Over 4,000 families of disabled children were contacted to ask how they had been impacted by the lockdown. Overwhelmingly, they felt locked out and abandoned by Government and by society, and are fearful for their own physical and mental health.
In 76% of cases, the vital care and support they relied on had stopped altogether, leaving parents and young siblings taking on all care responsibilities around the clock.
Just over two thirds (68%) said non–disabled siblings were also providing a lot more care. Prior to lockdown, many parents (62%) were managing without support such as short breaks.
For those who had previously received support, the majority have seen it stop (76%). Half of parents whose children had been received therapies or other extra support have seen this stop. The lockdown has led to some parents not seeking necessary medical health for their disabled children (44%), themselves or their partner (54%) or their non-disabled children (17%).
The majority (70-80%) report worsening emotional and mental health for both their children and themselves; although a minority report improvements.