In Northern Ireland, NCB is conducting research to more fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), their families and those who support them.
This is in partnership with CDC (Council for Disabled Children), Disability Action, Mencap, SENAC (Special Educational Needs Advice Centre) and Specialisterne.
The aims of this research are to:
- Engage directly with a group of children and young people with SEND, their parents/carers and practitioners who support them in Northern Ireland;
- Ensure that the group includes children, families and practitioners from a range of different types and severity of disabilities and special educational needs; and
- Understand and track the experiences of this group through a series of engagements over a period of time as the crisis, and the government’s responses to it, unfold.
The information we get from this research will be used to lobby and campaign the government and statutory bodies here in Northern Ireland to better meet the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
At all times we will ensure that anonymity of those participating is preserved. Where direct quotes are used, we will use fictitious names and the location of participants will not be disclosed.
Taking part in this research would mean participating in two interviews, either online or via the telephone, for approximately 30 minutes. The interviews will take place at a convenient time and be held during the autumn of 2020 and spring 2021, to see what, if anything, has changed. For children and young people we may utilise creative methods to get their views or perhaps work through already existing groups.
As a token of our appreciation for their time, each parent/carer and child participant will be given £10 per interview.
If you are a parent/carer and are interested in taking part, please click here
If your child/children would like to take part, please click here
If you are a professional supporting children with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities and their families, click here
If you have any queries about this research please do not hesitate to contact Teresa Geraghty by emailing tgeraghty@ncb.org.uk or by phone on 07432 739865.