Out-of-school clubs have excluded one in every two families who have a child with autism.
That’s according to a Facebook survey by autism campaigner Anna Kennedy.
James Robinson of Mencap: he says children with disabilities can end up alienated from their communities
Families said that the rejection made their child feel upset and isolated.
Despite the clubs excluding them, more than 70 per cent of parents said their child has a special talent or hobby.
Kennedy, 57, from London, organised the survey. Her sons Angelo, 24, and Patrick, 27, have autism.
She said the survey was a response to “many parents” telling her that clubs had turned them away because of their child’s autism.
Clubs ‘should look at reasonable adjustments’
Kennedy wrote an email to Autism Eye. She said that clubs “should look at what reasonable adjustments or accommodations they should make for potential and actual members and guests”.
She added: “This removes any disadvantage the disabled child is subject to because of their disability that results because of the way the club is run.”
Kennedy said clubs have to abide by the The Equality Act 2010. This protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
Institutions do not meet needs
James Robinson is the policy lead for learning disability charity Mencap.
He said many children with disabilities are unable to join out-of-school clubs because the institutions do not meet their needs.
This could leave the children alienated from their community. It would mean they were unable to enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.
Robinson added: “Reasonable adjustments, such as disability training for staff to meet additional needs, can be a simple way of helping many disabled children to access these activities. It can ensure they have access to equal opportunities at this crucial stage in life.”
The Out of School Alliance offers help and support to out-of-school clubs. Autism Eye contacted it for comment, but it did not respond.
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Published: 11 July 2017
