I have an appeal for a man who experienced extensive right side surgery which took away half his neck and left his powers of speech severely affected. Problem for the appeal is that in every other way for DLA he presents as able to look after himself. Communication appears the only goer.

I've searched web and discussion forums for links to speech and communication in the hope of finding some caselaw or checklists to help make a more substantial submission but without any success. Could someone point me in the direction of anything that might help

cheers
Tony

Commentary on communication case law can be found on pages 148 -151 and 168 -169 of Volume 1 of the 2004 edition of Sweet and Maxwell's Social Security Legislation.

RNID have produced a useful factsheet for advisers seeking to challenge DLA/AA decisions which includes the issue of help with communication and this is available via rightnset swopshop -

http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/cgi-bin/publisher/display.cgi?1526-3105-10846+swopshop.

Do relatives or friends of your client act as interpreters for him as they are 'used to' his speech? The commissioner in R(DLA)2/02 held that if communicating though an interpreter is significantly more efficient or effective than the use of other methods, this could count as reasonably required attention.The decision also includes a series of propositions summarising relevant law.

Thanks Ken. I also got a good pack from Newcastle Welfare Rights courtesy of Clive Davis so I've got something to go on.

Details on how to obtain a copy of the Newcastle Welfare Rights Service DLA & AA for deaf people pack are available from their rightsnet swopshop page -

http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/cgi-bin/publisher/display.cgi?135-2102-9512+swopshop