A CHESHIRE entrepreneur has created a new free online hub that could revolutionise the future for SEND families across the UK.
Colin Jones, from Warrington, has spoken out on how his experience following his eldest son Coby's diagnosis of autism left him wondering why the SEND system was so 'fragmented'.
With information 'scattered across hundreds of websites' and support 'so hard to find'.
Speaking about how his new creation UK SEND Compass was born, he said: "Like so many families in the UK, my journey into the world of SEND wasn't planned — it was thrust upon us.
"When our nine-year-old was diagnosed with autism, we were handed a leaflet and essentially left to figure it out alone.
"I kept thinking: why isn't there one place where families can find everything they need?"
The free hub, which is an online website and a downloadable app gives families free access to 'every single thing they need'.
Better still, it allows families to create individual 'SEND passports'.
This is essentially a profile for a child or adult with special needs or disabilities, which will store all the information about that person’s individual needs, health history, EHCP's and more, which can then be accessed by healthcare providers and schools.
"When we first had our eldest, Coby, it was a mind field. Coby has down syndrome, autism and is non-verbal. Everything was behind closed doors and no on tells you what you're entitled to.
"We did not know about carers allowance, and we had literally zero support. It's hard to find the right people to speak to and to know what is out there.
"There are lots of local charities that go bust every year because no one knows about them.
"So, I decided to do the leg work and put every single thing in one place for families."
Colin explained that one difficulty he and his wife found following Coby's diagnosis was having to re-explain Coby's additional needs when speaking to healthcare professionals or schools.
"When Coby was admitted to hospital or going to another school, I was going over everything all over again. Whereas now, all we have to do is provide this QR code that they can scan and it will give any professional access to all his information."
"There is also a smart calendar on the hub too where you can schedule all your appointments," he added.
"A lot of parents of children with SEND go to lots of appointments and it can become a lot to remember because there is so much to it, so you can also make notes to book future appointments."
Another important feature within the app is the 'dedicated directory' which features a list of SEND-specialist professionals.
"We are talking sensory barbers, personal trainers, tutors, tradespeople who specifically tailor their services to adults and children with SEND," Colin added.
The 38-year-old, who also works full-time as a regional trainer for a tyre firm, said he has been developing UK SEND Compass for quite some time, using AI technology.
"It has taken me eight months to create it and get it up and running, making sure GDPR and security is all correct before I launched it."
So far more than 82 people have signed up to the hub, however Colin has hopes that his online portal will be used by SEND families far and wide across the country.
"SEND is massive, there are so many different people with different needs who need different care.
"I am just hoping people use it, it is totally free, and I hope people use it to their advantage."
To visit the hub, check out the site on this link here. The UK SEND Compass app is also downloadable on any smart phone.
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