PIP-AR1 - 3 MORE QUESTIONS: communication activities/point challenges/evidence

Hi twinkerzzz

I think you are going round in circles , I cannot think what else to add than what Gordon has already stated, lets see what forum members come up with to assist you.

Gary

twinkerzzz

I don't think we are at a stalemate, I have been explaining the criteria you need to meet in order to score for this activity, you have been explaining how you believe you meet it.

I think you have done a good job of doing this.

To confirm, I am not saying that reliably and prompting do not matter, quite the opposite.

I can't say whether you would score, you clearly have problems but those assessing you may not see cognitive issues at the same priority as we do.

So, activity 7. This is again seen as primarily a physical test for those who are deaf or hearing impaired or those who are mute or have difficulty talking. You may be able to score due to your conditions but I think it less likely than for the Reading activity.

Anxiety can be a factor for this activity but the case law makes it clear that it would need to extreme to score.

Activity 9 is about your ability to socialise with others, anxiety is much more a factor for this activity, note the change from Communications Support to Social Support, this is definitely something that a relative could provide.

Gordon

twinkerzzz

You need to understand how PIP operates.

There is the law, the guide explains what is included, what is defined and where three-Judge UTT panels have amended the operation of the law, a lot of the adjustments for mental health issues have come in via the UTT.

Then there are those that are assessing you.

Assessors attend a six week training course on how to execute an assessment which includes the criteria. This is backed up by a three volume assessment guide, one of which covers the criteria.

Then you have Decision Makers, in addition to the assessment guide they also have a set of guidelines interpreting the law, they have no discretion to step outside the rules they are given. It is also important to note that they have no medical training.

Here's what the law says for reading, there are definitions as well but these are the Descriptors.

8. Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words.
a. Can read and understand basic and complex written information either unaided or using spectacles or contact lenses.
b. Needs to use an aid or appliance, other than spectacles or contact lenses, to be able to read or understand either basic or complex written information.
c. Needs prompting to be able to read or understand complex written information.
d. Needs prompting to be able to read or understand basic written information.
e. Cannot read or understand signs, symbols or words at all.

No mention of mental health issues, of course the interpretation of the above has been adjusted to legally include these problems, but if those assessing you use the above as a starting point and perhaps go no further, which unfortunately happens, then it is easy to understand why mental health problems are depreciated.

That is why I have coaxed you into explaining your problems in more detail, you have to make it impossible for them to ignore your issues with these activities.

Gordon