Children Today is a charity that raises funds to provide specialised equipment and services for children and young people with disabilities throughout the UK
Children Today was founded in 1994 to help disabled children and young people up to the age of 25 enjoy a better quality of life by providing them with the specialised equipment they need.
Often children and young people with disabilities remain excluded from a lifestyle which other people may take for granted. They want to join in and take part in the same sorts of activities, within their capabilities, as other children. They want to gain more independence from their parents as they get older, but are often prevented from doing so.
We believe the provision of specialised equipment has a direct and immediate impact on a child’s quality of life and independence, and is vital in helping them to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. Equipment can include wheelchairs, walking frames, tricycles and other mobility aids, as well as, multi-sensory equipment and other information technology.
Children Today relies totally on voluntary donations, we receive no funding from the government or social services. There is no statutory right for young people with disabilities to be provided with equipment they need by the government or NHS, so we fill that gap. We provide this service for children and young people right up to the age of 25.
Each piece of equipment is gifted to the child concerned, it is not a loan, and it is owned by the child, not their parents or guardians. Our children love that, and they are very proud of their new independence and abilities. We provide ongoing support and the children can come back for further funding as their needs develop or they outgrow their equipment.