ABSTRACT
The Nathan Committee Report was the first major review of voluntary organisations to acknowledge the major changes which were sweeping through them in mid-twentieth century. Historically many of the great voluntary organisations were built upon Victorian philanthropism, usually providing for children or people with disabilities in larger institutional settings. In looking at the role of the voluntary sector in providing such family support, it is important to ask what sort of lives families with children with special needs are leading in the 1990s. The voluntary sector has played a central role in shaping policy and in making provision for children with specific disabilities or special educational needs. Indeed the 1981 Education Act gives a legal role to voluntary organisations as sources of advice and support for parents of children with special needs. Circular 22/89 on Assessment and Statementing reminds LEAs of the unique contribution of the voluntary sector as providers of educational advice and as advocates during assessment.
