Know your rights!

We know many parents and carers are concerned about what cuts to local authority budgets might mean for the services and support their children rely on. We think it’s important for all parents and carers to know their rights, so that you can continue to get the support you and your child are entitled to.

Our top five tips to fight the cuts

1. Use the law to fight cuts - Using the law to fight cuts (PDF 126KB) is a paper written for parents by a specialist SEN lawyer. It sets out exactly what your legal rights are relating to SEN and disability, and how you can use the law to challenge cuts to services. It also includes details of voluntary organisations and solicitors who may be able to support you.
2. Get information on navigating the system - Our Support section sets out the steps through which you can access support, including financial support you may be entitled to and resources and organisations which may be useful. It also includes tips from parents about what worked for them, and what they would do differently next time.
3. Share your story - Have cuts in your area affected your family already? If so, let us know about it! One of the best ways to fight the cuts is to highlight the impact of them through the media. If you are interested in sharing a case study with us and working with the media, share your story on the Talk about Autism community.
4. Talk to other families - Thousands of parents and carers visit our Talk About Autism online community to ask other families and our Community Champions for advice about problems they are facing. To benefit from the experiences of other parents and campaigners across the country visit www.talkaboutautism.org.uk.
5. Have your say - The government are currently asking for views on their plans for developing SEN and disability services. You can find out about their plans on the DfE website. We are developing a survey, and will be hosting an online webchat to get your views. In the meantime, tell us your thoughts on the Green Paper.

Do you have a top tip of your own to add? Email us info@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk to let us know, or post it on the Talk about Autism online community.