DIAL groups - network values

These are the values which underpin the work of DIAL groups.

• Free, independent, confidential information and advice
• Empowerment of disabled people to maximise choice and control over their lives
• Equal opportunities and challenging discrimination
• The social model of disability focusing on the person who is disabled by society
• Employment and volunteering opportunities for disabled people
• High service standards within a system of independent inspection and review
• Control by disabled people of disability services

DIAL values into action: John's story

John had a severe spinal injury some 30 years ago. He was cared for by his wife and parents. When his parents both died within a short time of each other, his wife contacted his local DIAL.

With their help, not only was he able to receive the immediate assistance he required but he was also empowered to take control of his life and make choices.

The local DIAL staff, some paid, some volunteers, helped him to access appropriate benefits to enable him to employ a personal assistant, to advertise for, and to recruit the staff to provide the care he needed, and to deal with the paperwork, Income Tax, National Insurance, wages and so on.

The scheme was successfully established and among the many revealing comments John made was "For the first time in 30 years of married life I was able to shop independently and to go out and buy my wife a Christmas present."

DIAL values into action: Brian's story

Brian, a retired but energetic engineer, had Parkinson's disease at the age of 66. He could no longer drive. He found it difficult to come to terms with and the many other consequences for his lifestyle and became depressed.

At his local DIAL advice centre he was given free information and advice and helped to find a new purpose in his life. He obtained an electric wheelchair and was introduced to a volunteer group which, inspired by the social model of disability, was working on equal opportunities and access for disabled people.

Brian was restored to full energy and rediscovered his zest for life.

DIAL values into action: Jane's story

Janewas 27 and employed at a supermarket when she was involved in a serious accident at work. She suffered severe lung damage. When she claimed Disability Living Allowance from her local Benefits Agency, it was refused.

She contacted her local DIAL. With the free independent information and assistance of a DIAL caseworker she appealed against the Benefits Agency decision. The caseworker spoke on her behalf at the Appeal Tribunal hearing.

The Appeal Panel decides that she should be awarded the full Disability Living Allowance plus arrears. On the basis of that decision, the Benefit Agency reviewed her case and awarded her both a Mobility Allowance and a Care Allowance.

Please note: Some details will have been changed to protect privacy and confidentiality. Members of the public who may feel they are in the same or similar situation as the case studies should contact their local DIAL for further help; individual cases have to be treated individually.