Equality act 2010 and service provision.

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mouse35
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05 Nov 2016, 10:22 am

I have social services involved with my children. They are refusing to alter the way they run meetings to allow me to have a voice, of representation at them. I am selective mute and do not deal with groups of people well, due to sensory issues. They have not provided an advocate, my online austism worker finally referred me as they took over a year. As my communication, and verbal understanding is low I asked and my worker provided guidance, for written communication to be used, they still instist on verbal communication meaning I can not keep up,often get frustrated or meltdown, can not stay engaged.
My excutive functioning is poor meaning that they provided a support worker, 2/3 hours a week, this also enabled me to access services in the community, get help with phone calls,house work etc then withdrawn abruptly with no replacement, despite them saying this would not happen.
After a cancelled meeting, which as held in a building that was not austic friendly, held somewhere I did not know, and without communication support or any form of additional help to understand,process information.my children where put into care, and now trying to fight my case.
I feel under duty 3 of equality act 2010 and possible duty 1 I have been discriminated against due to my austism. Any brain boxes know if this true, likely to have effect on my case, don't want to raise immediately with my lawyer if not as have other things to concentrate on and I hate arguments. Thank you in advance



starkid
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05 Nov 2016, 5:15 pm

mouse35 wrote:
don't want to raise immediately with my lawyer if not as have other things to concentrate on and I hate arguments. Thank you in advance


Surely being unable to participate in meetings and understand their proceedings has a HUGE impact on your case and therefore must be addressed as soon as possible. I suggest that you bring it up with your lawyer immediately. A lawyer would know the law much better than we do.



mouse35
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05 Nov 2016, 11:45 pm

It does, but my confidence is quite low now and I hate having to argue over it. I have asked for adaptions to be made,but they won't. A main concern is my communication. I do find their reply over accessing services unacceptable, as told my anxiety and communication makes it impossible if I was physically disabled this wouldn't even be a discussion. You are right I will mention it and especially adaptions needed. Thanks



starkid
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06 Nov 2016, 3:37 pm

mouse35 wrote:
It does, but my confidence is quite low now and I hate having to argue over it.


Can't your lawyer call them?



mouse35
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06 Nov 2016, 7:50 pm

That's a good idea, she can argue it then. Thank you



steve30
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07 Nov 2016, 1:03 pm

I reckon they ought to provide the things you ask for (written communication instead of verbal, etc) as a reasonable adjustment.

If you have requested this (preferably in a formal manner), and they have declined, you should definitely see a solicitor as you may well have a case for discrimination.

As it is quite a serious matter (what with children being taken into care), it would probably be best dealt with by a solicitor. I expect the council would be far more inclined to listen to a solicitor.