A list of local and national organisations who provide information and support, and campaign for change.
The Affiance for Inclusive Education campaigns for the right of all Disabled pupils and students to be fully included in mainstream education, training and apprenticeships.
Contact supports families with guidance and information. They bring families together to support each other and help them to campaign, volunteer and fundraise to improve life for themselves and others.
The Council for Disabled Children is the umbrella body for the disabled children’s sector bringing together professionals, practitioners and policy-makers. They have an extensive list of members.
https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/
The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children website contains information about available help with the extra costs of looking after a child with disabilities.
https://www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit
The Down’s Syndrome Association offers information, support and advice on any question or concern related to Down’s syndrome. They have specialist advisers who can provide information and support on issues such as health, social care, benefits and education for people with Down’s syndrome.
https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
The Educational Rights Alliance is a national, grassroots organisation committed to advancing equality in education for children and young people with disabilities. They campaign for children and young people with SEN to be seen as having educational rights not ‘special needs’, and promote equality rather than inclusion in schools and local authorities.
. http://educationalrightsallianace.blogspot.com/
Independent Parental / Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with SEND. They also provide training on the SEND legal framework to parents and carers, professionals and other organisations.
Hackney Special/ Education Crisis works with parent and carer groups around the country to raise funds for a judicial review against the Secretary of State for Education concerning underfunding of SEND provision throughout the UK.
Discretionary crisis support scheme | Hackney Council
Kids is a national charity, providing wide range of support services to disabled children, young people and their families. They offer support to the whole family with the aim of giving disabled children a brighter future.
Mumsnet is a website where parents can swap advice about all the stuff parents talk about. Their aim is to make parents’ lives easier by pooling knowledge, advice and support.
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s largest provider of specialist autism services for and autistic people, parents and carers and professionals.
Scope is a disability equality charity. Their aim is to achieve charity. Their aim is to achieve
a society where all disabled people enjoy equality and fairness. They provide practical advice and emotional support whenever people need it most.
Special Needs Jungle is an organisation run by parents providing support and information
about all aspects of SEN and disability in the UK. The website contains useful information about
SEN and disability issues faced by children and their parents.
https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/
Westminster City Council’s Local Offer for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities provides
information about services that children, young people and their families can expect from a range
of local agencies.
https://fisd.westminster.gov.uk/kb5/westminster/fis/home.page
The Westminster Information Advice Support Service for SEND
offers a free confidential service available to parents, children and young people who live in the
three boroughs. They can help by providing access to impartial guidance and support on matters
relating to the law, policy and practice, the local offer and Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments.
https://www.westminsteriass.co.uk/
The Westminster Parents Participation Group is a parent-led group for all Westminster parents
and carers of children and adults with SEN and/or a disability. They have regular drop-in sessions where parents can meet together, ask questions, talk and feel listened to.
The Westminster Society is a charity providing services for people with a range of learning
disabilities and their families. They operate in Westminster and other
London boroughs supporting people with disabilities, including people with complex needs and profound and multiple disabilities.