The ID cards which when printed, look similar to a driving licence, negate the need for people to have to carry around documents to verify their disabilities.

The idea to create a national Disabled Identification (DID) Card was thought up by Tanya Beaney following her observation that there were an increasing number of comments being posted on social media sites that disabled people were frustrated at having to constantly produce paperwork to prove they were entitled to some form of disability benefit in order to obtain a concessionary rate.

There are approximately 11 million disabled people in the UK. The majority of impairments are not visible, with less than 8 per cent of disabled people using  wheelchairs.

The card which works as certified ID for anyone who is registered as blind or is receiving qualifying disability benefits from the DLA, PIP, AFIP and the AA, has been approved by various regulators of ID cards including the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the Security Industry Authority and Trading Standards.

The postings on the social media sites struck a chord with Tanya Beaney as she had personally been rudely questioned when she had asked for a concessionary rate for her son. “The man asked “What’s wrong with him then?” in a confrontational manner,” said Tanya. “This experience led me to believe that my idea for the DID card would be of particular interest to parents of children with disabilities and special needs, such as my son who has learning difficulties and children whose disability is not immediately obvious.

Tanya’s idea has clearly caught the attention of a large number of people as their votes have resulted in the DID card making the shortlist for the semi-finals of the 2015 Virgin Media Pitch-to-Rich Competition.

Essentra Security supplied Tanya with a Magicard Rio Pro printer, software and ID card stock to enable her to set up a card issuance programme. The Rio Pro printer was chosen because of its reputation for being reliable, as well as its high print speed and an ability to offer single or double-sided printing.

“We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to support Tanya with the launch of the DID card,” said Sue Woodcock, Marketing Manager for Essentra Security. “ID cards are commonly used day-to-day in so many different ways, including Access Control, cashless vending, library systems, time & attendance and for visitor management systems, but it is good news that our ID solutions are now helping people with disabilities who are rightly entitled to concessionary pricing at theatres, museums, attractions, leisure and at many other public environments.”

Disabled individuals or their guardians can apply for a DID card by visiting:

www.did-card.co.uk/apply.php