Parent carer and campaigner Linda talks us through the immense toll that fighting day in and day out for basic support for her disabled twins has taken on her.
The system that is supposed to help disabled young people and carers live a good quality of life is broken. We need change.
Susie talks us through what it was like taking her local authority to the SEND Tribunal to get the right school for her son Alex.
It was a long, gruelling process fighting against an often confrontational local authority – but Susie ends with a message of hope.
See more stories from disabled young people and parent carers.
What’s it like going to school, taking part in trips, and going to the doctors as a disabled young person?
In this wide-ranging video, Connor talks us through some of his experiences in life – and what he hopes to do as his dream job!
My name is Chantelle Harrison, I’m a single mum age 35 to my son josh age 14 and daughter Mia age 6.
Josh has diagnosis of asd and has a number of other issues such as hypermobility and global development delay. Mia is awaiting asd assessment and I’m awaiting asd and adhd assessment but have FND diagnosis.
Josh has always been in mainstream school despite needing send school. Josh was first assessed at aged 4 and diagnosis was missed. This then didn’t get diagnosed until age 13. Josh now has a learning gap of 6 years and no schools locally or even slightly further can meet need. We now need to relocate from Southampton to Dorset for a school. I have to pack up our whole life. Which I’m willing to do but shouldn’t have to do.
Mia and Josh
If I was listened to about my concerns from the beginning Josh could have a good chance of a future. Josh now has no chance of catching up and no academic future. He has been failed.
The failings have been admitted yet we are still suffering.
This has effected Josh’s confidence, self esteem, friends, home life and mental health. The daily struggles he has are hard enough. Never mind having to fight for an education.
The system needs to be changed.
A 10 year fight and still not in an adequate school.
Help us campaign for a fairer system of support for every disabled child and carer. Join our campaign.
Do you have your own story to share? Email us at disabledchildrens.partnership@mencap.org.uk