Blue Badge guide for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities
The Blue Badge scheme helps people with severe mobility problems or hidden disabilities. It lets you park closer to your destination.
If your child has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), they may be eligible.
Children who can get a Blue Badge
Your child may be eligible if they:
- get the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- get at least 8 points for the ‘moving around’ part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- have been certified by a healthcare professional as having significant difficulty walking or moving safely
- are under 3 years old and need to travel with bulky medical equipment or stay close to a vehicle for medical treatment
Your child may also qualify if they receive the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and have scored 10 points for descriptor E under the “planning and following journeys” activity. This means they cannot make any journey because it causes overwhelming psychological distress.
Hidden disabilities and the Blue Badge
Your child may also be eligible if they have a hidden disability that makes travelling difficult or unsafe. This can include:
- autism
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- severe anxiety
- sensory processing difficulties
Think about whether your child:
- experiences overwhelming distress when travelling
- struggles to walk due to non‑physical challenges
- could seriously harm themselves or others on journeys
Examples include:
- a child with severe autism who becomes distressed in busy environments, posing a safety risk in car parks, where the presence of an adult does not help to reduce that risk.
- a child who uses a wheelchair or mobility aid due to physical disability
- a child with epilepsy who may need urgent access to medication or medical care while out — if seizures are likely to happen while walking, and parking closer reduces this risk
Apply now
Documents you need
You will need;
- proof of your child’s identity, such as a birth certificate or passport
- proof of address in your child’s name, such as a school or NHS letter
- a passport‑style photo
- supporting evidence from professionals, such as a SENCO, therapist or consultant
- a completed BBNV2 form for hidden disabilities, signed by a professional
How much it costs
The fee in England is up to £10.
In Luton, the fee is £10.
Tips for a strong application
To give you application a strong chance of success:
- give clear examples of real journeys, such as the school run, hospital visits or shopping trips
- include reports from professionals who know your child well
- send EHCP reports, educational psychology reports, consultant letters and therapist letters
- be aware that GPs cannot support blue badge applications and the council does not accept letters from online doctors
- make sure the Blue Badge non-visible or hidden disabilities form is fully completed
- keep copies of everything you send
Contact the Blue Badge team if you have not heard back within 12 weeks
Blue Badge team
Telephone: 01582 510372
Email: BlueBadges@luton.gov.uk
Examples of parents applying for a Blue Badge
Example 1
Maria is a parent in Luton. Her 8-year-old son, Sam, has autism and severe sensory processing difficulties.
Sam finds car parks and busy pavements overwhelming. He sometimes refuses to walk, lies down suddenly, or runs towards traffic when distressed. This puts him at risk and makes journeys unsafe despite having Maria support him.
Maria applied for a Blue Badge under the hidden disability criteria. She asked Sam’s school SENCO to complete the Blue Badge non-visible or hidden disabilities form, giving examples of how Sam becomes distressed on the school run.
The SENCO explained the risks, how often they happen, and the support Sam needs, including how this may not work.
Maria also included:
- Sam’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- a letter from his consultant
- proof of identity and address
- a recent photo
The council approved her application. The Blue Badge now helps Maria park closer to school, hospital appointments, and shops. This reduces the risks and makes daily life safer.
Example 2
John is a parent in Luton. His 15-year-old daughter Belle has ADHD and Autism.
Belle finds being in crowded places overwhelming. She experiences anxiety and this can sometimes result in panic attacks and overwhelming distress on journeys. Her coping strategies include use of noise cancelling headphones and 1:1 support on every journey.
John applied for a Blue Badge under the hidden disability criteria. He asked Belle’s educational psychologist to complete the Blue Badge non-visible or hidden disabilities form, giving examples of how Belle becomes distressed on journeys. The SENCO explained the risks, how often they happen, and the support Belle needs.
This included confirmation that John is often able to provide adequate support, and Belle did not experience difficulties ‘more often than not’.
John also included:
- Belle's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- proof of identity and address
- a recent photo
The council refused the application. They explained that a Blue Badge is not intended for applicants who have adequate coping strategies in place and where the condition occurs less frequently. They were also advised to re-apply if Belle’s condition gets worse.
Guidance for completing the Blue Badge non-visible or hidden disabilities form
A professional must complete this form. This can include a SENCO, consultant, therapist or social worker.
Parents and carers should send extra evidence such as EHCPs, reports or letters.
We will assess whether the child has enduring and substantial difficulties on journeys.
Sections include:
- child’s details (name, DOB, address)
- professional’s details (name, role, organisation, contact details)
- description of child’s condition and impact on journeys
- risks when walking (distress, bolting, harm to self or others)
- frequency of behaviours (rarely/sometimes, often/ always)
- coping strategies used and their effectiveness
- professional opinion on enduring and substantial difficulties
- declaration and signature
Return completed forms to:
Blue Badge team
Parking Services
Luton Borough Council
Town Hall
George Street
Luton
LU1 2BQ
Email: BlueBadges@luton.gov.uk