Low support needs

Local Offer 

Every local authority in England publishes a ˜Local Offer detailing the support available for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Information on education, health, and social care services, including local colleges, apprenticeship opportunities, and support groups.

Employment Support

• Local Supported Employment (LSE) Initiative: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Guidance provides grant funding to local authorities to support young people in securing and maintaining competitive employment. This initiative encourages councils to implement supported employment services tailored to individual needs.
• Local Supported Employment Services: Many local councils offer supported employment services tailored to young people with a learning disability and autistic young people. These services often include job matching, on-the-job training, and ongoing support to ensure job retention.
• Access to Work Programme: A government initiative providing financial support to help individuals with disabilities start or stay in work. Offers grants for workplace adaptations, specialised equipment, or support workers to ensure a conducive working environment. 

Further and Higher Education Support

• Disabled Students Allowances (DSA): DSAs are grants to help meet the extra costs students might face in higher education due to a disability. Can cover costs for specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, and other disability-related expenses.

Building social connections

Ensuring access to discounted leisure passes, free social activities, and travel support schemes can enable young people to participate.

Volunteering can be a good way into building friendships and social connections that fit with a young people with a learning disability and autistic young people’s specific interests. Organisations like Gig Buddies who match volunteers with people with a disability who have a shared love of going to concerts and sport events. And The Inclusion Project which promotes a healthy, social, and active lifestyle for neurodiverse adults. Encourages participants to engage in community-based activities, enhancing social skills and building friendships.

• Local Support Groups: Many communities have local organisations dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities or autism. These groups often offer social events, workshops, and peer support, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
• Online Communities: Digital platforms can provide support and connection, especially if in-person interactions are challenging. Engaging with these organisations can help people build a supportive network and access resources that align with their personal needs and interests. For example, Spectrum Gaming.
• Local Autism and Learning Disability Charities: Organisations such as the National Autistic Society (NAS) and Mencap offer resources, support networks, and advice lines specifically tailored for autism and learning disabilities. They often provide guidance on individual rights and available services.
• Parent Carer Forums: are local groups funded by DfE and supported by the national charity Contact. They are run by parents and carers of disabled children in every local area in England. Their aim is to make sure that services in their area meet the needs of disabled children and their families.
• Local Autism Hub or Support Groups: Many areas have autism hubs or peer support groups that provide safe spaces for sharing experiences and accessing tailored information about support services and individual rights.
• SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service): A dedicated service available in all local authorities that provides free, confidential support to parents and young people concerning educational and health-related decisions.
• Local Authority's Own Resources: Many councils have dedicated teams or departments that can provide information on local services, financial advice, and support planning for those with disabilities.
• Online Resources and Signposting: Encourage the use of local council websites, which often have directories of services and support options. Websites from partnerships such as Scope's online community offer valuable resources and guides.
• Community Centre’s and Libraries: These can be hubs for information and often host sessions or have informational materials on local services, charities, and advocacy groups for people with disabilities and their families.