Introduction Many disabled children and young people say that leisure and play – after school, in the holidays and at weekends – is the most important missing element in their lives. Parents strive to make opportunities for these but often find many unnecessary barriers, including a basic lack of information about what’s available. This guide provides some information about what play and leisure options may be available, where to find more information and suggests ways access for disabled children can be improved. It also has information about arranging holidays for disabled children and details of organisations which provide grants for these types of activities. Contents Your child’s rights...................................................................................................3 Play and leisure in your area.............................................................................6 Help paying for leisure activities.......................................................................7 Indoor play resources...........................................................................................9 Disability sport..................................................................................................... 11 Days out................................................................................................................. 13 Holidays.................................................................................................................. 15 Help to pay for holidays................................................................................... 15 Finding a holiday and travel insurance....................................................... 17 Wish-granting charities ..................................................................................... 19 Equipment and mobility................................................................................... 20 Making play and leisure work for disabled children............................... 22 Resources for professionals............................................................................ 23
2 Holidays, play and leisure