Disabled Children
If your child has a disability the future may seem like a daunting struggle, not just for them but for you too. The word "disabled" covers a very wide range of different conditions and it is estimated that some 15% of people in the UK experience some form of disability at some time in their lives.
You're not alone...
- Disability affects some 15% of people in the UK at some time in their lives
- Your child is protected by the Disability Discrimination Act
- Your local Children's Services, The Government, your local Council and Health Authorities are there to help
- You may be able to receive financial help to assist with caring for your child
- There are many forms of extra services and support available to you and your child
- Support groups, parent groups and other organisations are out there to help you cope you're not alone
When I found out that Josie was disabled I didn't know how I was going to cope. I just didn't think I'd be able to do it alone. Pretty soon I realised I didn't have to
So it is crucial to remember that you're not alone. The government, and local Children's Services, local Councils, Health trusts and local voluntary organisations provide a wide range of benefits, facilities, support and advice for disabled children and their carers.
Legal protection
Your child is especially protected by law. The Disability Discrimination Act makes it unlawful for any service provider (including schools, businesses and organisations) to treat disabled people less favourably than other people because of their disability. It also requires them to make reasonable adjustments to make their services accessible to disabled people.
Health
From the start, your GP and local Health Services are there for you. They'll provide the help and advice you need to discover and assess your child's disability. They'll help you plan the treatment, therapy, equipment and ongoing medical care that your child may need.
Benefits
There are several specific benefits that you could receive to help you with the costs of caring for a disabled child. These include Council Tax Disability Reduction, Disability Living Allowance, Invalid Care Allowance, help with extra housing costs and mobility allowances. And don't forget free dental treatment and prescriptions, help with the cost of glasses, travel to hospital, school meals, bus fares, clothing grants and even road tax exemption.
Education
Depending on their kind of disability, your child may benefit most by attending a special school - an environment specifically designed to match their educational needs. Alternatively your child may receive the extra support they require through the Special Needs provisions available in a mainstream school. Your local Children's Services, Health Services and Parent Partnership will help you to understand your child's learning needs and will recommend the most appropriate way forward for their education.
Extra support
Your local Children's Services will be able to tell you about extra support and services which are available for you and your child. This can include special leisure facilities, holidays, short breaks and many additional services for particular needs. Also there are many local, national and international organisations and
charities specially set up to provide further help, advice and support to people just like you.
Make contact
Please see the 'Contacts' tab at the top of this page which provides some useful numbers of services you can access.
Warning Signs
Some children's disabilities are diagnosed fairly early. Others take time to appear or happen suddenly. If you think your child may have some form of disability contact your Health Visitor or GP for advice.
Action
Don't think you have to go it alone. Get as much information as you can about your child's condition. Find out what services, support, benefits and advice is available and make contact.
What To Say
There are many organisations specially set up to give support and advice to parents of disabled children.
Prevention
You can't prevent your child's condition. But you can minimise the disability they experience by ensuring that they get the best support available, and by remembering that they have rights.
Our Life Our Choice
Our Life, Our Choice, an inspirational animated DVD, uses the personal experiences of 25 young people with a range of disabilities to celebrate their achievements, but to also show how tough life can be.
