Disabled find activities 'unwelcoming'
Tristan Donovan
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Disabled children often feel excluded by play and youth activities, according to a report based on their views.
The Going Places! report by the Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) campaign group found disabled children want to do the same things as their peers but face considerable barriers in doing so. In particular, they encounter negative attitudes from professionals, struggle to access suitable and cheap transport, and often find youth and play activities unwelcoming.
The report said central and local government must do more to help disabled children enjoy the same activities as others.
"Disabled children just want the same chances as other children to play, go out, and be with their friends," said Christine Lenehan, director of the Council for Disabled Children and an EDCM board member. "We urge the government and all play and youth workers to have high expectations for disabled children to enjoy the same experiences as their peers."
Kim, one of the disabled young people quoted in the report, said: "Sometimes staff are not very helpful. It just seems like it's a bother to help us when it shouldn't be."
EDCM launched the report at this week's Labour Party conference and is calling for all new projects created with play strategy or Myplace funding to include disabled children in their decision-making process. The campaign group has also called for more training for staff and guidance for English play and youth services on meeting disabled children's needs.
Fiona Blacke, chief executive of The National Youth Agency, said: "The government has committed to improving access to positive activities for all young people. We will work with government and all stakeholders to turn the vision into reality."
The report's release coincides with the government's announcement of a £5m fund to help parents shape services created through the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme.
Money from the Parent Participation Grant will help parents' groups involve the parents of disabled children in the decision-making process. The money is being distributed through Together for Disabled Children and applications must be in by 21 November.
- www.edcm.org.uk
- www.togetherfdc.co.uk.
