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Fair4All Card Decision Makers

Ben Clark

Could you help disabled people live more independently? Have you experience of making evidence-based decisions, e.g. as a case worker or regulator? BuDS is recruiting Fair4All Card Decision Makers.

Fair4All Card Decision Makers are volunteers who help BuDS to decide whether someone is entitled to a Fair4All Card. The Fair4All Card is a secure photocard issued only to disabled people which confirms that the holder is a disabled person in law, and lists “reasonable adjustments” that they are entitled to in their everyday lives. Card holders show the Card to retailers, service providers, and others they meet when they need to. The Card is an important aid for disabled people to live independently as it helps them get the support they are legally entitled to receive.

The front of a sample BuDS Fair4All Card. At the top left is the blue and yellow BuDS Fair4All logo. At the top centre is the text "Issued and verified by Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS)". In the centre and left of the card is the text "The card holder is a disabled person under the Equality Act 2010 and is legally entitled to reasonable adjustments for their disability". On the right hand side of the card is the image of the card holder, with their name and card number below it.
The back of a sample Fair4All Card. At the top is the statement: "The card holder is legally entitled to reasonable adjustments. Please accept that they:". This is followed by a list of sample reasonable adjustments, including "may need alternative communication methods in place of lip reading". At the bottom left is a disclaimer stating that the card is the property of BuDS, and at the bottom right is the blue and yellow oval BuDS logo.
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A woman smiling at the camera, working at a desk with a desktop computer in front of her. Stock image copyright Bipolar New Life Outlook website (not affiliated)

BuDS, Bipolar and Me: My Journey With Reach4Work

Ben Clark

Written by Cat Hartwell-Veale, BuDS Reach4Work Personal Development Advisor

On December 12, 2023, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I remember the day so clearly: I had an appointment with a psychiatrist to talk about why I was struggling with my moods, finding stressors challenging, and afraid of damaging my relationships with people I love. After an hour speaking with a team of four strangers, I came away with a diagnosis. I started medication immediately and was told to report back in a few weeks to see how I was getting on. 

Three months later, I was made redundant from my job. 

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