South Tyneside Carers' Website

Glossary

A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z

AA
Attendance Allowance – Paid to people aged 65 and older who are severely disabled physically or mentally to the extent that they need help with personal care
Access to Work
A Jobcentre Plus scheme providing practical support, or additional costs, for disabled people who are employed, or starting a new job.
Annual review
The review of a statement of special educational needs carried out by the local education authority.
Assessment - Learning
There are different types of assessments. One is a detailed examination, by a local education authority, of a child’s special educational needs.
Assessment - Health and social care
Normally organised through the social services department to identify a person's everyday health and social care needs.
Assessment - Benefits
Determines the type and level of benefits you may be entitled to. Carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Carer's Allowance
The main social security benefit for someone who looks after a person who is severely disabled.
DDA
Disability Discrimination Act 1995. It aims to end the discrimination which many disabled people face.
Direct payments (arranging your own care and services)
Choosing to buy services yourself (to meet your assessed needs) instead of having services provided directly by your council.
Direct Payment (pensions and benefits)
Benefits, state pensions and war pensions paid straight into an account at a bank, building society or Post Office.
Disabled Facilities Grant
Financial help, paid by a local authority, towards the cost of making essential adaptations to a home.
Disabled Students' Allowances
Financial help for students in higher education who, because of their disability, have additional costs.
DLA
Disability Living Allowance. Paid to people who are severely disabled and who, as a result, have either personal care needs or mobility needs or both.
DRC
Disability Rights Commission. The DRC work towards ending discrimination against disabled people.
DWP
Department for Work and Pensions. In charge of employment services, benefits and pensions. DWP is also the lead department on disability.
Hospital Travel Costs Scheme
People on certain benefits may be entitled to help with costs of travelling to and from hospital.
Individual Education Plans
A planning and review ‘tool’ for teachers for recording key targets for an individual child.
Occupational therapy
Occupational Therapists promote independence by helping resolve practical problems or restrictions experienced in carrying out everyday activities.
Parent Partnership Service
Provides independent help and advice to parents on all aspects of their child’s special educational needs.
Reasonable adjustments
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires businesses, employers and organisations to take steps to tackle physical features - and change policies and procedures - that may act as barriers to disabled people to accessing services.
SEN
Special educational needs. Children with SEN have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age.
SEN Co-ordinator (SENCO)
A member of staff of a school or early education setting who is responsible for co-ordinating special educational needs support.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Children with SEN have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age.
Statement (of special educational needs)
A document that sets out a child’s needs and all the extra help they should get at school. It follows a formal assessment.
Transition Plan
A plan drawn up after the year 9 annual review of a statement. It sets out the steps needed to move from school to adult life.