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Government to reassess Personal Independence Payment awards

Wednesday 6th November 2019

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is to reassess some Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims following a change to the law.

Success for parents' campaign paves way to improved care for children with learning disabilities

Tuesday 5th November 2019

The Government has today announced that there will be compulsory training on learning disability and autism for all health and social care staff.

Today we launch our Changing Lives Appeal

Tuesday 5th November 2019

Today we launch our Changing Lives Appeal. We're celebrating 40 years of Contact and asking you to help us continue changing the lives of families with disabled children.

New Blue Badge rules make it easier for children to qualify in England

Tuesday 5th November 2019

The Blue Badge rules in England underwent major changes this summer that are designed to make it easier for many children and adults with so called ‘invisible disabilities’ like learning difficulties or autism spectrum disorders, to qualify.

Shocking report published today exposes brutal reality of our system when young people with learning disabilities or autism are detained

Friday 1st November 2019

Today Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights published a devastating report into the “horrific reality” of conditions and treatment under which many young people with learning disabilities and autism are detained in mental health hospitals, “inflicting terrible suffering on those detained and causing anguish to their distraught families”

New Young Carers Grant introduced in Scotland

Thursday 31st October 2019

Last week saw the introduction of a new payment for young carers in Scotland. The Young Carers Grant is a lump sum payment of £300 which can be made once a year to 16-18 year olds who are providing at least 16 hours a week care to a severely disabled person.

National rare conditions survey launched

Thursday 24th October 2019

Baroness Nicola Blackwood, the Minister for rare disease at the Department of Health and Social Care, has announced a national survey into the issues faced by those affected by a rare condition.

MPs publish critical report into SEND reforms in England

Wednesday 23rd October 2019

Today a group of cross-party MPs who make up the Education Select Committee published their long-awaited report into the Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) reforms in England.

New By Your Side hospital drop-in dates in the North East and Midlands

Tuesday 22nd October 2019

We've announced new drop-in dates for our By Your Side hospitals project, taking place at Birmingham Children's Hospital and the Great North Children's Hospital.

Our education specialist shares her top tips on choosing the right school

Monday 21st October 2019

Our education adviser Jill Hardman has contributed to BBC Bitesize's Starting Primary School series with her top tips on choosing the right school for a child with special educational needs (SEN).