Latest News for Parents & Carers

#Wethe15 is a global campaign aiming to start a global movement to transform the lives of the 1.2 billion people globally who have a disability – 15% of the population. #WeThe15 has the support of 20 leading global organisations such as the International Paralympic Committee, World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations, Invictus Games and Special Olympics. They have joined forces for the first time to call for change. Launching at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, #WeThe15 is a campaign focussed on empowering and advancing the lives of people with disabilities. DR UK supports the campaign, which has much in common with our We Belong campaign aims.

Twitter has come under fire for launching a new design, with a bespoke font and high colour contrast after the changes caused users to suffer headaches. The changes were designed to clean up “visual clutter”. But many people with accessibility needs, especially those with processing and visual impairments, deluged the company with comments to say they found it confusing, hard to read and too bright. Twitter responded to say: “We’re making contrast changes on all buttons to make them easier on the eyes because you told us the new look is uncomfortable for people with sensory sensitivities.”

Premature birth is tied to an increased chance of having autism, according to the largest study yet to examine the connection. And premature birth itself — rather than unrecognized genetic or environmental factors — seems to underlie the association. The findings suggest that infants born prematurely need early evaluation and long-term follow-up to support the timely detection and treatment of autism, experts say.

Joined Up Care Derbyshire wants your views about plans to develop ‘crisis cafes‘ in Derbyshire. A crisis café is intended to be a safe, welcoming place where people experiencing mental health problems can go, usually outside of normal working hours, if they urgently need support.

Around 15 million families are expected to see their energy bills rise by up to £139 a year after Ofgem hiked its price cap by 12%. People on prepayment meters will be hit harder still, facing an up to £153 bill increase when the price cap rises this October. Contact has advice and help with fuel and water bills and energy-saving tips, including switching providers.