What is hemiplegia? What is hemiplegia? Childhood hemiplegia (sometimes called hemiparesis) is a condition caused by damage to the parts of the brain or spinal cord (the central nervous system) that control movements...
Reaching out to families For many families simply getting out of the house is a major challenge, often because parents are too busy or tired from their caring responsibilities, some need transport to access...
GPs & primary care Primary care is the local healthcare that we receive from General Practitioner (GP) practices, NHS walk-in centres, dentists, pharmacists and opticians.
Revisions, appeals & complaints If you are unhappy with the outcome of a benefit decision, you usually have the right to challenge it. If you’re unhappy with the way a decision was handled, rather...
Education beyond 16 Read about education after 16 years for young people with special educational needs (SEN).
Hearing care Hearing care is not only important in speech development and learning. Children also use their hearing to take in information and to make sense of their world. Listening to music...
Putting things right – England If you have a concern or want to give feedback There are several ways you can raise a concern or give positive or negative feedback. Friends and Family Test If...
Musical instruments At first glance, you might think a weak arm would make playing a musical instrument very difficult. But you can play many instruments with one hand, or hands of differing...
Improving services Key statistics Parent carer forums involvement in shaping health services, 2014 [PDF] Latest research into parent carer forums’ experiences of working with health services in England, including clinical commissioning groups,...
Our team Meet the senior management team and trustees of Contact, the UK charity that supports families of disabled children.
Holidays, play, and leisure All children, whatever their abilities, have the right to play, have fun and take part in recreational activities. Local authorities must support children who need practical help to play or...
Help with household bills Our helpline advisers have put together a list of scheme and grants to help you stay warm in the winter. Check to see if you are eligible.
Shoes & shoe lacing Different sized shoes The most common problem is that the child needs two differently sized shoes. Sometimes the affected foot is smaller, or the child may wear a splint, which...
Aids & equipment Caring for a disabled child can sometimes become easier with the use of certain aids and equipment. Getting the right equipment early will help your child’s development and confidence. And...
Getting a diagnosis Around the time of diagnosis, parents can go through a range of emotions, including shock, denial, grief and anger. Parents can be anxious about how they are going to cope...
Universal Credit Universal Credit is a new benefit for people of working age. It is paid both to people who are out of work and to those in employment.
School & college complaints This advice applies in England only. Read information for families in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales. On this page we explain what you need to do if you want to...
Carer Support Payment Carer Support Payment is a new benefit the Scottish government is introducing to replace Carer’s Allowance in Scotland.