Pushed for cash

Published: 17 September, 2010

• IN the face of funding cuts to services for disabled children and their families, we were lucky to have been the last people to have been allocated a Maclaren pushchair.

My son has a chromosomal disorder, which means he has a learning difficulty, developmental delay, severe communication disorder and is on the autistic spectrum. His mobility is technically less of an issue than his behaviour, though he cannot walk long distances. 

The challenging behaviour he manifests means he has no road sense and concept of danger so you can understand how the pushchair is essential, especially as I do not drive. 

I was told by wheelchair services that because of cuts Islington is no longer issuing pushchairs to children unless they have a significant mobility disability. Children like Calvin with autism will now be left without this essential assistance and this may place them in danger in terms of their vulnerability when out or mean that parents and carers may not feel able to take their children out, enabling them to enjoy the freedom that non-disabled children have. 

I feel that all disabled children who need this assistance should be able to have it. When so much government money has been put aside/promised to support disabled children – not that anyone on Islington Council can say where it is – I wonder why this decision has been reached.
Miranda Yates
Dalmeny Avenue, N7