Holidays, play and leisure - Information for families Holidays, play and leisure
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Holidays, play and leisure
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Information for families
Incorporating The and
Holidays, play Ladyleisure
Hoare 1
Trust
UK
Introduction
Many disabled children and young people say that leisure and
play – after school, in the holidays and at weekends – is the
most important missing element in their lives. Parents strive to
make opportunities for these but often find many unnecessary
barriers, including a basic lack of information about what’s
available.
This guide provides some information about what play and
leisure options may be available and where to find more
information. It also has information about arranging holidays
for disabled children and details of organisations which
provide grants for these types of activities
Contents
Your child’s rights����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3
Your rights as a carer��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4
Play and leisure in your area�����������������������������������������������������������������������������6
Help paying for leisure activities�����������������������������������������������������������������������7
Contacts for information on play and leisure����������������������������������������������9
Indoor play resources����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11
Disability sport�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13
Days out�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15
Holidays������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18
Help to pay for holidays�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������18
Finding a holiday and travel insurance�������������������������������������������������������20
Wish-granting charities��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22
Equipment and mobility�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������23
Books to help your child play�������������������������������������������������������������������������24
Your child’s rights to protection against discrimination�������������������������26
Your child’s rights across the UK�������������������������������������������������������������������27
Making play and leisure work for disabled children�������������������������������30
2 Holidays, play and leisure
Your child’s rights Local authority duties to
disabled children
All children need the chance to play. Your child also has rights to play and
Governments in the UK recognise that leisure in their local area. Services for
disabled children need good quality play disabled children are set out under
and leisure opportunities. And these must Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and
be available throughout their childhood Disabled Persons Act 1970 and under
to reach and maintain their highest the Children Act 1989. These Acts apply
development and wellbeing. to England and Wales only but there
You may find it helpful to know that your is similar legislation for Scotland and
disabled child (or young person) has Northern Ireland (see page 27 for more
certain rights relating to play and leisure. information).
Additionally, under Article 31 of the For example, under the Chronically Sick
United Nations Convention on the Rights and Disabled Persons Act, services are
of the Child, children have the right to given to an individual disabled child
relax and play and to join in a wide range and do not extend to other members of
of cultural, artistic and other recreational
activities.
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 3
the family. Depending on local criteria,
services include:
• provision of leisure facilities (this could
mean outings or a placement at a day
centre), or
• education facilities (this could mean
home-based education, or funding for
the personal care needs of students so
they can study)
• travel and other help, like travel to and
from a day centre
• holidays.
The Children Act 1989 sets out a range
of support services which should be
available. Services listed in the Act
include:
• occupational, social, cultural or Your rights as a carer
recreational activities
• help to allow your child and family to
In England and Wales, the Carers (Equal
have a holiday
Opportunities) Act 2004 requires local
• travel assistance.
authorities to tell carers about their
rights to an assessment. The Act also
Under the Act:
makes sure that leisure opportunities are
• social services can give help which considered when you’re being assessed.
will benefit other family members, like You may be able to get, for example,
siblings and other carers gym membership, massages or leisure
• local authorities (LAs) should give classes to relieve stress. There is similar
services to minimise the effect of legislation in Scotland and Northern
disabilities on the lives of disabled Ireland. See page 27.
children and give them opportunities
to reach their full potential. Short Breaks
Short breaks allow your child to
LAs must treat disabled children as have a change of scene, try different
children first and promote access for all experiences, have fun and make friends.
children to the same range of services. You may already get breaks from caring
by asking family, friends or neighbours to
take charge from time to time, but you
may need a more formal arrangement
that doesn’t depend on other people
being available and willing to help.
4 Holidays, play and leisure
Having a break can give you valuable activities in your area. They can tell you
time to recharge your batteries. You how to contact your local social services
might want to spend time with your department and ask for an assessment
other children, friends, or just relax in the of your own and your child’s needs. More
bath. If you have regular breaks it may information about your child’s rights and
also make your life easier if you ever the law is on page 27.
have to leave your child with someone,
These organisations may be helpful too:
as they will be used to this happening
occasionally.
The Short Breaks Network -
Short breaks come in all shapes and sizes England Wales Northern Ireland
and can include:
The Short Breaks Network is the
• Care at home - includes sitting co-ordinating body for the short break
services, which means someone to sector working with local authorities,
sit with or ‘mind’ your child, and care voluntary sector and other short break
attendant schemes, which give help of providers, parents and practitioners. They
various kinds at home, including sitting. have information about short breaks and
• Day care away from home - includes links to where to go to get a short breaks
nurseries, playgroups, opportunity in your area.
groups, nursery schools and classes 01749 689 259
for pre-school children as well as child www.shortbreaksnetwork.org.uk/
and family centres. There may also
be out of school and weekend clubs Shared Care Scotland
and, during school holidays, access to
Shared Care Scotland has accessible,
playschemes.
up-to-date information and advice to
• Residential breaks - includes residential
those who use, provide or plan short
homes, special units in hospitals and
break services. They have a national
hospices. Talk to your local social
online database which includes holiday
services department.
accommodation and activity programmes
• Family link schemes - where your child
that are accessible to disabled children
stays with another family on a regular
and young people.
basis or occasionally.
01383 622462
www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk/
There is a legal duty on local authorities
to provide a range of short breaks
services for disabled children in their
area. See page 27 for more information
about short breaks and key legislation for
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern
Ireland.
