Disability charities warn of families 'at breaking point' over gaps in care

Almost two thirds (62%) of families with disabled children are not getting crucial support and services in their local area, according to a report by the disability charity Scope published on Monday. The figures were released as charities, parenting groups and disability campaigners warned that families with disabled children are at breaking point because of a chronic shortage of local childcare, nursery places, appropriate schools, essential therapies and even healthcare in their local area.

Scope, Sense, 4Children and The Family and Parenting Institute came together as the government prepares "the biggest shakeup of support for disabled children or those with special educational needs for 30 years": the children and families bill.

The Scope report says 60% of the 600 families spoken to said getting their child the right services was a "battle". Of the families who couldn't access services locally, 80% said it caused them stress and anxiety, while 51% said it affected their ability to work and meant they missed out on family activities such as birthdays and playing together.

Full Article on Guardian Society