transport and leisure

Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue Badge scheme helps you park closer to your destination if you’re disabled. Suffolk County Council has detailed information about the scheme, who is eligible to apply, and how the scheme works.

Beware copycat websites: some sites will charge you much more. Only use the official Suffolk Count Council site.

Applications are made through the government’s website:

Driving Miss Daisy – Wheel-chair adapted taxis: 0333 014 6211

Driving Miss Daisy offers a safe, friendly and reliable driving and companion service for children, the elderly, and anyone who is unable to drive but wishes to remain independent. They offer much more than just transportation. They will collect you, drive you to and from your destination and provide assistance as you require. They care about making every journey a pleasure, and all their drivers are DBS checked, private hire licensed, first-aid accredited and trained to assist with your mobility. They can help with:

  • Trips to the doctor, hospital, podiatrist, hairdresser, and any other appointments you may have.
  • Organising and accompanying on social outings.
  • Shopping assistance as needed; especially helpful if there are several stops to make.
  • Supporting clients with special needs.
  • Taking your pet to the vet.

https://drivingmissdaisy.co.uk/ipswich/

Staying independent

Suffolk County Council covers a range of support facilities with accessibility for those with sensory and physical disability:

Staying independent with sensory and physical disabilities

Dial-A-Ride (Connecting Communities)

Dial-A-Ride is now known as Connecting Communities. This is a transport service provided by Suffolk County Council (Suffolk On Board) for people who don’t have access to a regular bus service. The services available depend on the area you live in.

The video below made by Suffolk On Board explains the service. The video is on the Connecting Communities website and also on YouTube. There are captions on the video if you view it on YouTube.

You need to book at least a week in advance, earlier if possible, especially on some routes. These services are available to anyone, not just disabled people, so, for example, routes popular with tourists may get busier during holiday times. There is a charge for using the services which you should check when you book.

AccessAble

AccessAble is a good source of information about accessible transport:

Hospital transport

You are normally expected to make your own way to hospital for non-emergency treatment but if you are on a low income you may be able to claim back any costs:

Travelling with a carer

Travelling with a Carer – Information and advice on travelling with medication and insurance.

Accessible leisure

Accessible Countryside for Everyone ACE

Includes information on wheelchair walks, accessible pubs, sport, accessible tourist information, wheelchair friendly taxi operators and lots more.

Disabled Travel and Holidays

Information on Disabled Travel and Holidays

Suffolk Tourist Guide

Suffolk Tourist Guide includes information about accessible beaches, tourist attractions, shop mobility and much more.

Social, sport and recreation for disabled people