Call our freephone helpline on 0808 Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
808 3555 and ask how to access leisure www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 5
Play and leisure have one, contact the local children with
disabilities team.
in your area You can also find information at:
Who to ask • your local library
about services • your local council website
In England and Wales, your local Family • a local leisure or youth service for
details of inclusive facilities
Information Service can tell you what
services are available. This includes • sports clubs
information about play and leisure. In • a national organisation, like Phab
(see page 9) or Special Olympics GB
England, every local authority must
(see page 14).
publish a ‘local offer’ which includes
information about leisure activities.
You should be able to find this on your If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern
local authority’s website. Your school or Ireland contact our office in your area
children’s centre may also have access to for more information about leisure and
this information. Or call Contact a Family’s sports for children and young people.
freephone helpline.
If you want to know more about leisure Contact a Family Cymru
facilities and clubs in your area, you could
029 20 39 6624
also contact a local parent support group
or carers centre. Some run their own Contact a Family Northern Ireland
activities and, if not, may know who does.
028 9262 7552
Our freephone helpline can check if there
is a group in your area. You can also ask Contact a Family Scotland
your child’s social worker or, if you don’t 0131 659 2930
6 Holidays, play and leisure
Help paying for
leisure activities
Direct Payments and
Personal Budgets
Local authorities can give payments
instead of services to allow disabled
people and carers to buy the services
they have been assessed as needing; for
example, for your child to go to a local
club or play scheme. Direct Payments are
for parents and their disabled children
who would like to manage their own
social care needs. Are you claiming all the
Some families can also get ‘Individual’ or benefits you’re entitled to?
‘Personal Budgets’ to arrange services. Certain benefits can lead to more help.
The budget is an amount allocated For example, if your child gets higher
by social services after an assessment rate Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or
which is usually based on a points-based Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
system. you can get discounts on road tax for
Phone our freephone helpline for more your car and a Blue Badge to help you
information on Personal Budgets and with parking your car. If your child has
what Direct Payments can be used for. any award of DLA or PIP or is registered
You can ask for a copy of our guides to blind, you can get a Cinema Exhibitor’s
Direct Payments on 0808 808 3555. Association Card – free tickets for a
person to go with a child to the cinema.
Also, many local attractions offer discount
How much are schemes and queue jump passes for
Direct Payments? disabled people and their carers. Ask
The amount of money you get should be when you book.
enough to allow you to meet all costs,
including tax and national insurance, as
Call our freephone helpline and
well as Disclosure and Barring Service
speak to our benefits experts. They
(DBS) police checks.
can check that you’re claiming
everything you’re entitled to.
Contact our freephone helpline on
0808 808 3555
0808 808 3555 for more information.
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 7
8 Holidays, play and leisure
Contacts for KIDS (England)
information about KIDS offer practical help and support
to disabled children, young people and
play and leisure their families across England, including
specialist nurseries and crèches, short
There are many local and national bodies breaks, play schemes, youth groups
and organisations which give information and sibling support groups, plus
about play and leisure for disabled training (in Makaton, for example),
children. Here are just a few: and keyworking for parents.
020 7520 0405
Smart Play Network (Scotland) www.kids.org.uk
The Smart Play Network is a Scottish
charity supporting toy libraries and play The Calvert Trust (Exmoor, Kielder,
services. They have projects in Dundee, Lake District)
Fife and Edinburgh. This charity specialises in accessible
0131 664 2746 activity adventures for people of
www.smartplaynetwork.org all ages with all types of disability.
Accommodation is fully accessible, (the
Linn Park Adventure Playground, Exmoor centre has the only 5 star rated
Glasgow (Scotland) activity accommodation in the country!)
Play centre for children aged 5-12 The Calvert Trust offers adventure
with additional support needs. They activities like abseiling, sailing, canoeing,
have a sensory room and do arts and archery, horse riding, carriage driving,
crafts activities. They have a large outdoor climbing and many others.
space, including climbing frame, sandpit, www.calvert-trust.org.uk
chute, swings, wheelchair swings and
lots more. Children must be Phab England and Wales
accompanied by an adult. A charity dedicated to inclusive clubs,
0141 633 1493 holidays, annual summer programmes
of activities, sailing, short breaks and
The Yard, Edinburgh (Scotland) adventure holidays for disabled and
The Yard is a purpose built indoor non-disabled children.
and outdoor adventure playground in 020 8667 9443
Edinburgh for children and young people www.phab.org.uk
with disabilities. They run several youth
clubs, a transitions club and activity
sessions for schools during the week.
0131 476 4506
www.theyardscotland.org.uk
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 9
FABB Scotland (Facilitating Access The Stagecoach Charitable Trust
and Breaking Barriers)
Charity that runs free drama, music
A charity dedicated to inclusive clubs, and movement classes for children
holidays, annual summer programmes and young people with disabilities aged
of activities, sailing, short breaks and 9-19. Designed to grow self confidence,
adventure holidays for disabled and independence and life skills, the classes
non-disabled children. are run by qualified teachers and helpers.
0131 475 2313 Covers Bristol, Colchester, Eastleigh,
www.fabb.org.uk Hampton, Isleworth, Llanelli, Oxford,
Plymouth and Walton-on-Thames and
Mencap Wales Play Our Way from September 2014 Leeds.
