@sensecharity
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We offer personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life, no matter how complex someone’s disability.
On Monday, the 23rd of February, the Government published its plans to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England. These plans are open to public consultation for the next 12 weeks.
Here is what you need to know: https://bit.ly/3MK50KJ
A purple graphic with white text that reads: "Two in five parents had to reduce their working hours because they couldn't get the SEND support they needed. 35% had left work altogether."
We know there needs to be clear, long-term workforce strategy for everyone supporting disabled children with complex needs in education.
Our recent research found that two in five parents had to reduce their working hours because they couldn’t get the SEND support they needed.
– but these commitments must be backed by a credible workforce plan to ensure real, additional capacity is delivered in schools and early years settings. (3/4)
We welcome both the additional investment and the ambition. Earlier intervention, closer collaboration across education, health, and care, and the proposed ‘Experts at Hand’ initiative could make a huge difference for disabled children with complex needs. (2/4)
Today’s announcement shows a real commitment from the government to fix the broken SEND system – which currently leaves far too many families fighting for the support their children need. (1/4)
Parents like Natalie are left feeling like they're failing their children as they are forced to fund additional support, like specialist therapies, from their own pocket because of a broken SEND system.
Read her full story here: https://tinyurl.com/3smvtbzv
Sense has been featured in the media today, including Sky News, responding to government leaks regarding proposed SEND reforms.
"For many families, an EHCP is the only enforceable guarantee that their child will receive..."
Read the statement in full on our website: https://bit.ly/4s3akHX
Investing in adaptations supports independence and reduces pressure on health and care services. (4/4)
£723 million for home adaptations is hugely important. Accessible bathrooms, ramps, hoists and lifts aren’t luxuries – they enable disabled people to live safely, independently, and in the place they choose: at home. (3/4)
This uplift gives greater certainty for disabled people and local authorities about what people are entitled to keep. Clearer national guidance and stronger financial protection means fewer impossible choices between paying for care and covering everyday essentials. (2/4)
We welcome the 7% increase to the Minimum Income Guarantee. From April, 150,000 disabled adults will keep at least £400 more a year. At a time when living costs remain high, this is a vital step forward. (1/4)
We know that representation matters at every stage of life.
That's why we love seeing Peppa Pig and @ndcs-uk.bsky.social teaming up to take such a meaningful step toward better representation for children.
Popular children's tv character Peppa Pig has revealed that her little brother, George, has been diagnosed with hearing loss.
In the show, George will be fitted with a hearing aid and we'll follow his journey as he starts to adjust and explore his new world.
A black graphic with white text that reads: "Disabled children's rights are not negotiable. Retain EHCPs. Protect tribunals. Give a legal guarantee of support for every child. Fight for ordinary." There is the Disabled Children's Partnership logo in the bottom right.
Our research found that nearly half (48%) of parents found it stressful securing SEND provision.
Ahead of the SEND reforms, the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social is calling for a system that works with disabled children - not against them.
You can read more here: www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Our new research reveals families are already being failed by the existing SEND system, with 47% worried that current support could be reduced further, worsening their situation.
You can read more here: www.theguardian.com/education/20...
As members of the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social, we’re proud to support the Young People Survey for disabled young people aged 11 – 25.
Your experiences matter - help us make sure young disabled voices shape real change.
bit.ly/YPSurvey26
New analysis from the BBC shows wait lists are getting worse and tens and thousands of children are waiting more than a year for vital services.
It's essential that the government addresses this issue, to give every child the best start in life.
Sense has been working closely with the BBC health team to shine a light on an important issue we hear about time and time again in our services: huge NHS wait lists for children’s community therapies.
Did you see our incredible campaigner Tiya and our Strategy Lead Harriet on the BBC?
Even if you have already emailed your MP, you can ask your MP to vote against these cuts here: action.sense.org.uk/page/173103/...
“We urge MPs to listen to disabled people and reject this legislation. Our welfare system should support those who need it most — not abandon them.” - Sense Chief Executive, James Watson-O’Neill.
“Many disabled people already find themselves in debt because current benefits don’t stretch far enough. Cutting support further at a time when the cost of living remains high is not only unjust — it is cruel.
“The government’s proposed cuts to disability benefits will have devastating consequences for disabled people across the country - pushing thousands further into poverty, hardship, and isolation.
That’s why we’re gathering stories and experiences from parents across the country — to build our case and make the campaign impossible to ignore.
You can share your social care experiences today: action.sense.org.uk/page/169535/...
Later this year, we’re launching a parent-powered campaign to demand the government create a simple, streamlined process so all disabled children can access the social care they’re entitled to.
Today we launched a report that found that over half of parents struggle to access support and services that meet the needs of their disabled child.
Grateful to @mencap.org.uk and @jonsparkes.bsky.social for convening a meeting today with government ministers to feed back on their green paper
At @sensecharity.bsky.social we are very concerned about the cuts overall, especially the impact on disabled people with complex needs who may never work
“The independent Impact Assessment on welfare reform, published today, paints a stark picture, surpassing even our worst fears – with millions of disabled people at risk of losing vital financial support, and those already most vulnerable set to be hit the hardest.
