Elliot Caswell, a die-hard Newcastle United fan with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, shared his dreams of contributing to society and living in supported housing with friends near St James’ Park, while on a flight in 2019. Following that conversation, a journalist asked to follow his transition into adulthood. However, Elliott discovered that navigating the system as a disabled person was far more challenging than he had hoped.
When he left school, he was initially offered a place at a college that was inappropriate for his needs. His parents took North Tyneside Council to a tribunal and eventually won funding for him to attend National Star in Cheltenham, a specialist college that supports disabled young adults. However, despite his education, finding suitable employment with accessible workplace facilities was also difficult. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a lack of suitable work placements, he could not get the work experience he needed.
Despite suffering setbacks, Elliot did not lose hope, he wanted to work and be independent. His positive attitude encouraged his local authority to extend his time in education, allowing him to develop workplace skills and gain more experience. When 25 organizations were approached to help secure a position, the council discovered that limitations existed in finding meaningful and accessible placements. As a result, Elliot joined the council on a voluntary placement in a customer-facing role.
Moving in with friends is difficult for disabled adults like Elliot as each individual is managed as a separate case by local authorities. Elliot had to wait for two years before being offered accommodation, however, each time, his family or the occupational health team found the places unsuitable for his needs. Fortunately, he can now live in a shared house, and the facilities and care he receives are excellent.
Although Elliot’s story has a positive outcome, many disabled young adults face the struggle of inadequate access to quality education and the lack of accessible or adapted homes, leading to a decline in health and even death. According to Lynette Barrett, CEO of National Star College, many young adults do not have a clear transition plan and end up in inappropriate living situations. North Tyneside Council says it recognises the challenges in the health and social care sector, and it works with partners to provide housing and opportunities for residents with complex needs
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