01932 254333
A project to improve access to leisure
www.stagecoachtrust.co.uk
facilities for young people with a learning
disability in Wales. Young ambassadors
Stagetext (England Wales)
assess how accessible leisure activities
are for young people with a learning Stagetext provides captioning and live
disability, and work with service providers speech-to-text services in theatres and
to improve them. other arts and cultural venues for people
Wales Learning Disability freephone with varying types of deafness. Visit their
helpline: 0808 808 1111 website to find Stagetext performances
www.mencap.org.uk/wales/projects near you.
020 7377 0540
Cinema Exhibitors’ Association www.stagetext.org
Card (UK)
VocalEyes (England)
UK wide card scheme for participating
cinemas. The card holder is entitled to VocalEyes is an audio description charity.
one free ticket for a person to go to the They capture the visual elements of a
cinema with them. To apply for the card, theatre piece, painting, or environment
you or your child will need to meet one that a blind or partially-sighted person
of the following criteria: might miss and describe them in clear,
vivid language. They aim to provide
• be in receipt of DLA access to the arts for blind and partially-
• Attendance Allowance sighted people. Visit their website to find
• Personal Independence Payment VocalEyes performances near you.
(PIP); or
020 7375 1043
• be a registered blind person.
www.vocaleyes.co.uk
The card is valid for one year from the
date of issue and currently costs £5.50.
0845 123 1292
www.ceacard.co.uk
10 Holidays, play and leisureEuan’s Guide (UK)
The aim of this new online guide is
to give a friendly, honest alternative to
hours of web searching and phone calls
to remove the ‘fear of the unknown’
when visiting a venue for the first time.
Euan’s Guide features disabled access
reviews from disabled people, their
friends and families.
0131 510 5106
www.euansguide.com
Cedar Foundation (NI)
Northern Ireland charity that delivers a
range of services, including youth work,
trips to the cinema, canoeing and other
leisure activities for disabled children and
young people. They work throughout
Northern Ireland.
028 9066 6188
www.cedar-foundation.org
Mencap NI
Mencap offer a range of youth services
and projects in Northern Ireland for Indoor play and
children and young people with a
learning disability. They have a play leisure resources
adviser and run sumner schenes.
The Northern Ireland Learning Sensory Toy Warehouse
Disability Helpline 0808 808 1111 A website set up by a parent which
helpline.ni@mencap.org.uk stocks accessibly-priced, tactile, interactive
www.mencap.org.uk/northern- and stimulating multi-sensory resources,
ireland special needs toys and extraordinary
novelties for disabled children. Prices
The Disabled Photographers’ start from under £1.
Society (UK) www.sensorytoywarehouse.com
Offers technical support and help for
disabled photographers and information
on all aspects of photography for people Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
with disabilities. www.cafamily.org.uk
www.disabledphotographers.co.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 11The Letterbox Library Disability Arts Online
Has a catalogue of disability-related books An online journal for discussion of arts
for children with disabilities and their and culture, giving disabled and deaf
siblings, and for use in school or other artists, performers, film-makers, writers,
settings, that promote understanding and critics a place to talk about and share
and explain ‘difference’ for all ages from artistic practice.
babies to eleven years old. www.disabilityartsonline.org
0207 534 7502
www.letterboxlibrary.com Shut Up and Listen
Broadcast every month, Shut Up and
Calibre Audio Library
Listen radio shows are available anytime
UK charity that lends audio books through to listen to and download from the
a free, nationwide postal service. Young website. Shut Up and Listen is the only
Calibre is a free postal library bringing the place on the radio to hear music made
fun of audio books for anyone under 16 by artists with a learning disability.
who can’t see properly, or has dyslexia or www.carousel.org.uk/projects/
another disability which makes it difficult shut-up-and-listen/
to read ordinary print. Over 16s can join
the main library. Living Paintings (UK)
01296 432 339
This free postal library supports blind
www.calibre.org.uk
and partially sighted adults, children and
young people. They make tactile versions
ITV Signed Stories
of pictures that come to life when fingers
Signed Stories helps improve the literacy feel them.
of deaf children from infancy upwards
Audio descriptions tell the pictures’ stories
by allowing them to share in the joy of
while directing the fingertips across the
storytelling. The website also provides
tactile image, describing what is being
useful advice and guidance for parents,
touched, felt and ‘seen’. The tactile story
carers and teachers of deaf children, and
books for children also include clear
for the deaf parents of hearing children.
braille sheets between each page of text
www.signedstories.com
so they can read the text of the story
themselves. Free postage in the UK.
BBC Ouch
www.livingpaintings.org
For older teenagers and adults, Ouch
explores the disability world in blog posts
and a monthly internet radio talk show.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs/ouch
12 Holidays, play and leisureDisability sport Disability Sport Wales
Develops sporting and physical activity
WheelPower (UK) opportunities for disabled children and
WheelPower promotes equality for people. They have details of disability
people with physical disabilities around sport coaches throughout Wales and a
the UK by organising introductory and Community database where you can find
competitive sports for children and adults. your nearest club by sport and disability.
