On Monday, the 23rd of February, the Government published its plans to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England. These plans are open to public consultation for the next 12 weeks. Here is what you need to know: https://bit.ly/3MK50KJ

We know there needs to be clear, long-term workforce strategy for everyone supporting disabled children with complex needs in education. Our recent research found that two in five parents had to reduce their working hours because they couldn’t get the SEND support they needed.

Today’s announcement shows a real commitment from the government to fix the broken SEND system – which currently leaves far too many families fighting for the support their children need. (1/4)

Parents like Natalie are left feeling like they're failing their children as they are forced to fund additional support, like specialist therapies, from their own pocket because of a broken SEND system. Read her full story here: https://tinyurl.com/3smvtbzv

Sense has been featured in the media today, including Sky News, responding to government leaks regarding proposed SEND reforms. "For many families, an EHCP is the only enforceable guarantee that their child will receive..." Read the statement in full on our website: https://bit.ly/4s3akHX

We welcome the 7% increase to the Minimum Income Guarantee. From April, 150,000 disabled adults will keep at least £400 more a year. At a time when living costs remain high, this is a vital step forward. (1/4)

Popular children's tv character Peppa Pig has revealed that her little brother, George, has been diagnosed with hearing loss. In the show, George will be fitted with a hearing aid and we'll follow his journey as he starts to adjust and explore his new world.

Our research found that nearly half (48%) of parents found it stressful securing SEND provision. Ahead of the SEND reforms, the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social is calling for a system that works with disabled children - not against them. You can read more here: www.theguardian.com/education/20...

Our new research reveals families are already being failed by the existing SEND system, with 47% worried that current support could be reduced further, worsening their situation. You can read more here: www.theguardian.com/education/20...

As members of the @dcpcampaign.bsky.social, we’re proud to support the Young People Survey for disabled young people aged 11 – 25. Your experiences matter - help us make sure young disabled voices shape real change. bit.ly/YPSurvey26

Did you see our incredible campaigner Tiya and our Strategy Lead Harriet on the BBC?

“The government’s proposed cuts to disability benefits will have devastating consequences for disabled people across the country - pushing thousands further into poverty, hardship, and isolation.

Today we launched a report that found that over half of parents struggle to access support and services that meet the needs of their disabled child.

Grateful to @mencap.org.uk and @jonsparkes.bsky.social for convening a meeting today with government ministers to feed back on their green paper At @sensecharity.bsky.social we are very concerned about the cuts overall, especially the impact on disabled people with complex needs who may never work

We urgently need the Government to work with us to implement robust financial protections for disabled people with complex needs, and to reduce barriers to work for disabled people and uprate the disability benefits in line with inflation next April.

“Making it harder to access benefits won’t help disabled people find jobs either. It will only deepen the struggle.” www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...

Now that #SignLanguageWeek is over, we're here to remind you that you can learn more about British Sign Language, Makaton and other forms of communication at any time so nobody feels left out. We’ve put together some information for you. Find out more here: www.sense.org.uk/information-...

"At a time when disabled people are already disproportionately impacted by a cost of living crisis, as well as facing extra costs just because they are disabled, we need a system that supports disabled people."

Yesterday’s Government announcements might have left you confused and worried about what is coming next and what it all means, we’ve put together key changes to help.

Disabled people need greater financial support from the government – not draconian cuts that will drive more people into poverty. We're deeply concerned about the impact the benefit cuts announced today will have on disabled people.

It’s #SignLanguageWeek! British Sign Language (BSL) is the most common sign language in the UK, but did you know it wasn’t until 2022 that the British Sign Language Bill was passed in the UK, formally recognising it as a language by Law!

The government is planning to cut disability benefits. This could have a devastating impact on disabled people. We need as many MPs as possible to speak out against disability benefits cuts before they're announced as early as Monday. Ask your MP now: action.sense.org.uk/page/167765/...

Meet Bethany! Bethany’s brother has down syndrome and as a young carer Bethany helps him day to day, supporting him to communicate. For Bethany, the residential was important so that she could take a break, make friends and be herself.

“Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has nothing to do with work. It exists because living with a disability means facing higher costs, from increased energy bills to specialised equipment and specific diets." www.express.co.uk/finance/pers...

There have been a number of media reports suggesting that the government is planning to make cuts to disability benefits. This is totally shocking and unfair. Our research shows benefits barely cover the basics, so further cuts could plunge more disabled people into poverty.

Sharing a warm welcome to our new Chief Executive, James Watson-O’Neill! “I am deeply honoured to lead the next chapter of Sense and committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor, Richard Kramer."

Hi Everyone! We’ve seen Bluesky is growing fast so we thought we would join! We’re here to help create a world where disabled people are connected and included, no matter what.