SEN & Disabilities

A comprehensive list of medical conditions and disabilities, with additional information on associated support groups provided by Contact for Families with Disabled Children.

This is a national Disability resource directory of disabled aids, support products, services and advice. The website is owned and run by people with disabilities.

Advice Now is an independent, not-for-profit website run by the charity Law for Life.  It provides accurate and practical information on rights and the law in England and Wales including guidance on special educational needs, the provision of educational facilities for children with specific needs and details of assessments, statments and your right of appeal.

Afasic is a uk charity which supports families and Professionals working with children and young people with speech, language and communication impairments.

An animation from the Council for Disabled Children to help parents understand the Annual Review process and procedures for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The Devon Autism Alert Card was launched to support people on the autistic spectrum so that they could show someone in situations they might find challenging.  It is supported by Devon and Cornwall police and other emergency services.  They hope it will help them identify people on the autistic spectrum and advise them that they may need to change their approach because the card holder is Autistic.

The card is free and available to anyone who feels they are on the Autistic Spectrum.

Rehab Recovery offers free advice and guidance for autistic people who suffer with an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Provides information and advice on supporting children with dyslexia.

Factsheets provided by GOV.UK give an overview of the Care Act and the duties and powers of local authorities under the Act. The factsheets and accompany Part 1 of the Care Act and are available to download.

Provides information on careers, educational courses, volunteering, training opportunities and other personal support for young people aged 13-19 years old (up to 25 for those with a learning difficulty or disability) enabling young people to make informed decisions and choices.

This website offers a range of information relating to ADHD, Autism, Speech and Language and SEND related issues.  Resources are free and include simple, step by step instructions and tips on how to adapt them for individual needs.  There is also a free monthly newsletter full of useful blogs, information and free resources.

Communicating the Code is a website for people working directly with children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

Contact provides information, advice and support to families caring for children and young people with disabilities or additional needs.

Contact (for families with disabled children) guide to Holiday’s, Play and Leisure provides information about what play, leisure and short breaks options may be available. It also contains information about arranging holidays for disabled children and also details of organisations which provide grants for such activities.

The National Children’s Bureau is a charitable organisation which acts as an umbrella organisation who have created an authoritive and influential voice to improve the lives of children and young people.

If you or a family member have certain disabilities you may be eligible to apply for a free bus pass.  This gives free travel on most local bus services in England between 9:30am and 11pm on weekdays and all day at weekends and public holidays.

This website provides information on grants for children and young people from charities and Trusts that can provide funding towards equipment, holidays, housing and days out etc.

If you have a disability, you may be eligible to apply for either a year or 3 year Disabled Persons Railcard. This will enable you (and another adult travelling with you) to get 1/3 off adult rail fares travelling on any National Rail network in Great Britain.

Friends & Families of Special Children is a charity based in Plymouth, Devon, that offers a broad range of services and projects for children with disabilities. Services include:

• Integrated social and leisure activities for children with disabilities and for their whole family.
• Support for young carers through their ‘Fun and Freedom Club’.
• Information and advice service for emotional support, impartial advice and guidance to access financial aid and advocacy (e.g. support with DLA PIP).
• ‘Youth Adventures’ gives young disabled people aged 14 and over the opportunity to socialise with other young people.
• The ‘Adventure Club’ provides activities and events for disabled children under the age of 14.
• ‘Making Sense’ Project provides a range of services aimed specifically at children with Profound & Multiple Learning Disabilities and their parents/carers.
• Support networks, befriending service and training opportunities for parents/carers to reduce isolation and time-out from the punishing regime of caring.
• Access to specialist equipment and practical resources through their ‘Lending Library’.

Get Your Rights is a website specifically designed for disabled children and young people and those with SEND to help them understand their rights in navigating the health system.

Health for Teens provided by Livewell Southwest is designed to engage and benefit young people in Plymouth. It provides information on health, relationships, feelings, lifestyle and growing up, mental health support during COVID-19, dental heath and finding a dentist and common illnesses and wellbeing. You can also text a school nurse for confidential health advice and support.

Information from the Government UK website about the help you can receive from your local council, benefits you can claim and other useful services available to assist parents.

This website contains lots of information to help you understand and support children and young people’s speech, language and communication.

Sensory Solutions provides information, advice and equipment for people of all ages with concerns about sight or hearing. Family members, carers, friends, professionals and employers are welcome to use this confidential and impartial service provided by trained advisors.