The data contained in the Dinfo website is split into two separate databases, the Dinfo Directory, and Advice Library,
The general rule is that listings contained in the Directory are commercial companies whereas the Library contains website links to non-profit making organisations. That said we do included some local charities offering appropriate services in the Directory where we feel this is beneficial to our visitors
The main reason for splitting the data in this way is because we felt that users would benefit from being able to search our Directory for commercial organisations geographically, however for Advice there is little benefit in listing non-profit making organisations via their location, as for information purposes where they are located is for the most part irrelevant.
Therefore Library listings are website links to UK wide non-profit making organisations which are ordered alphabetically via organisation name. Each listing has a direct hyperlink to their website, and also contains a description that is searchable. Typing in the name of a particular type of disability or disease into the keyword search within the Library may lead you directly to listings of non-profit making organisations offering relevant advice or expertise. Alternatively users can browse all the listings and view their descriptions.
Directory listings are ordered both geographically and by category of business type or products and services offered. The location and category menus will only display choices that contain relevant listings to reduce the possibility of a dead-end search result. We have also implemented some rules to geographical ordering to make the Dinfo
directory database work more efficiently. Check out our geographical guide.
Link to geographical guide
When do I use the Advice Library?
When you want access to help and advice, or information on particular aspects of disability
Link to library help
When do I use the keyword search?
To locate an organisation by name, or locate disability specific information
Link to keyword tips
When do I use the other navigation methods?
When wanting to search geographically and/or via business type and products/services offered
Link to directory help
When wanting to search alphabetically and view descriptions
Link to library help