| Vicki Forrester (38) spoke out as part of the We Want Our Missing Millions campaign, which claims there is no record of how money that was supposed to be spent boosting such services has actually been used.
Her nine-year-old son, Isaac, has cerebral palsy, sensory impairment, learning difficulties, is on the autistic spectrum and is unable to speak.
Although she says he has received excellent care at both Monifieth’s Seaview Primary and Forfar’s Langlands Primary she believes the money at the centre of the dispute would allow much more to be done.
“This extra money could make such a difference to the lives of families like mine,” she told the Tele.
In 2008, the UK Treasury provided £340 million to transform disabled children’s services in England under its Aiming High for Disabled Children strategy.
The Scottish Government received £34m between 2008 and 2011 as knock-on funding under the Barnett formula.
But the money was not ring-fenced, meaning councils could decide what to spend it on.
For Scotland’s Disabled Children, the campaign organisers, say they have been unable to ascertain what the first two years of money has been used for and are determined to make sure 2011’s share is directed into disabled services.
“Angus will receive over £230,000 and while the council already does a great job supporting families, it could do so much more with this extra funding,” explained Vicki.
“Similarly Dundee will receive over £320,000 — all of it new money the council wasn’t getting before 2008.
“We’re not asking for the world — just a little bit of support now and again so we can be an ordinary family doing everyday things.”
Vicki believes the money should be used to support centres that provide extra care to disabled youngsters such as the Angus Special Playscheme and the Dundee Disabled Children’s Association.
“They both do great work,” she said.
“But the difficulty is the lack of spaces and how some children like Isaac are only offered one or two sessions per holiday period or face a very long waiting list.
“Similarly, Isaac does go to a fantastic Saturday club in Kirriemuir twice a month.
“Without this, he would find his weekends very long as it gives him a chance to develop his awareness of other people, integrate himself into new social situations and develop social skills.”
Vicki, her husband Bob and other son Lucas (11) have now signed up to the FSDC campaign.
FSDC is a coalition of 50 disability and children’s organisations including Aberlour, Barnardo's Scotland, and the National Autistic Society Scotland.
The campaign’s supporters are being encouraged to attend surgeries, hold public meetings and lobby council budget-setting meetings.
“As 2010 is the start of a new decade, I, and many parents of disabled children, feel it is an excellent opportunity for MSPs and local councils to make the commitment to make these funds available,” added Vicki. |