They list sports and where to find your www.fdsw.org.uk
nearest centre to play them. They also
run a number of events, including youth Disability Sport Northern Ireland
sport camps. Runs a range of events, participation
01296 395995 programmes, training courses and
www.wheelpower.org.uk services, all designed to give local
disabled children and adults the
Scottish Disability Sport opportunity to lead a full and active
Leading the development of sport in lifestyle through sport and physical
Scotland for people of all ages and recreation.
abilities with a physical, sensory or 028 9046 9925
learning disability. www.dsni.co.uk
0131 317 1130
www.scottishdisabilitysport.com
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 13English Federation Aerobility (UK)
of Disability Sport
Aerobility is a user-led charity providing
Represents the sporting and physical opportunities in aviation for individuals
activity interests of disabled people with disabilities. Whether it is a trial flight,
and organisations in England. Provides a fun aviation education session or a trip
inclusion training for sports coaches. in a flight simulator, there is something
Information on finding the right sport for everyone. Aerobility aims to break
for you, clubs, and examples of good down barriers to participation so that as
practice. many people as possible can enjoy the
01509 227750 magic of flight.
www.efds.co.uk 0303 303 1230
www.bdfa.net
Special Olympics Great Britain
Level Playing Field (England Wales
Provides sporting opportunities for
Scotland)
children with a learning disability from
the age of five and adults. If your child is Level Playing Field (LPF) is the
interested in sport, they provide training national charity for England and Wales
programmes, regardless of ability or representing disabled fans of all sports
degree of learning disability. together with their personal assistants
020 7247 8891 and advocates. Level Playing Field acts as
www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk a campaigning and advisory organisation
to its membership across all sports. On
Freedom in the Air (UK) the website, you’ll find information on
disabled fans’ facilities at clubs and stadia
A charity giving disabled youngsters the
in England, Wales and Scotland. You can
opportunity to fly, either in a light aircraft,
also read reports, guides, and general
or to pilot an aircraft with full supervision
disabled supporter information.
of aviation safety practices. Family
01244 893584
members are welcome.
www.levelplayingfield.org.uk
01234 752 272
www.freedomintheair.org
14 Holidays, play and leisureDays out The National Trust
(England Wales Northern Ireland)
Many major attractions and organisations The National Trust has more than 300
in the UK allow a parent or other carer historic places and gardens to visit in
accompanying a disabled person free England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
entry. Venues should have accessibility Most properties have a good degree of
information on their websites or you access and their admission policy has
can call them in advance. It’s worth an ‘admit one’ card in the name of the
giving places you want to visit a call disabled visitor, so a carer can go free
- they can tell you about accessibility of charge.
and documents you might need to
take advantage of any offers. Free on the National Trust website, the
‘Access for All’ guide has information
Day out with the kids (UK) about the accessibility of their properties.
You can also book holidays and camping.
Website to help find accessible family Search for ‘visitors with disabilities’ on
outings around the UK. their website.
www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk 0844 800 1895
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 15Visit Woods (UK) “Always check the disability
Visit Woods is a project by the policy of venues you go
Woodland Trust to make woodlands to – lots of attractions let
more accessible. Guides on the Visit carers in for free.”
Woods website have information
about accessibility and facilities Jane
to help you plan your visit.
01476 581135
www.visitwoods.org.uk
Phototrails (UK) Safari and wildlife parks (England,
Phototrails aims to help everyone Scotland and Wales)
discover and enjoy access to the Web resource for safari and wildlife parks
countryside, tailored to their own with contact details, opening times and
needs and preferences. The website admission information. Clickable links
aims to provide an up-to-date guide take you to each park’s information where
to the accessibility of countryside you’ll find details on accessibility.
sites and trails throughout the UK. www.safaripark.co.uk
www.phototrails.org
Walks with Wheelchairs (UK)
Seagull Trust Cruises (Scotland)
A website providing free information
Seagull Trust Cruises is a charity run on routes that are suitable for those
by volunteers which offers free cruises that use a wheelchair.
on Scotland’s canals for people with www.walkswithwheelchairs.com
special needs. Cruises run from branches
throughout Scotland. The Trust also has Riding for the Disabled (UK)
available a purpose-built holiday boat
Gives disabled children and people of
based at Falkirk.
any age the opportunity to ride, vault, or
www.seagulltrust.org.uk
carriage drive. Suitable for children with
physical and learning difficulties. You can
Culture 24 (UIK)
search for your nearest centre on their
The Culture 24 website has information website or give them a call.
on more than 4,000 museums, galleries 0845 658 1082
and heritage sites. There is also an www.rda.org.uk
interactive children’s website called
Culture Street, with details of family-
friendly museums and family days out.
01273 623 266
www.culture24.org.uk
16 Holidays, play and leisureThe Rough Guide to Accessible The Rough Guide
Britain Family Days Out (UK) to Accessible Britain
This guide, produced with Motability, This is the rough guide for disabled
has over 200 ideas for days out. adults, with days out at museums, parks,
They include accessibility information scenic drives, coastal towns and more.
and reviews, hints and tips by disabled They have all been reviewed by disabled
visitors. The online guide to family days people and have hints and tips on
out has family-friendly attractions, all making the best of your day out.
visited and reviewed by disabled children May be suitable for older children.
and their families. This means children www.accessibleguide.co.uk
of all ages have road tested them.
It is available free online.
www.accessibleguide.co.uk/
familydaysout
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 17Holidays Help to pay for holidays
Families with disabled children may be
Everyone needs a change of scene from entitled to help from local social services
time to time. You may find some of the departments. Some authorities may
organisations on the next pages useful give grants towards holiday costs, others
for ideas and information on the different may offer holidays at places of your own
holidays to choose from. There are many choice. Some local authorities insist on
organisations which provide holidays and means testing and, even when grants are
holiday accommodation for families and available, they are usually small. Some
disabled children. charities that help towards holiday costs
are listed on the next pages.
“Holidays are great now. With Direct Payments
we take a support worker along – my son has a
wonderful time and mum gets a break as well!”
