Ask any disabled child and their parents and they'll tell you how difficult getting the any support for accessible learning at schools (sixth form, secondary, primary and nursery) and colleges.

Having to fight for equality is not fair and thousands and thousands of young disabled people all over the UK are not granted their basic right to education.

This is mainly because councils are responsible for education systems in their area and they have to fund all equipment and support for every child.

Some councils have the funding to do this; most do not.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support for covering the study-related costs people have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. This is funded by the government.

Due to the DSA, it is significantly easier to get the appropriate support for studying in a university.

It simply does not make sense for there to be an easier application process for support in higher education, than for schools, especially when both primary and secondary schools are so important for a child's mental and social development.

 

Hence, there should be a DSA for all education, not just higher education. Perhaps this could be included in the DSA, or a separate simple and national funding system could be created.

Most public schools and colleges have student support staff, and they could apply for the funding to cover any pupil's support needs - no matter what they may be.

This would stop the endless battle between parents and councils for funding, it would be a more effective expenditure of money and relieve the pressure councils have.

There's simply no reason to not do this; its beneficial to everyone.

 

Disabled people and those with long term health struggles (physical and mental), have been fighting to keep up in education for too long. It's time to put a stop to that, and this would be a massive step forward for equality.