Thousands of Teesside disabled children excluded from play
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Over 300 disabled children in Teesside 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.”
Norton mam Carole Wilson cares for her two disabled sons and also runs Stockton United for Change, who call for better disabled services.
She said:
“Just because our children have a disability doesn't make them second rate citizens.
" They should the equal rights like any other child.
"Play is import for every child's development.
"But a lot of our facilities aren't aimed at our children.
"They're aimed a certain age group, but because our children ability-wise come lower than that age group, so once they reach 13 they're not expected to go to soft play anymore but that's what our children still like doing.
"It's about awareness about disabilities and letting other parent's know not to be afraid of us.
"If you want to ask a question come up and ask us, don't stand there and stare or think 'they're naughty'.
"Sometimes there's a genuine reason behind it."