Disability organisations
The Scottish Disability Directory
The Scottish Disability Directory is produced by Disability Information Scotland. It provides information and contact details for a wide range of disability organisations and support groups, including UK wide, Scottish and local groups. Access to the directory is free.
To use the Scottish Disability Directory you can search by topic, local authority area, postcode or by words or phrases.
Scottish charities database
Many disability organisations are charities. The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has an online, searchable database of Scottish charities.
National Key Scheme (RADAR keys) and toilets
The National Key Scheme (NKS), previously referred to as RADAR keys, offer disabled people independent access to locked public accessible toilets around the country. You can buy the key from Disability Rights UK either over the phone or through their website. Additionally, most local authorities have one-stop-shops or local charities that you can get them from. You will need to provide proof of your disability when buying one.
For a list of locations where you can buy a RADAR key local to you, see the list of RADAR key suppliers which is on the Disability Information Scotland website. There is also more information about the type of specialist public toilets available on their website.
Support for blindness and vision loss
NHS UK offer advice on sight loss. There is information about how to register a visual impairment as well as details of support groups and charities that can help on the NHS UK website.
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting service
ContactSCOTLAND-BSL offers a free interpreting service that enables deaf, British Sign Language (BSL) users to contact public, voluntary and private sector services in Scotland, including Citizens Advice Bureaux.
A BSL user can video call an interpreter at ContactSCOTLAND-BSL directly, who will then speak to the organisation or bureau adviser, and act as an intermediary for the deaf person.
Find out more about how the Video Relay Interpreting Service works on the Contact SCOTLAND-BSL website.
Useful websites
AskSARA
AskSARA is an online tool that helps you find useful advice and products that make daily living easier.
Euan's guide
Euan's guide features accessibility reviews and recommendations by disabled people and their friends and families for venues nationwide. It aims to assist people with accessibility needs, and the people they spend time with.
Living made easy
The Living made easy website provides clear and practical advice for daily living equipment.
The Alliance
The Alliance brings together health and social care organisations and people who are disabled or living with long term conditions or providing unpaid care. The Alliance works to ensure that people who are disabled or living with long term conditions, or their carers, are influential in shaping policy and practice.
NHS inform
NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service. There is an A-Z of health conditions as well as a support service directory on the NHS inform website.
NHS inform
Tel: 0800 22 44 88
Textphone users: 18001 0800 22 44 88
Website: www.nhsinform.scot