Now is the time

Let families of disabled children know they are not alone

Over 40,000 people have signed our petition for a new Minister for Disabled Children and Families. 

On the 23 January, Dan, Aimee and Emily were at 10 Downing Street handing in the petition to Government. 

We asked the family about the change they wanted to see:

We have sent Theresa May a clear message that her Government needs to do more for disabled children and their families.

We now wait for the Government’s response.

Keep up to date with Now is the time and our other campaigns.

Why we are running Now is the time

All parents have hopes, dreams, aspirations and want the best for their children. Parents of disabled children are no different.

But all too often parents are told of the limitations, the struggles and the barriers they will face as a parent rather than the opportunities.

Our research shows 87% of parents have felt judged by members of the public, 41% of them were offered no emotional support.

Giving disabled children the Best Start in Life

We believe Government can do more to support disabled children and their families.

Our new campaign calls on the Government to:

• Appoint the first ever Minister for Disabled Children and Families. This appointment would lead to improved accountability for how laws and policies affecting disabled children and their families are made. A dedicated Minister can strengthen how Government and services like the NHS work together to make sure families receive the right support.
• Establish an early intervention and family resilience fund to ensure families have good resilience. This fund would include investment in emotional support for the whole family during the diagnosis journey such as counselling, advocacy and relationship advice.

These calls on the Government are being made in partnership with the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP). The DCP is a coalition of 60 organisations, of which Scope is a member, campaigning for improved health and social care for disabled children, young people and their families.

Research report

Scope's research on families with disabled children underpins the Now is the time campaign.

Now is the time research report (PDF 641KB)

Advice and support for families

Scope provides advice and support for families with disabled children, from diagnosis, through education, to adulthood.

Information and advice online

Online community for peer support

Specialist sleep support for disabled children

Helpline: free, independent and impartial telephone support.