Joining the disability register

Who can be on the register

Children and young people can be on the register if they:

• are under 18 years old
• live in the borough of Lewisham
• have a special need from either a disability or a health condition including: 
  • visual or hearing impairment
  • physical disability
  • learning disability
  • long term illness
  • social communication disorder or development disorder e.g. autism, Tourette’s, Asperger's, dyspraxia etc.

The benefits of registering

• Get regular information on services, resources and activities for you and your child.
• Stay informed about local information relating to special educational needs and disabled children.
• Have your voice heard – it's an opportunity for parents, carers, children and young people to be involved in consultations on existing and new service developments and ideas within the borough.
• Get information on relevant national and local organisations.

What the register does

• It helps us and local health services understand how many children and young people with a disability live in the borough and the types of needs they have. This information helps us to provide appropriate services and support.

• It helps us target and direct information which is specific and relevant to your child and families needs and interests.
• It provides an opportunity for us to hear from children, young people and parents and carers about how to improve the delivery of information, advice and support. This means we can work together to develop better outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Lewisham.
• As part of the Children Act 1989, all social services departments must keep a register of children and young people with disabilities to help with planning and monitoring of local services. 

You don't have to register your child

• Registration is voluntary, and your child will not be registered without parental consent. You can remove your child or young person’s name at any time by contacting us.
• You do not need to be on the register to be assessed or get services.
• Registration does not automatically mean that your child is eligible for services, all children need to be assessed individually.

Data protection

• People cannot get information about individuals named on the register. We do not share any information if you do not give consent.

• We will only share statistical data with your consent to our partner organisations to help in the development and planning of future services.

• We will handle and share information with sensitivity and care and adhere to the guidelines set out in the Data Protection Act 1998, unless it would put a child or young person at risk.

Keeping our disability register up to date

We aim to keep the disability register up to date to give us a better understanding of your child’s needs. To do this, we will contact you sometimes to check that the information we have is up to date.

You are welcome to contact us at anytime to update and amend your child’s information.

How to register

You can register your child online.

Contact us if you need a paper copy of the form, or more information about the register.

Find out more information about how you can get this form translated. The request for translation is subject to agreement with the children with complex needs service.

After you have registered

When you register, you will get a Max Card, which is a discount card for families of children with additional needs. It saves you money on days out at castles, zoos, bowling alleys and more.