Prep for ESA reassessment

Hi there.
It's quite some time since last post, waiting since Febuary for ESA reassessment. I am getting ready. The question I would like to ask is to do with communication. I have good hearing but bad vision registered partly sighted. Can't read size size 16 text even with magnifier.
As I have nystagmus which causes all kind of visual problems.
I noticed in the medical services handbook page 104 I would fit into the last paragraph A Person who has normal hearing but very poor sight to the extent of being unable to 16 point print in a reasonable reliable or repeatable manner with no ability to read Braille will likely to be awarded Ha.
What is Ha?
Thanks for all the hard work you put into the forum without your site we wouldn't know how to go about getting what we are entitled to without feeling guilty.

The WCA handbook you are quoting says it is "likely" you would be awarded Ha (7a) if that statement is true.

Likely does not mean guaranteed so it is important that you show how you qualify for 7a which says Understanding communication by verbal means (such as hearing and lip reading) alone.


In other words the only way to communicate with you is through you being able to hear the communication because you cannot repeatedly and reliably read written communication which is 16 point print with reasonable aids.

If you look at the handbook p103 it tells the assessor how to question you regarding your daily activities. They want to know how you cope with reading things with aids (newspapers, tv, packaging, medication etc).

They may not necessarily ask these questions in an obvious way - e.g. do you shop at the supermarket? could be to determine if you can't read packaging and a Yes answer can lead to them reporting that you are able to read labels.. The assessor may not ask how you manage with that shop (I was never asked how I manage any activity).

So if your supermarket shop is that you push the trolley while your partner reads the packaging and selects the products you need to say that.. If you have made mistakes because you can't see properly you need to say. Same with medications, emails, letters. Also say who helps you and what they have to do so you don't get into difficult or are at risk..

It would really help if you had some medical evidence to back up that you cannot read a 16 point simple message with a magnifier. So have a think about what information you can get from your doctor or specialist to back up this.

Please do consider taking someone in with you for the assessment. Good luck