I'm doing a briefing paper (commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation)on disabled parents' relationships with schools and involvement in their children's education. The term 'disabled parents' includes those with physical and/or sensory impairments, learning disabilities, mental health support needs, long-term illness, HIV/AIDs. I would be grateful for any information (including personal experiences) which anyone would be willing to share with me concerning this issue. In particular, I'm interested in: - any barriers experienced in terms of dealing with/relationship with schools (physical barriers, attitudinal barriers, inaccessible information etc) - any examples of good practice: where e.g. a school or education professional had facilitated a disabled parent to play the role that any parent would expect to play in their child's education.

I should stress that this isn't a research project, just a briefing paper which will identify the issues. However, I need to base what I'm saying on disabled parents' actual experiences so any information concerning these kinds of issues would be very helpful. If anyone wants to share information confidentially please reply to me off list - I will ensure that any information given in confidence remains anonymous. Thanks. Jenny Morris.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2003

Answers

couldnt get the children to school because of my disability contacted the social services they would only take the children if they were disabled not the mother

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2003