Transition to adulthood for young disabled people

Significant steps were taken last year to improve the lives of families with disabled children. The government has enabled more parents to find suitable childcare, have breaks from caring and go on family holidays.

But, new evidence this week provides a salient reminder of the danger of focusing too narrowly on children. A report by Livability suggests that up to 500,000 disabled 16-20 year olds are in the wrong accommodation to promote their independence and make progress towards adulthood.

There’s both a lack of social housing and group residential places designed for young disabled people, and it leaves many living with their parents or in residential care.

The planning around transition needs to improve if the good work being done earlier in children’s lives is not to be unpicked.