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Charities warn about special educational needs support privatisation
Private companies increasingly taking over essential disability services
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Monday 20th July 2026 |
A profound shift is occurring within the special educational needs and disabilities sector, with increasing concern over the pernicious privatisation of essential support services.
Charities and advocacy groups are raising alarms about the rapid transition of care provision from public authorities to private corporations, warning that profit motives could compromise the quality of support delivered to vulnerable individuals.
The privatisation trend threatens to dismantle vital safeguards, leaving severely disabled people and autistic children with diminished care standards and fewer avenues for accountability.
Campaigners argue that essential educational and social care services should remain firmly within the public domain to ensure equitable access and consistent quality.
The growing reliance on private entities to manage complex neurodivergent needs has led to fragmented service delivery and increased anxiety among families who rely on these lifelines.
As private firms take over more responsibilities, the fundamental principles of inclusive education and comprehensive social support are being challenged.
Advocates are calling for an immediate review of these privatisation policies, urging the government to reinvest in public infrastructure and ensure that the rights and wellbeing of neurodivergent people are prioritised over corporate interests and aggressive cost cutting measures.
Source: The Guardian (UK)
https://www.theguardian.com/society/autism
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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