Jane
18 Holidays, play and leisureOther financial help Housing Benefit and Pension Credit.
Contact a Family can tell you about all If you do not get any of these, more
aspects of the benefits and tax credits information may be needed to finish
system to make sure you are claiming all your application
you are entitled to. Our advisers can also • you have permanent, legal residency
look for charitable grants you may be able in the UK and have lived in the UK
to apply for to go on holiday, plus other for six months.
financial help which may be available.
Call the Contact a Family freephone The Family Fund works with a range
helpline on 0808 808 3555. of providers, including Haven and Butlins
amongst others, so that families can
Turn2us (UK) choose the best holiday for themselves
and their family. For some families taking
Turn2us is a charity providing an online a holiday is difficult, so a cash grant
service to help people access information may be given for outings or recreational
on all benefits and grants available to activities.
them from both statutory and voluntary
organisations in the UK. In many cases, The Family Fund may be able to
applications for support can be made help with other grants to help children
directly from the website and people can and young people access play and leisure
be kept informed by email, or by text to activities. Here are some things the
their mobile phone. Family Fund has been able to help
www.turn2us.org.uk pay for in the past:
• trampoline
Family Fund (UK) • playstations and games
May be able to help towards holiday • TV and DVD players
costs for a family when there is a • greenhouse
disabled or seriously-ill child from birth • sensory toys and equipment
to 17 years old. Grants are a contribution • karate uniforms
towards family holidays with or without • singing lessons.
the child. You can apply to the Fund if: 01904 621115
www.familyfund.org.uk
• you live in England, Northern Ireland,
Scotland or Wales
• you have evidence of your entitlement
to one the following: Universal Credit,
Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit,
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance,
Income Support, Incapacity Benefit,
Employment and Support Allowance,
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 19Finding a holiday trip in the UK and overseas. Click on
the TFA Directory for a list of services,
and travel insurance like holiday charities, attractions and
accommodation, care services, short
breaks, oxygen suppliers and more.
Airlines and airports
They also list travel insurance companies
Information on the UK government for people with disabilities.
website includes: 0845 124 9971
• how to get forms to tell airlines www.tourismforall.org.uk
about incapacity and illness
(usually from the airline website) Open Britain (UK)
• how to get seats at reduced Open Britain is one-stop-shop to
rates if you are accompanying a accessible places to stay in UK, online.
person with illness or disability, and www.openbritain.net
• services you can arrange
to support your journey. Visit England
www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/planes
Tips and advice on holiday travel in
Disabled Travel Advice (UK) England for people with access needs.
www.visitengland.org
Advice on accessible travel in the UK
and abroad, including holidays, disability- National Autistic Society (UK)
friendly camp sites, choosing airlines,
travelling with pets, hiring motability Provides information on autism-friendly
scooters and adventure holidays. Has holidays and days out on their website,
information about youth-hostelling with including planning your break. Search for
a disability and an ‘ask the expert’ service. ‘holidays and days out’ on their website.
www.disabledtraveladvice.co.uk Autism freephone helpline:
0808 800 4104
Disabled Holiday Information (UK) www.autism.org.uk
For travellers with all disabilities and 3H Fund (UK)
mobility issues (not just wheelchair
users). Information on accessible holiday Provides subsidised group holidays
accommodation, attractions and activities. for physically disabled children and
www.disabledholidayinfo.org.uk adults and respite for their carers. When
funds are available, they can give grants
Tourism for all (UK) to families throughout the UK living on
low incomes.
Tourism for All UK (TFA) is a charity 01892 860 207
website that has been developed as www.3hfund.org.uk
a one-stop-shop for information on
accessible accommodation, holidays,
attractions, days out, plus planning your
20 Holidays, play and leisureHoliday Homes Trust (UK)
Offers holiday accommodation around
the UK catering to a wide range of needs
for families with a disabled member. The
Trust’s caravans and chalet are wheelchair
accessible, inside and out. Holidays are
reasonably priced. See the website for
discounts and special offers.
0208 433 7290 or 0208 433 7291
www.holidayhomestrust.org
Holidays for All (UK)
Speyside Trust Badaguish Centre A group of accessible holiday
(Scotland) providers offering leisure activities and
Short breaks activity holidays for children accommodation in the UK and abroad.
and adults with learning and multiple For people with sensory and physical
disabilities. They offer a wide choice impairments, their friends and families.
of outdoor activities, such as canoeing, 01485 543000
walking, biking and archery, to suit all www.holidaysforall.org
levels of ability. Children can enjoy and
discover new skills and abilities in the Ski 2 Freedom (UK)
care of a qualified team.
Encourages snow-sport and mountain
01479 861 285
activities for disabled children and adults.
www.badaguish.org
Ski 2 Freedom offers comprehensive
information on everything from disability
National Holiday Fund for Sick ski equipment and clothing, to help with
and Disabled Children (UK) planning mountain and winter sports
Provides holidays to Florida for severely activities in locations worldwide.
ill or disabled children aged eight to 0844 855 2302
18 years whose need for medical care www.ski2freedom.com
prevents them going far from home.
Holidays are arranged for small groups
of children – all with compatible needs.
Doctors, nurses, paramedics and carers
are appointed to each group depending
on need.
01493 731 235
www.nhfcharity.co.uk
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 21Wish-granting Starlight Children (UK)
charities Grants the wishes of seriously and
terminally-ill children aged four to 18.
These charities offer special treats or Put on parties, pantomimes, fun centres,
holidays for children who are very ill or distraction boxes and entertainment
are living with severe disabilities. The for children in hospitals and hospices.
charities listed below cover the whole Anyone can refer a child for a wish.
of the UK but have different eligibility 020 7262 2881
criteria, so you will need to check with www.starlight.org.uk
them directly for more information.
