You may have experienced barriers that have made it hard to access sports and other activities. This section provides links to accessible inclusive national organisations. They often signpost local opportunities and have people who can advise and support you.

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Find out about the assessment process, what adaptations are possible and all the key stages that could lead to you driving your own car.

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You will find information on:

• Plane Travel
• A-Z of Other Transport 

In the Adult’s section

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A daily chore you hate or something you love? There’s no end of advice out there on skin care, hair care, fashion, make-up, latest looks. You name it, someone’s on YouTube or a blog telling you what they think and giving you ideas to try. We’re not out to even begin to try compete.

If we get any tips and advice from people who’ve found it challenging to find fashionable clothes or footwear or struggled to put on make-up, we pop them in here. If you’ve found solutions that work for you, please share your tips, advice and photos.

You may already be in contact with others who have SMA. If not, or you’re interested you could:

• join an SMA UK community network
• listen to some of the community podcasts
• read what people have to say
• come to one of our events.

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Assistance dogs are popular with many families and adults in the SMA Community. An assistance dog could help you with practical tasks such as:

• picking up dropped items like your mobile, or remote control
• opening and closing doors
• helping with dressing and undressing
• helping with physiotherapy routines
• pressing the button at a pedestrian crossing
• reaching up to shop counters.

This can mean that you’re less reliant on other people for some of your day-to-day activities.

If you’re in charge of your working dog’s care and training, it could also help you increase your confidence – though you may not need this! As with many dogs, it will also provide loyal and unconditional friendship and company.

Dogs are also a great ice breaker and way of meeting and talking to people when you’re out and about. Registered assistance dogs should be allowed to go with their owner into many public places, such as shops, restaurants and to travel on public transport.

There is however a ‘but’, which is that an assistance dog is a serious commitment that needs a lot of thought and planning.

If you’re interested, there are several organisations that can give advice. Some train and provide their own dogs. Others provide training for people who already have a pet dog.

Each organisation has its own eligibility criteria, application process and training schemes. They can also give information and advice about the responsibilities of dog owners:

• Assistance Dogs UK >
• Dog AID > 
• Dogs for Good >
• Support Dogs > 

Your SMA may mean you and your family need to do some extra thinking when it comes to planning a holiday. You may also be interested in some sort of adventure break with other young people. For planning, tips and ideas of where to go see

Holidays in the Children’s Section >

Knowing where to find an accessible loo, can make a big difference to a day out. You can find where they are and see suggestions for places to go in Tab 6 on the Adults’ Transport, Leisure and Holiday page >

Access Card > this photo ID that can be used to easily communicate your access requirements to events and venues. It also works online with other platforms like ticketing systems, to unlock the access facilities you need.

It can award a +1 companion. However they state: ‘For children, we do not question that you may need a certain amount of support when out and about, but we are unlikely to award the +1 symbol where they would already be in direct supervision and guidance by a parent or other family member’.

Cost: £15 for 3 years.

The National Disability Card >  For anyone age 0 – 99, it’s accepted at 600+ locations in the UK and abroad, including Disneyland Paris. The scheme includes:

• the official RADAR Key for access to disabled toilets nationwide and other
• Priority access at Disneyland Paris (with a 25% discount on tickets)
• Exclusive savings on shopping, days out and events
• 25% off the National Carers Card for carers

Cost: £20 for 2 years.

The CEA Card (Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card) > works nationally. It entitles anyone age 8 years and over to one free ticket for whoever is going with them. To apply, you need to be receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Cost: £6.50 a year.

The Max Card > – the UK’s leading discount card for cared for and looked after children age 0 – 25.  Families can use their Max Card at venues across the UK to get free or discounted admission. They are provided by Local Authorities and selected charities across the UK.

The National Carers Card > Anyone, regardless of age, who cares for someone requiring assistance due to illness, frailty, disability, mental health issues, or addiction and cannot manage without support, is eligible for a National Carers Card. This encompasses family members, friends, volunteers, and professionals who provide care anywhere in the UK, including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The primary purpose of the National Carers Card is to show others that the person is a carer. As a card holder they are also eligible for concessions and discounts from its partner brands.

Cost:  £20 (including VAT).