§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what advice is given to assessors and adjudicators on applications for Disability Living Allowance on the mobility and care needs of those suffering from achondroplasia; [103642]
(2) what account is taken of the needs of persons suffering from achondroplasia in framing criteria for Disability Living Allowance. [103641]
§ Mr. BayleyEntitlement to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) depends on the extent to which a severely disabled person needs help with personal care,74W requires supervision or has difficulty getting around. People with achondroplasia have access to DLA in the same way as other severely disabled people.
Guidance on the likely effects of a large range of disabling conditions is contained in the Disability Handbook issued to all decision makers. The Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board provides decision makers with regular updates and information on other conditions, to be used in conjunction with the Handbook. Advice, in this form, on the likely effects of achondroplasia and associated complications, was issued in August 1995.
In addition to the training and written guidance that decision makers receive, they also have access to advice from doctors, if they need further information relating to any medical condition or combination of conditions.