To: Local MP, Ian Lavery and also Chloe Smith, Minister for Disabled people, Health and Work and Importantly, Secretary of state for Education, Nadhim Zahawi

Changing the term 'Special Educational Needs' to 'Specific Educational Needs'

Being a Wheelchair user at 16, I know certainly within my generation, being called 'Special' is seen as a joke and/or an insult. That being said, I personally have not had issues with being insulted. I and other people believe that changing the term 'Special (Educational) Needs' to 'Specific (Educational) Needs'. Making this change will have a massive impact on 'disabled' people's confidence and makes it more valid, also being 'disabled' will be met with more respect.

Why is this important?

Making this change will have a massive impact on 'disabled' people's confidence and makes it more valid, also being 'disabled' will be met with more respect. Parents, students and more people have had to battle with the education system to put in 'the appropriate Needs. Being 16, it seems to be a generation thing, to use the word 'Special' as mockery and/or an insult. This is potentially damaging for some people.