If a school unfairly excludes or suspends a pupil with a disability, this could be disability discrimination. IPSEA has information explaining what to do if your child has been suspended or expelled from school and you think the school may have discriminated against your child. Click here: Disability discrimination and exclusions
QUICK READ: LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY (LPA) AND FASD
When an individual with FASD turns 18, they are legally an adult and are treated as an adult by all services and providers even if that individual functions at a much younger age. A Lasting Power of Attorney can be a useful way of helping an individual with FASD aged 18 and over to manage their affairs. It allows carers and family to provide the support they may need as a young adult and beyond and to be able to show that they are legally entitled to be involved.
The law in this area is quite complicated and there is a lot of confusion around what a local authority’s (“LA’s”) duties are. This helpful guidance from IPSEA explains the law and how to enforce your legal rights.
A helpful recording by Luke Clements (Emeritus Professor of Law and Social Justice at the University of Leeds School of Law) explaining mental capacity and decision making law in the UK in relation to young people (over 16) and adults.
Working families has a very helpful page setting out where to find advice, support and representation if you wish to make a claim in the Employment Tribunal
reSEND is an independent SEND advice, advocacy and support charity helping children, young people, parents and carers navigate the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.
It provides impartial, confidential and practical support throughout the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process — from making a new application and reviewing a draft plan, through to Annual Reviews, changes to provision and appeals.
It also provides SEN Tribunal support, helping families understand their rights and options, prepare appeals, review evidence and documentation, communicate with Local Authorities and, where needed, provide representation at Tribunal.
There usually charge a fee for their services but as a charity, these are generally more affordable that most providers. They also provides free information and resources on their website.
