*New* Early Support Developmental Journal for children with multiple needs
Early Support, the Government initiative for supporting families of disabled children, has released a new resource for children with multiple needs. The Developmental Journals have existed for some time for other disabilities, the one for children with visual impairment has been successfully used to support families for several years.
We welcome this new resource, which addresses the specific challenges faced by children with a combination of disabilities.
The Developmental Journal for Children and Young People with Multiple Needs has been produced to help families and practitioners support the achievements of children whose development is affected by multiple factors that result in challenges to learning.
It is based on the concept of a series of 'Can Do' cards which help parents and practitioners to observe, record and celebrate children's and young people's abilities, and to develop and strengthen these abilities. The Journal aims to supports key working by helping everyone involved with a child to share what they know and discuss how best to work together to support development and learning.
Do you know a sighted child with a parent who is blind?
The Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development (CBCD) in London is recruiting babies for a research study into child development. If you would consider taking part, you can find full details in the downloadable information leaflet (Word, 120KB) or on the Babylab website
Action Activity Breaks - summer 2013 details now available!
We are running four Action Activity Breaks (formerly RNIB Vacation Schemes) for summer 2013. These are residential breaks for blind and partially sighted children and young people aged 8 - 17 who attend mainstream schools or colleges in the UK. They provide a fun, action packed break, providing opportunities to meet and share experiences with peers, increase independence, life skills and help them to try out new and exciting activities.
For more information go to Action for Blind People's website or email lesley.inganni@actionforblindpeople.org.uk for printed material or for further enquiries.
KIDS advise on using personal budgets
KIDS, the national charity working with disabled children and their families have launched a free suite of resources to support families with disabled children who will use personal budgets. The resources consist of:
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A handbook for parents and carers of disabled children and young people
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Interactive eLearning for parents and carers, drawing on the handbook
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Guidance for commissioners and others in children's services on how to commission for personalisation.
Parents and carers of disabled children can download the Parent's Handbook. The eLearning package for parents and carers is under development and will be released during March 2013, supported by regional events. For more information on this please email coe@kids.org.uk.
Download the Commissioner's Guidance
The Transition Care Pathway
The Transition Care Pathway provides an easy to use, clear framework to help young people, families and professionals adjust to, prepare for and move-on to adult services. It emphasises the importance of empowering young people to take control of their lives, and calls for an early collaboration of paediatric and adult services to improve transition. The Transition Care Pathway includes a clear template; modelled around six standards, each with key goals to guide you through the transition process.
Clear print and tactile images inspired by the Paralympic Games
RNIB have two packs available, and both contain six clear print and tactile images of Paralympics sporting events, along with descriptions in 24 point print and contracted braille. They are great to help blind and partially sighted children engage with the upcoming Paralympic games.
For more information and to order visit the RNIB shop.
Booktrust want to hear from families!
Have you benefitted from the programmes that Booktrust operate to get children reading? Booktrust, Booktouch and Bookshine are initiatives to give free books to children, including braille books for children with visual impairment and book packs that are specifically tailored for deaf children. More information is on the Booktrust website.
Booktrust would like to hear from families of children who are blind or deaf who have used the Booktouch and Bookshine resources so that they can feature case studies about how these services benefit children. The case studies will be used in a number of different ways, on the Booktrust website, in funding applications, in Booktrust publications and on fundraising material.
If you would be willing to share a story about how Booktrust has supported your child or your familiy, please contact brand@booktrust.org.uk and if you are selected, Booktrust will contact you by phone for a 20-30 minute discussion. Giving this feedback will support the continued work of Booktrust in these areas so please get in touch if you can!
Local authority service cuts - guidance for parents
In some areas, local authorities are being affected by cuts to government budgets, which is impacting on the organisation and delivery of support services for children with visual impairment. We have prepared some guidance for parents who are concerned about this issue, with contacts for taking action.
We have also prepared guidance for education professionals affected by cuts in services.
New GDBA "buddy dog" service for under-16s
Now children can apply for a "buddy dog". A buddy dog may be a partly trained or retired guide dog with the right temperament to become part of a family. The child can become familiar with living with a dog and it may help prepare them for future guide dog ownership. For more information email: graham.kensett@guidedogs.org.uk
Find out what's happening near you!
Action for Blind People website hosts an activity calendar detailing events taking place across the country for children and young people with sight difficulties and their families. Visit the activity calendar now to view what is happening both nationally and regionally from a range of organisations.
Parent and early years sensory sessions
RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning are running themed sensory sessions for babies and children aged 0 to 5 years with a range of sensory, learning, physical and emotional needs. These take place every Tuesday morning during term time, 10-11.30am at RNIB Pears Centre in Coventry.
For more information visit the Early years sensory sessions page or email pearscentre@rnib.org.uk