In this section you will find information and services to help you get around if you have limited mobility and are looking for easier and safer ways to travel.
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge scheme helps people with disabilities access essential community facilities.
Details about how to find out if you are eligible and how to apply can be found on the Council’s Blue Car Badge web page.
Please be aware that the eligibility criteria for the award of a Blue Badge is changing and will soon include some new criteria that will broaden the number of people who will be able to benefit from the Blue Badge Scheme.
Although a national decision has been taken to do this, individual issuing authorities have not yet been given a date from when the new criteria will be introduced.
You can find more information on the Council’s Blue Car Badge web pages.
DisabledGo Scheme
We have some great places to visit in Sunderland, but if you have difficulty getting out and about these simple tasks and pleasures can feel impossible.
We have arranged for DisabledGo to assess more than 100 locations in the city for their accessibility. You can find more information on the DisabledGo website.
English National Concessionary Travel Scheme
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme is in place to provide free England-wide off-peak bus travel to eligible older and disabled people so they can access essential community facilities.
You can find out more information on the Council's Eligibility and how to apply for a Concessionary Travel Pass web page.
Go North East Bus Travel - Sunderland SmartZone
Sunderland SmartZone is a money saving ticket for travelling by bus in Sunderland. Tickets are valid on all Go North East, Arriva and Stagecoach bus services which means you can jump on the first bus that comes.
Details about where the tickets are valid and how to apply can be found on the Go North East website.
Nexus National Concessionary Travel - Disabled Adult
If you are disabled, live in Tyne and Wear and have a Concessionary Travel Pass, you can travel on buses for free.
You can find out how to apply and whether you are eligible on the Nexus website.
National Key Scheme (RADAR) for public toilets
The National Key Scheme also known as RADAR aims to provide disabled key holders with independent access to the toiletsand increase the likelihood of the facilities being in a useable state.
There are a number of RADAR accessible toilets in Sunderland.
If you need to purchase a RADAR Key, they can be bought from the Council's Customer Service Centres, or bought online from the Disability Network.
Wheelchair Service
Sunderland's Wheelchair Assessment team provide advice and support for adults and children who wish to buy their own wheelchair or be provided with one through the scheme funded by the NHS.
The team aims to find equipment that provides mobility, comfort, safety and most importantly, independence.
If you are registered with a Sunderland GP and have a permanent, diagnosed medical condition or physical disability that means you have problems with your mobility that will last longer than six months, you may be eligible for provision of a wheelchair through the NHS scheme.
You can find more information on the Council's Wheelchair Service web page.