Thousands of North East disabled children excluded from play
2500 disabled children in Newcastle and Gateshead may be missing out on vital play opportunities, according to a new report.
Former Secretary of State for Education and Employment, Lord Blunkett and national deafblind charity, Sense, have revealed the severe restrictions facing disabled children in the Play Report, which will be launched in Parliament this afternoon.
It shows eight in 10 parents have struggled to access a mainstream play setting and one in two disabled children have been turned away when trying to access play activities.
They report is calling for urgent action to address the failings at every level, including a lack of attention by government, insufficient funding at local level and negative attitudes towards disabled children and their families, all highlighted as barriers.
Chair of the Play Inquiry, Lord Blunkett, said:
“We know that play is vitally important for children with multiple needs and their families, bringing a wide range of developmental and emotional benefits. However, our inquiry found that all too often the parents of children with multiple-needs point to barriers they face in accessing and enjoying play.”
“It means that disabled children don’t have the same chance to form friendships, and parents are prevented from taking a break from caring. Both disabled children and their parents are excluded from their own communities.”
Gateshead dad Paul Watson says day trips for his five year old twins Christopher and Emily, who have cerebral palsy, must be planned weeks in advance.
He said:
“There are just so many things that you could do with the children but because the facilities aren’t there for them to be able to access it you can’t do it.”
“Last week we went to a large park. But apart from letting them look around in their chairs there was nothing that we could take part in there.”
“We can’t actually get anywhere on public transport, because buses only have one wheelchair space. Once we get there it’s difficult to be able to access the activities because of the children’s specific needs and quite frankly, a lot people stare at the children and make you feel uncomfortable, so you are less inclined to take part.”