What is SENDism?
SENDism is the discriminatory treatment of people with special
educational needs and disabilities by systems, institutions or individuals.
Where is it?
Embedded across systems, institutions and everyday environments, shaping decisions, expectations & experiences.
Why does it exist?
Systems built for one type of person.
When difference is not recognised or understood, unequal treatment follows.
Who is impacted?
People with SEND are all too often disproportionately misunderstood, overlooked, excluded or unsupported.
Discrimination
​The unjust or prejudiced treatment, disadvantaging, or exclusion of a person or people because of their defining characteristics.​​​
" even if unintentional - it is still discrimination "
SENDism is so deeply entrenched within institutions, systems and attitudes
that it goes unrecognised and remains unchallenged.
in school, in work, in society, in life
By institution
in how difference is understood
By systems
in how support is provided
by individuals
in how people are treated
SENDism affects wellbeing, opportunity and quality of life.
​
Its impact extends across a lifetime, from childhood, young people to adulthood;
shaping capability, confidence, belonging, mental health and fair access to support.