SEND Education at Generate Voices

At a most recent Generate Voices meeting, we discussed SEND Education and talking about our experiences of having special educational needs, this meeting was hosted by Tony (who’s helping to run Generate Voices again) and Nic.

SEND Education means teaching people in different ways when they have difficulties learning, people with learning disabilities can have SEND education, as well as autistic people, people with ADHD and people who are dyslexic to name a few. 

Nic first asked the members “If you was a teacher in a school, college or university, what subject would you teach?” 

Leon answered spiritism and self-discovery, as he believes that everyone has a spiritual and elemental side. 

Jodian added “Financial management for vulnerable people” 

Tony said “I would teach Disability Awareness, as this wasn’t covered in my school, yet it’s very important” 

Nicholas added psychology and neurodiversity 

Michelle said she would teach history as she enjoys the subject. 

Nic went on to ask members who can support you in education? 

All the members were aware of who can support people in education and mentioned teachers, learning assistants, parents and other family members. 

Nic then spoke about what SEND Education was and the reasons why people would need it.

The members then went on to discuss what changes could be made to SEND Education. 

Leon suggested seminars and workshops to highlight the challenges and empower people to speak up for themselves. 

Nic added more training for teachers and raising the age for Educational, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) so that people are not left out at 25. 

Tony shared his personal experience of struggling without an ECHP in secondary school, his support improved at college. 

Jodian added that he struggled in school due to a lack of support. 

Leon added that a comparison between mainstream education and SEND Education could show the areas that need more attention. 

Michelle said that more support staff should be available for SEND Students. 

While some members had SEND Education, others didn’t and this impacted their education. 

Our members feel that more support and SEND education are needed for people under the age of 25 and should also be available to people over the age of 25. Also, students have the right to know if they have a ECHP or not!

Generate Voices will keep on using the power of speaking up for themselves to fight for change! 

If you are interested in Generate Voices, the meetings we run and how we campaign for change in the community, please do not hesitate to contact the Generate Voices Co-Ordinator’s.