Dreams Come True Charity (UK)
Make a Wish Foundation (UK) Fulfills ‘dreams’ for children and young
adults from two to 21 years of age who
Make a Wish grants ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ are living with a life-threatening,
wishes of children aged three to 17 who or long-term illness. Anyone can
have life-threatening conditions. Parents, nominate a child for a ‘dream’.
professionals, or the child themselves can Freephone: 0800 018 6013
request a wish. www.dctc.org.uk
01276 40 50 60
www.make-a-wish.org.uk Happy Days Children’s Charity (UK)
Funds and organises holidays,
residential trips, days out and theatre
trips throughout the UK for disadvantaged
young people aged 3 to 17 years
who have severe mental and physical
disabilities and life-limiting illnesses.
Parents can apply on the website,
or phone for an application form.
01582 755 999
www.happydayscharity.org
When You Wish Upon a Star (UK)
Aims to fulfill wishes for children aged
2 to 16 years who have a life-threatening
or terminal illness. Parents or medical
professionals can apply on a child’s
behalf.
0115 979 1720
www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk
22 Holidays, play and leisureEquipment flying with a disabled child, where you
can try out travel chairs and harnesses,
and mobility and a hire service for suported seating.
Also has travel tips for parents.
Read our guide to Aids, equipment and 01372 725 203
adaptations for more in-depth information www.meru.org.uk
and advice on mobility.
For help in choosing the right equipment Disability Rights UK
or for information about getting around, Has a National Key Scheme (NKS)
the following organisations are useful: offering independent access to 9,000
locked public toilets around the UK plus
British Red Cross (UK) an accompanying NKS guide. The NKS
scheme is available as an iPhone app.
Has a volunteer-led medical equipment http://disabilityrightsuk.org/
service that provides wheelchair hire and
short-term loans of equipment in almost The Disabled Motorists Federation
1,000 outlets in the UK. (UK)
0844 871 11 11
www.redcross.org.uk Has a range of information about travel
around the UK and abroad.
Disabled Living Foundation (UK) www.disabledmotoristsfederation.org.uk
Has a range of factsheets on choosing daily PIE (UK)
living equipment. This includes advice on
equipment for children who need help to PIE specialises in maps for disabled
dress, with personal care (toileting, bathing, people and produces a Blue Badge Atlas
washing), and beds and bed accessories. which has access information for towns,
The factsheets can be downloaded from across the UK. Their website also has
the website or you can ring the equipment other products for Blue Badge holders.
helpline for up-to-date product and supplier www.thepieguide.com
information. They also have a website,
SARA (Self Assessment, Rapid Access), GOV.UK
www.asksara.org.uk with information on This official website has information for
products that may help. disabled people on using different types
0300 999 0004 of transport.
www.dlf.org.uk www.gov.uk/transport-disabled
MERU (London Surrey Sussex Kent)
MERU designs and manufactures
specialised equipment for children and
young people with disabilities. Has a ‘Try Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
before you fly’ service offering advice for www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 23Books to help Play for
Children with
your child play Special Needs,
Supporting
The books below are available to buy on children with
the internet (where you will find lots of learning
other suggestions), and can be ordered differences 3–9
in your local bookshop, or by contacting Christine Macintyre,
the publishers. (Routledge, 2009)
A book on the
Small Steps benefits of play and
Forward – Using includes different scenarios to show how
Games and to support children to play.
Activities to help
your pre-school Fun with Messy
child with Special Play - Ideas and
needs Activities for
Sarah Newman, Children with
(Jessica Kingsley Special Needs
Publishers) Tracey Beckerleg
Lots of ideas for (Jessica Kingsley
games and activities Publishers)
for pre-school children. Activity book
using everyday
Autism, Play and ‘messy’ materials
Social Interaction like baked beans, condensed milk, jelly
Lone Gammeltoft or glue. Helps improve co-ordination,
and Marianne Sollok communicative and cognitive abilities,
Nordenhof (Jessica as well as self-esteem and social skills.
Kingsley Publishers)
Explains how to Can’t Play Won’t
help children with Play – Simply
autism spectrum Sizzling Ideas
disorders engage to get the Ball
in interactive play. Rolling for
How to set up play environments, games Children with
schedules and play routines, and how Dyspraxia
to use visual aids and other props to Sharon Drew and
facilitate co-operative play. Elizabeth Atter,
(Jessica Kingsley
Publishers)
24 Holidays, play and leisurePlaying, 100 Learning
Laughing and Games for
Learning with Special Needs
Children on the with Music,
Autism Spectrum Movement,
- A Practical Sounds and...
Resource of Play Silence
Ideas for Parents Johanne Hanko
and Carers (Jessica Kingsley
Julia Moor (Jessica Publishers)
Kingsley Publishers) Inspiration and
Shows how to break guidance for special education teachers,
down activities into manageable stages, assistants, parents and carers on
and ways to gain a child’s attention how to use lively play ideas to foster
and build on small achievements. Each learning. Targets skills such as listening,
chapter covers a theme, including music, self-awareness, movement, creative
art, physical activities, playing outdoors, thinking and relaxation.
puzzles, turn-taking and using existing
toys to create play sequences. Party Planning
for Children and
Focusing and Teens on the
Calming Games Autism Spectrum
for Children: – How to Avoid
Mindfulness Meltdowns and
Strategies and Have Fun!
