Special Needs

Having a child with a disability or special needs can be as incredibly demanding as it can be rewarding. Whether your child has a mild learning difficulty or a major physical or mental disability, you will encounter times when things get tough. This is especially true for Service families, with the uncertainty that Naval life presents.

Accessing Support and Services

The amount of support to which you are entitled to will depend on the severity of difficulty or degree of disability you or your child experiences. If you feel that you or your child may have a special need or difficulty, you may wish to discuss your feelings with your General Practitioner, Naval Personal and Family Service or Royal Marines Welfare. They will then be able to guide you through any required tests or assessments that will determine any specific difficulties. Once you have received a clear assessment you will be more informed regarding what services or support you and your child require.

The extent of the Support or Services available is likely to depend on local provision however there is also a guide for Service families covering Education for Children with Special Educational Needs.

Housing

Service families are often required to be more mobile than their civilian counterparts. This can be particularly challenging for families affected by disability. For occupants of Service Family Accommodation a suggestion would be to view the Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations – JSP 464 with regards to disability, and to also contact the Housing Information Centre on Freephone 0800 169 6322 for further advice.

Should you own your own home it will be likely that you have already begun making adjustments to improve your environment. However you may wish to look at what options are available to you and exactly what funding may be available through a Disabled Facilities Grant

Financial Support

Families affected by disability tend to have lower incomes, whilst facing higher living costs, greater levels of stress and family difficulty. Additionally, there are statistically more instances of lone parents and higher levels of unemployment in families where there is a child with disabilities. Whatever your circumstance you may be entitled to financial support or benefits.