Support for disabled children must be easy and accessible
John Barrett speaks at debate on Children With Disabilities
20 Jan 2008
John Barrett speaks at debate on Children With Disabilities
Laurie Young spent seven months in hospital with an inflammatory bowel condition. Laurie, who has Parkinson's disease, was in intensive care three times and his heart stopped once - his family were told he was not expected to survive. He could not eat, lost the ability to speak walk and was hallucinating.
The family of legendary showman Sir Norman Wisdom have spoken about their decision to admit him to a care home. Nick Wisdom said his 92-year-old father, who suffers from vascular dementia, was no longer able to interact with his family as he used to.
am delighted to be able to sum up on behalf of the Liberal Democrats; I have just been appointed the party's disability spokesman, and this is my first debate in post. I thank the right hon. Member for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill (Mr. Clarke) for triggering the debate, and for his well-thought-out introduction. I also thank the hon. Member for Forest of Dean (Mr. Harper) and for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) for their excellent contributions.
A "worrying picture" of hate crime against disabled people has emerged in the Highlands, according to a report.
Specialists to provide support to autistic youngsters and their families have been proposed in a shake-up of child disability services. Highland Council had used the Scottish Society for Autism for advice and support, but ended the arrangement over cost issues.