Activities to Kate E. Reynolds
Help Children (Jessica Kingsley
to Relax, Publishers)
Concentrate and What can cause
Take Control anxiety for children
Deborah M. on the autism spectrum plus practical
Plummer solutions. Covers party invitations, prizes,
(Jessica Kingsley Publishers) food and venues, with activities for age
Games and activities to help children to groups 2-8, 9-12 and teenagers.
focus, concentrate, and stay calm. Has a
theory section, and a host of games and
activities suitable for use with groups or
individual children aged 5–12. Ideas for
adaptation for children with attention and
concentration difficulties are included.
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 25Your child’s rights
to protection against
discrimination
In England, Wales and Scotland, the
Equality Act 2010 gives protection against
disability discrimination in several areas,
including service providers, who provide
goods, facilities and services. This would
cover, for example:
• hotel accommodation
• cinemas
• leisure centres
• parks
• railway stations
• holiday clubs, and
• after-school activities.
a copy of our Guide to dealing with
bullying: for parents of disabled children.
Under the Equality Act 2010, it is
unlawful for service providers to In Northern Ireland, the Disability
discriminate against disabled people and Discrimination Act 1995 and the
treat them less favourably because they subsequent Disability Discrimination
are disabled. The Act includes a legal duty (NI) Order 2006, gives protection from
on service providers to make ‘reasonable disability discrimination in the supply
adjustments’ to allow a disabled person of goods, facilities and services. Section
to use their services. 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998)
requires public bodies to have due regard
This means service providers must take to promote equality, so there is a legal
positive steps to make sure disabled duty to have due regard for people
people can access their services in a way with disabilities.
that is as close as reasonably possible
to the access enjoyed by non-disabled Need advice about your rights?
people. What is considered a ‘reasonable
If you feel that your child has been
adjustment’ for a large organisation may
discriminated against when trying to use
be different to a ‘reasonable adjustment’
play and leisure facilities then ring our
for a small organisation.
freephone helpline. We can also advise
The Act also gives protection from you on any other aspect of your rights
harassment and victimisation. If you think and about any support that might be
your child is being harassed or bullied, available – like grants to pay for activities
please call our freephone helpline for or holidays.
26 Holidays, play and leisureYour child’s rights Changes to the
across the UK law in England
From September 2014, local
England authorities in England will be
In England, the Education and Inspections Act required to publish a ‘local offer’.
2006 means local authorities need to take A local offer is intended to provide
more responsibility to make fun and positive information about what it expects to
activities available for all young people. be available to children with special
educational needs and disabilities
Also, the Early Years Foundation Stage
in their area, including leisure
(EYFS) is a framework to support the
activities and childcare. Local offers
welfare, learning and development of
should be available on your local
children from birth to five years old. The
authority website when they have
Early Years Foundation Stage promotes
been published. This should start to
teaching and learning through play.
happen from September 2014.
Short breaks in England
In England, the Breaks for Carers of Scotland
Disabled Children Regulations 2011 puts
Local authority duties
a legal duty on local authorities to provide
to disabled children
a range of short breaks services for local
disabled children. Services for disabled children are
available under the Chronically Sick and
As part of this duty, local authorities
Disabled Persons (Scotland) Act 1972
have to produce a ‘Short Breaks Services
and the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.
Statement’. This statement should include
information on: The Early Years Framework in Scotland
stresses the importance of play in
• what local short break services improving children’s quality of life,
are available
including the need to remove any barriers
• how the services are designed to meet
to play as a priority. Getting it Right
the needs of carers in their area, and
for Every Child (GIRFEC) is a national
• details of any eligibility criteria
approach to supporting and working with
the local authority applies to short
all children and young people in Scotland.
breaks services.
GIRFEC highlights the opportunity to take
part in play, recreation and sport, which
The local authority must publish their
helps healthy growth and development
short breaks services statement, including
at home and in the community.
having a copy of the statement on their
website. See www.gov.uk/government/
publications/short-breaks-for-carers-of- Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
disabled-children. www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 27Underpinning the GIRFEC approach and Wales
the Early Years Framework, The Scottish Under the Children and Families (Wales)
Government’s National Play Strategy Measure 2010, local authorities have
(June 2013) aims to improve the play a legal duty to secure enough play
experiences of all children and young opportunities for children, and must take
people including those with disabilities. into account disabled children’s needs.
The Social Care (Self-directed Support) Play in Wales is the Welsh government’s
(Scotland) Act 2013 came into effect on play policy.
1 April 2014. Self-directed support (SDS)
allows people to make an informed
Short breaks in Wales
choice as to how their social care support
is provided. By giving people control over The Welsh Government included short
their individual budget the SDS can be breaks as a key issue in ‘We are on the
used flexibly. It can be taken as a cash Way: A Policy Agenda to Transform the
payment (Direct Payment), allocated to lives of Disabled Children and Young
a provider the individual chooses, the People’. There is a legal duty on local
individual can opt for a local authority authorities in Wales to provide short
arranged service or you could choose a breaks under the Breaks for Carers of
mix of these options. Disabled Children (Wales) Regulations
2012, which came into force on
By using Direct Payments individuals 28 June 2012.
could employ their own staff to
accompany them to leisure activities or
SDS can be used for a short break.
