Islington Council has pledged equal rights and opportunities for every disabled child in the borough, by signing the Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) Charter.<br><br>This puts Islington at the forefront of campaigning for better rights and services for disabled children. Islington is only the third London borough to sign up, and the 16th local authority in England.<br><br>Cllr Ursula Woolley, Islington Council's Executive Member for Children and Young People, signed the EDCM Charter on Wednesday 28 February on behalf of Islington. She explains: "In this country, disabled children and their families often struggle to get by. I don't want that to be the case in Islington. Committing us to this Charter means the council and its partners will help disabled children to have ordinary lives. We want them to be fully included and to matter as much as other children, and to get the right services, support and education." <br><br>Steve Broach, Campaign Manager for Every Disabled Child Matters, comments: "We are delighted that Cllr Woolley and Islington have shown their commitment to disabled children by signing up to the Every Disabled Child Matters local authority charter. Our campaign is all about making disabled children more of a priority, both nationally and locally. Families with disabled children in Islington can expect to see the progress made here develop and continue -- and we are sure parents will be keen to see the charter commitments delivered."<br><br>The Charter sets Islington several key tasks that put disabled children and their families in control of the support and services they receive. It also sets out the need for families to have one 'key worker' to coordinate support and services. Previously, families have had to deal with lots of different professionals, which was confusing and time consuming.<br><br>Islington is already well on the way to achieving these goals. The council plans to set up a register of disabled children by March 2007. New ways of working with health, education and adult social services are also being established. This will make it easier for disabled children and their families to get the right range of support, without the stress and duplication of dealing with several different professionals every day. <br><br>Lough Road Disabled Children's Centre opened following a refurbishment in October 2006. It offers a range of essential services and professional advice for families with disabled children, as well as day-care activities. It also works as a 'short-breaks' service for families caring for disabled children, as it offers overnight stays and respite care in the home.<br><br>Find out more about the Every Disabled Child Matters Campaign at www.edcm.org.uk<br><br>Ends<br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009