Last week, a debate was held in Westminster Hall about accessible and inclusive education for Disabled children.
Dr Lisa Cameron, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Disability, of which DR UK is the secretariat, told MPs: “Children with disabilities have often been most affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. In terms of immediate impact, people with disabilities have accounted for six out of 10 deaths involving Covid-19, while Mencap’s social care survey has shown that seven out of 10 people with a learning disability have had their social care provision reduced as a result of the pandemic.
“Looking at long-term consequences, the Centre for Mental Health estimates that 1.5 million children will need mental health support for conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the pandemic. The NHS’s digital report anticipates a 50% increase in mental health problems for children and young people as a result of the pandemic.
“When we account for the heightened immediate impact of Covid-19 on children with disabilities, coupled with the mental health consequences predicted for young people, it quickly becomes apparent that the wellbeing and inclusion of children with special educational needs and disabilities must be prioritised.”
Read the transcript of the debate in full here.