Changes to the law in Wales
Short breaks in Scotland In Wales the Social Services and
The Scottish Government has pledged Well-being Act 2014 proposes
to prioritise improvements and greatly changes to social care. The Act
increase numbers of short breaks for was enacted on May 1 2014. It is
all age groups. They have given specific expected that the codes of practice
funding for short breaks to be distributed that follow the Act will require local
through key voluntary organisations. The authorities in Wales to recognise the
emphasis is on flexibility and choice importance of holidays and short
giving disabled children, young people breaks in their preventative service
and their families greater control over provision. Although the Act has been
their child’s care. passed by government, its measures
are not expected to come into force
If you are unsure what is happening
until 2016.
in your area, contact your local social
services department and ask what help
is available.
28 Holidays, play and leisureNorthern Ireland Short breaks in Northern
Local authority duties to disabled Ireland
children In Northern Ireland, the consultation on
Services for disabled children are ‘Transforming Your Care’, the Department
available under The Children (Northern for Health, Social Services and Public
Ireland) Order 1995, and the Chronically Safety’s (DHSSPSNI) review of health and
Sick and Disabled Person’s (Northern social care services, including short-breaks
Ireland) Act 1978. services has recently been completed.
Plans are underway to implement
The Northern Ireland Executive has a Play changes based on these findings.
and Leisure Implementation Plan which
is based on inclusion, integration and
accessibility.
The Office of the First and Deputy First
Minister coordinates the progress by local
councils responsible for leisure facilities to Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
monitor implementation of the plan. www.cafamily.org.uk
Holidays, play and leisure 29Making play and Parent Carers Council On Disability
Northern Ireland
leisure work for A charity of parents/carers who have
disabled children joined together to have their say about
services which affect their children, young
Campaigning for better leisure people and adults with disabilities. They
services take the views and concerns of parents/
Parent carers now have an opportunity carers to service providers to improve
to have a say on commissioning play services.
and leisure services through parent carer 07713475997
forums. For example, in Hull, the parent http://pccd-ni.webs.com/
carer forum helped the local authority
improve play facilities for disabled For Scotland’s Disabled Children
children in the local park. (fSDC)
To find your local parent carer forum fSDC works to secure rights and justice
in England, see the Parent Carer for disabled children in Scotland – you
Participation pages on our website at can get involved with their campaigns
www.cafamily.org.uk/pcpresources and help change services for the better.
c/o Contact a Family Scotland
You may also wish to contact some of the 0131 659 2939
following campaigning organisations: www.fsdc.org.uk
Every Disabled Child
Matters – England
Campaigning organisation to get rights
and justice for every disabled child and
their family, including play and leisure.
020 7843 6448
www.edcm.org.uk
To find out how you can campaign, see
www.edcm.org.uk/resources.aspx and
look for ‘Going Places’ in Resources for
supporters.
30 Holidays, play and leisureSocial networking Support Contact
Contact a Family is on Facebook and
a Family
Twitter. Join us at:
Help us continue to provide
information, advice and support to
Facebook ALL families with disabled children in
www.facebook.com/contactafamily the UK.
From cake sales, to running the
Twitter
London Marathon, or signing up to
www.twitter.com/contactafamily be a regular giver – there are many
ways you can help.
Podcasts
Find out more on our website at
To listen to and download
our podcasts click the iTunes www.cafamily.org.uk/fundraising
link on the bottom of our Call our fundraising team on
website homepage: 020 7608 8786, or email
www.cafamily.org.uk fundraising@cafamily.org.uk
Videos Or why not get involved in our
campaign work across the UK? Visit
You can watch videos on our
www.cafamily.org.uk/influencing
YouTube channel at:
www.youtube.com/cafamily Your support will ensure we’re there
for families now and in the future.
References
1. Hello! Are you Listening by Pippa Murray, (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2002).
2. Everybody Here? Play and Leisure for Disabled Children and Young People,
(Contact a Family, 2002).
3. Come on In! Developing Inclusive Play and Leisure Services Action for Children
and Contact a Family West Midlands, 2003
Revised and updated by Shahnaz Qizilbash and Karin Beeler
Freephone helpline 0808 808 3555
Original text by Philomena Murphy and Clarewww.cafamily.org.uk
Kassa
Holidays, play and leisure 31Getting in Other information
contact with us booklets available
Free helpline for This guide is one of a series produced for
parents and families parents and groups concerned with the
care of disabled children including:
0808 808 3555 • Fathers (UK)
Open Mon–Fri, 9.30am–5pm
Access to over 170 languages • Understanding your
child’s behaviour (UK)
www.cafamily.org.uk
• Grandparents (UK)
www.makingcontact.org
• Siblings (UK)
Contact a Family Head Office • Aids, equipment and Adaptations
209–211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN • The tax credits guide (UK)
Tel: 020 7608 8700 • The NHS and caring for
Fax: 020 7608 8701 a disabled child (England)
Email: info@cafamily.org.uk
Web: www.cafamily.org.uk All our guides can be downloaded from
our website www.cafamily.org.uk
Parent carers can call our freephone
helpline and ask for a copy of any
of our guides.
Registered Office: 209–211 City Road, London ® Contact a Family is a registered trade mark.
EC1V 1JN. Registered Charity Number: 284912. Although great care has been taken in the compilation
Charity registered in Scotland No. SC039169 and preparation of this guide to ensure accuracy, Contact
Company limited by guarantee. a Family cannot take any responsibility for any errors or
Registered in England and Wales No. 1633333. omissions. The photographs in this guide do not relate to
VAT Registration No. GB 749 3846 82. any personal accounts.
Order code i11
© Contact a Family, May 2014
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