You can get used to anything...

Douglas Silas,
Specialist SEN Solicitor
6th April 2021

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People say that you can get used to anything...

I guess the past year, with so many changes arising out of the Coronavirus pandemic, has proved this idea, with so may of us doing things so very differently to the way that we had ever imagined before.

The saddest thing I have heard during this past year (but only after the personal stories of loss, which are all so really, really tragic to hear), is the story of the physically disabled university student, soon after the first lockdown, who said that she had been pleading with her university for many years to allow her access to her courses online, but they had consistently told her it was not possible.

However, within just a few days after lockdown, the university had miraculously found a way to put, not only her course, but all courses online. This made her then sadly realise that it had always been possible, but they just did not want to make it accessible for her.

Sad isn't it and makes you think doesn't it?

​The trick is now also not just to go back to our old ways of doing things, if we have found new ways now of doing things that are better for us and those around us in the long run. But also remember, it is very easy to change things when things change around us, but also for us to go back to old ways when things go back to what they were, so try not to just go back to old ways, if you have found better ways now.

​In this week's SEN Update, you will find information about:
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• WE ALL NEED A BIT OF QUIET TIME NOW AND THEN
• LATEST NEWS ONLINE

 
I know how busy everyone always is, so please feel free just to read the sections that are of interest to you or read everything; the choice is always yours.

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WE ALL NEED A BIT OF QUIET TIME NOW AND THEN
I'm afraid that there doesn't seem to be a lot for me to talk to you about this week. I am also conscious that schools are now on their break and many parents/professionals may have their domestic responsibilities piled up on them. We all also need a bit of quiet time now and then.

As such, I have decided to skip my normal three 'middle' three sections of my update  this week and jump straight onto the new stories that I have found of interest.

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LATEST NEWS ONLINE
Here are the news articles that I have found of interest:

Tackling sexual abuse not just for schools, say heads
Everyone's Invited: Schools abuse helpline and review launched
'Inadequate funding' is school Covid risk, says union
ADHD in girls: why aren’t schools spotting it?
School moves are adding to children’s trauma, psychotherapist warns

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Where can I find further information?
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Again, aside from clicking on the relevant links for more information, I would also remind you of the very useful resources and information provided on the following websites:
 
- IPSEA
- Council for Disabled Children
- Contact
- Scope  
- Special Needs Jungle
 
I would also highlight again the fact that you can now get a digital copy of the magazine:  Autism Eye which is very helpful to any parents or professionals involved with children/young people with Autism.

Keep safe until next week.

With best wishes
 
Douglas

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