Useful links
Last updated: 15 April 2024
Next review: 15 April 2025
Radar Key
The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country.
Buy a Radar Key from the Disability Rights UK website
Changing Places toilets
People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as other serious impairments may need extra facilities to use toilets comfortably.
Find your nearest Changing Places toilet
Better Journey Card
Better Journey Cards give people with a disability a way to tell a driver that they may need extra help. The card includes messages such as:
- ‘Please be patient I have a hidden disability’
- ‘Please face me and speak clearly, I lip read’
- ‘Please help me find a seat’.
Or you can add your own.
Download a Better Journey card (PDF)
Further travel support
Find out more about travel support in our Transport and getting around section
Accessible venues
Find accessible venues on the AccessAble website.
Max Card
Max Card gives foster families and families of children with additional needs discounts at venues across the UK. It helps families save money on days out at castles, zoos, bowling alleys, trampoline parks and many more.
New members of Waltham Forest Parent Forum are offered Max Cards when they join.
Email: walthamforestparentforum@live.co.uk for more details.
Merlin - Free pass for carers
Merlin Annual Passholders who require assistance when they visit a Merlin attraction can get one complimentary carer pass. This is transferable between carers.
Apply for a Merlin Complimentary Carer Pass
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards
Not all disabilities are visible – some are non-visible and not immediately obvious. For example, mental health, speech, visual or hearing impairments. Living with a hidden disability can make daily life harder, but it can be hard for others to recognise these challenges.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly tells others that you may need additional support, help or a little more time.
Where to get a lanyard:
You can get a sunflower lanyard for free as a member of Waltham Forest Parent Forum.
Some supermarkets offer them for free. Ask at the Customer Services Desk
You can buy them online at the Hidden Disabilities store.
Online community and leisure activities
Flamingo Chicks - Offering children with disabilities and illnesses such as cancer the opportunity to enjoy ballet alongside their friends.
Squawky’s Musical Makaton, Sing with ETO - YouTube video
Accessible venues website page
Support groups
Sunshiners Group
Support Group for Polish families with autistic children
Christ Church, 73 Francis Road Leyton E10 6PL
Contact: Sabina Kosek by calling 07599 955260
Disability Resource Centre
Offers activities at the centre and in the community for disabled people
Suitable for ages 18 and over.
Disability Resource Centre website.
Foresters North East London Deaf Children's Society (NELDCS)
A local group run by and for the families of deaf children in Waltham Forest and Redbridge, affiliated with National Deaf Children’s Society. It runs activities and supports local families. Email foresters.neldcs@gmail.com
Foresters NELDCS Facebook Page.