Updated: 1/08/22
Practical resources
Government
England
The latest government guidance and news is available here. Guidance on living safely with COVID-19 is available here. Government guidance on critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools and educational settings in the case of future restrictions has been withdrawn but is available here. Government guidance on what all special schools and other specialist settings have to do during the coronavirus outbreak has been withdrawn but is available for reference here (February 2022).
Wales
The latest government guidance and news is available here. Guidance for schools an settings supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged learners can be found here.
Charities
The Council for Disabled Children has a page of resources and links that include general information on coronavirus, information for families and disabled children and young people, learning resources to support home schooling, information for health practitioners, information for social care practitioners and information for educators.
The Council for Disabled Children also publishes a family support hub resource page, including links to guidance for local authorities and short break (respite) providers, and guidance on social care services for disabled children and young people.
Contact has a page which includes links to the latest government guidance in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The National Autistic Society has a page with information, guidance and tips about coronavirus here.
Bild is offering a positive behaviour support (PBS) helpline to support families and carers of people with learning disabilities, mental health issues or autistic people with the challenges of living with coronavirus restrictions here.
A page of resources from The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, which includes advice on supporting a loved one at home, health and hygiene, going out/visiting relatives, FAQ’s about the law and other information can be accessed here.
A page of resources is available at Mencap, including an easy read guide for people going in to hospital with coronavirus, and patient’s rights when accessing healthcare.
Disability Rights UK have an extensive list of resources here.
Learning Disability England has some resources available in its news section.
The charity Working Families has published advice on financial support for families in the context of coronavirus here.
Media
Special Needs Jungle has a list of news articles on coronavirus here.
Advice and Support
Disability Law Service provides free legal advice and representation for disabled people in the areas of employment and community (social) care law. It produces online resources and factsheets, more information available here.
IPSEA has an update on COVID-19 and SEN provision here.
Court of Protection barristers from 39 Essex Chambers have written guidance on vaccination and adults who lack mental capacity here and on testing and mental capacity here.
Cerebra can provide help for families having difficulties in accessing health, social care and other services for disabled children through the LEaP Project.
