6 Organisations Disabled People should know about
Whether you have recently become disabled, or have been disabled a while, below are 6 organisations disabled people should know about.
1. Radar key
The Radar key is available to purchase here from Disability Rights UK at £5 (without VAT, 2025 price). Radar is part of the National Key Scheme (NKS), it offers disabled people access to hundreds of public disabled toilets and changing places in the country.
It is not always clear if the toilet is engaged so a tip is to knock and listen for a reply before entering your key and opening the door. It avoids any embarrassment.
Another tip is to be wary of buying from other suppliers, as the radar key may not be genuine.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has partnered with the National Key Scheme (NKS) to produce a Radar Key Sunflower pack.
2. Disability Rights handbook
The Disability Rights handbook is a guide to benefits and services for all disabled people, their families, carers and advisors. It is a guide which explains the benefit system, social care, and services and resources disabled people have a right to expect. It also covers topics such as education and work. This is the 50th edition of the guide- so they have been producing them for 50 years!
A new edition of the handbook is published each April, and there is an updater handbook, which can be bought in conjunction with the handbook, which informs you of any updates as the legislation changes through the year. The updater handbook is £8 (2025 price) for the year and you are emailed bi monthly between June and February.
3. Benefits and Work
The Benefits and Work subscription includes unlimited access to the Personal Independence Payment, Employment Support Allowance/Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance guides, plus support on the forum and more. They are really helpful and informative. Subscription cost for 1 year: £19.95 (2025 price). Subscribe here.
20% Discount code: HANNAHSHOPE20 (Valid to be used 100 times until 30th September 2025)
4. Access card
The Access Card is a photo ID card that can be used to communicate access needs to a third party. For example evidence a disabled person requires a carer, to get a free carer ticket at events or is unable to queue. This is really useful as most places accept it, you can fit it in your purse/wallet and don’t need to worry about carrying an up-to-date benefits letter or other evidence.
Different symbols are added to you card depending on your needs. You apply online, and select whether you would like to be considered for each access requirement. There is a box to explain why you require it. You need to upload some supporting evidence e.g. a PIP entitlement letter, some photographic ID e.g. a copy of your passport and a photo of your face to go on the card.
It costs £15 for 3 years (2025 price).
New customers can get 10% off via Purpl (see below)
5. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Sunflower lanyards are designed by Hidden Disabilities sunflower specifically for disabled people with invisible disabilities (although are often used by people with visible disabilities too). The purpose of the Sunflower is to make the invisible, visible. To let others know they may need a little extra help, patience or kindness. It is a subtle hint to others. The Sunflower program provides training and resources to organisations. It has expanded its reach worldwide, working with organisations across a diverse range of sectors, including retail, financial services, transportation with over 325 airports in 70 countries and 23 airlines worldwide, travel and tourism, education, healthcare, emergency services and entertainment.
You can learn more about the Sunflower and where it is recognised by visiting their website here.
6. Purpl
Being disabled is very expensive. Georgina Colman has founded Purpl a discount hub for disabled people. To help offset some of the additional costs of being disabled. It is open to disabled people, carers and parent carers. Evidence like Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance letter or Access card is required. Current price: £9.99 a year (2025).
Giveaway!
I am really excited as well as offering a discount code at Benefits at Work to be able to offer a giveaway worth around £100 providing:
- Disability Rights UK handbook 50th edition
- Benefits and Work annual subscription
- A sunflower lanyard with radar key, two wristbands and pin badge set, 2 bag tags, passport cover and vehicle sticker.
This is with thanks to Benefits and Work and Hidden Disabilities sunflower. This giveaway is only open to those in UK and prizes cannot be exchanged.
To enter: check out my social media posts on Facebook: @hannahshopeuk, Instagram or TikTok: @hannahedeakin before Wednesday 10th September 2025.
However, if you are not on social media I want to be inclusive-subscribe to my blog and comment ‘Hannah’s Hope’ on this blog post.
Overall
I hope you agree and find these 6 organisations disabled people should know about useful. From my lived experience they are organisations I think are very valuable. Maybe you think there is another organisations disabled people should know about? Let me know in the comments below.
I always say when you become disabled you almost need a handbook. So much I have learnt along the way from friends, fellow patients or found out myself. Hopefully, this helps you.
Hannah x
You may be interested in reading: What does Disability Look Like?
4 Comments
Jo
Hannah’s Hope 🥰
Sherrianne
Thank you Hannah
I have the radar key, wasn’t aware of the card, or the handbook etc, I’d love to buy everything in your advert please.
Beverley Slater
Hannah’s blog Could i please be added to the competition
Wren
Hannah’s hope