Success Stories

Amy’s Story

Amy was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. She is hearing and speech impaired, doubly incontinent and has dysphagia requiring alternative forms of feeding (PEG). She has a learning difficulty and is unable to verbally communicate. As a result of her complex needs, she requires 24 hour support, hoist transfers and the assistance of two carers for all personal care and activities of daily living.

Amy lived in a two bedroom ground floor flat with her mother, stepfather and two twin sisters. Since 2005, the flat had not been adequate enough for Amy to manage her disabilities due to the cramped living conditions.

Amy’s parents instructed the Disability Law Service in April 2014 to help in their challenge to the Local Authority to provide Amy with suitable accommodation. DLS applied for funding to cover both Counsel and Occupational Therapist reports that proved that Amy’s property was not suitable. In less than two years, the Disability Law Service had resolved Amy’s family’s 10 year fight and were provided with a three bedroom property which is suitable for Amy. Click here to see our video about Amy’s story.

Jane’s Story

Jane was born with numerous difficulties including; Autism, Fragile X Syndrome and speech and language difficulties. Her impairments have restricted her ability to comprehend or verbalise her needs and to relay her own wishes and feelings. Jane was receiving care services from the Local Authority who were also funding her stay at a Residential School. She stayed at this School for 3 years. The placement was due to come to an end in July 2015.

After 7 months of arguing with the Local Authority about my Jane’s options, her parents instructed the Disability Law Service to help in obtaining a suitable placement for Jane. Using the relevant legislation and guidance, the Disability Law Service successfully argued against the Local Authority’s failure to provide Jane with a placement to meet her needs and their failure to provide a budget that was suitable enough to cover all her care requirements.

After 1 year of fighting for Jane’s rights, Jane was awarded a placement in a home that was suitable to her needs and was awarded a budget that was enough to cover her care costs. She is now happy and settled in her home.

Roy’s Story

Roy has a diagnosis of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. He is a wheelchair user and requires the support from carers for all aspects of his personal care.

Roy lived in a one-bedroom flat which was not wheelchair accessible and had limited space. He spent the majority of his day sitting in his living room. Roy required an electric wheelchair but was advised by his Occupational Therapist that his property could not be adapted.

Roy’s care package was limited to the extent that he could not manage his toilet needs which later led him to being admitted to Hospital for treatment.

Roy instructed Disability Law Service on the 13th March 2015 as his requests for support were ignored.  DLS requested interim care pending the completion of a new care assessment, and immediate steps to find suitable accommodation.

In November 2015, Roy moved into suitable accommodation, has an electric wheelchair and an increased care package.

Aaron’s Story

Aaron who is autistic and has learning disabilities lived in a residential bungalow for 16 years. A Court order from the Court of Protection stated that he was to remain in the home as it would be in his best interests.

The Local Authority and Care Manager informed Aaron’s mother Tina that he would have to move out of the property for streamlining purposes, and because he may require a hoist in the future.

Tina approached the Disability Law Service for advice. DLS challenged the Local Authority’s decision by referencing the Court order, and stating that Aaron would be entitled to an Occupational Therapist assessment, and the adaptations could be funded by a Disabled Facilities Grant.

Aaron was provided with a wheeled shower chair, fitted bed raisers, and a grab rail.

It was also decided that Aaron could remain in the property.

Leanne’s Story

Leanne who has impaired vision, a speech impairment and spinal cord paralysis was receiving support from her Local Authority for 13 years.

Leanne lives alone and was receiving support for her personal care needs, cleaning and shopping.

Following a review, the Local Authority assessed her as no longer requiring support and removed her care package. Leanne was shocked at this decision as she heavily relied on support from her carers.

Leanne contacted the Disability Law Service. DLS wrote to the Local Authority stating their unlawful decisions of the review, and requested a re-assessment.

Within a month Leanne’s care package was re-instated.

Stephanie’s Story

Stephanie is 9 years old and has down syndrome, autism and learning disabilities. She also has severe hypotonia, and has no sense of danger.

Stephanie was last assessed two years ago. Her parents were not asked once whether the care plan was working, or whether her needs had changed after one year.

Stephanie has to mobilise using furniture and assistance from her parents.

Stephanie was only receiving 1 hour of support per day from her Local Authority. Her mother, Rosie has a condition called Achilles Tendinopathy which causes her severe pain in her ankles.

Rosie contacted the Disability Law Service for support. DLS wrote to the Local Authority requesting an immediate re-assessment of Stephanie’s needs, as well as a parent carers assessment for Rosie.

Stephanie now has 14 hours of care per week, 7 hours respite care per week for Rosie, and 24 hours per week for school holidays respite for 14 weeks per year.