The topic is about applying for a Disabled (Blue) Parking Badge when living with an ileostomy or stoma. This can be a challenging process, especially when dealing with the unpredictability of stoma output, which can lead to urgent and embarrassing situations. The person in question has experienced these difficulties firsthand and is seeking advice on how to successfully obtain a Blue Badge, which would allow them to park closer to toilets and minimize incidents.

Here are some helpful insights and advice for navigating this process:

1. If your initial application is denied, don't be discouraged. It's common to face a first refusal. You can appeal the decision or submit a new application, especially since new guidelines are expanding eligibility to include hidden disabilities and incontinence issues.

2. When applying, provide a detailed description of your worst-case scenarios, including accidents, urgency, and the social, psychological, and practical impacts of not being able to park near toilets. This information can be crucial for assessors who might still be using outdated criteria focused on walking distances.

3. Consider getting an independent advocate to help prepare and present your application or appeal. This could be a social worker, someone from the Citizens Advice Bureau, or a supportive local councillor, especially one involved in social services. An articulate friend or family member can also accompany you to assessments and speak on your behalf.

4. Carefully draft your application to clearly explain why a Blue Badge is an essential aid for daily living with an ileostomy or other incontinence issues.

5. Be aware that some councils might use informal "mobility tests," such as making applicants walk a long corridor, even for hidden disabilities. Good advocacy and thorough documentation are crucial to overcoming these practices.

6. Due to issues with badge misuse in some areas, the approval process can be more stringent. Persistence, clear medical evidence, and strong advocacy are essential to successfully obtaining a Blue Badge.