ABSTRACT
The SEN and Disability Act 2001 has major implications for education services. The Act not only requires all LEAs to provide Parent Partnership Services and arrangements for mediation, but also amends the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and introduces disability rights into education. The SEN and Disability Act 2001 will be implemented in September 2002, with accompanying Codes of Practice from the Disability Rights Commission on the school stages of education and post-16 provision for disabled students. The DfES is issuing Planning Guidance to enable schools and LEAs to carry out new duties to plan progressively to improve access to education for disabled pupils (access covering the curriculum, the physical environment and information). A reconstituted SEN and Disability Tribunal will hear cases relating to the disability duties in the school stages of education. The new arrangements have considerable implications for Parent Partnership Services and the voluntary sector, as well as for schools and LEAs.
