news story

19th October 2009

South Glos. Mother Takes Fight for a Fair Deal to Westminster

Local mother Diana Elliott this month travelled to Westminster to press for a better deal for adults with Autism. Mrs. Elliott, whose 26 year-old daughter has Asperger Syndrome, joined other campaigners from the National Autistic Society at a Parliamentary reception where they called for the benefits system to take more account of the needs of people with Autism.

The reception, part of the 'Don't Write Me Off' campaign, was addressed by representatives of all parties, including local MP Steve Webb who spoke for the Liberal Democrats. The MP talked about the frustrations many people face in dealing with the benefits system - he said one person had told him that the main experience was "...mainly on hold, listening to Vivaldi".

Steve Webb said the system needed to be more flexible to make it easier for people with different types of need to be able to receive the help and support to which they were entitled.

Commenting, Steve Webb said:

"I am very grateful to Diana Elliott and other campaigners for raising the needs of people with Autism. All too often we force people to fit 'the system' instead of recognising that everyone is different and an official form or a telephone line that is easy for one person may be a real barrier for another. We need more people on the front line in benefits offices and job centres who understand the needs of Autism and can tailor the support that they offer".