Parents Forum Newssheet

Issue 5 - April 2007

Speech and Language Therapy

There is a meeting being organised by DAD's Access Interest Group where parents of disabled children whom have Speech and Language therapy as part of their child's needs. This meeting will give parents an opportunity to find out more information and regarding Speech and Language Therapy input for their children and help DAD to provide evidence and examples to put the case to the relevant bodies. Sue Hall from Parent Partnership will be at the meeting. The meeting is taking place on: Wednesday 25th April 2007, 10.00am - 12.00pm at Enterprise House, Valley Street. Parking is available and if you need directions please call Chris.

If you would like to come along to the meeting then can you please contact Chris to book your place on 01325 489999 or email: chris@darlingtondisability.org

Also if you know of any other parents with a disabled child who you think may like to come along to this event then please feel free to pass on this information to them and ask them to contact Chris.

Parents of Teenagers

Kim Douglas sits as a parent representative on both the Transitions sub-group and on the Learning Disability Partnership Board. She is very keen to hear from parents who have experiences - good or bad - of the transition process. She would also like to hear from you if you are experiencing difficulties at the moment.

Perhaps you would like to meet other parents to share your experiences? Kim is at the education village on the last Friday of every month from 1.00pm - 3.00pm in the post 16 unit.

Live Darlington Card

Parents of disabled children are entitled to this new card which offers free entry into Leisure or Arts facilities/venues across the borough when accompanying the person being cared for and a 25% discount when a carer is using a facility without the person they are caring for. To apply for a card please contact the Dolphin Centre on 01325 388410.

Chris can then stamp the application form as proof you are a carer.

Money for play!

The Big Lottery, in partnership with the Government, is encouraging local authorities to bid for money to develop ‘free’ play. Each local authority has been allocated an amount of money - in Darlington's case £257,000 - to fund local projects. To receive the money Darlington needs to put together a play strategy, setting out its commitment to play, and detailing how it will spend the money.

It is really important that you as parents of disabled children are part of the process so that anything which is planned and developed is inclusive of all children and young people in Darlington.

DAD is holding a meeting with Erskine, the play consultants, where you can give your thoughts and ideas about play and what might be needed. For the purposes of the funding bid, ‘play’ is limited to free play. This means for instance, playing in the park, messing about with friends in the street etc. The play strategy is wider, and could include more structured play including play clubs, etc. The meeting is taking place on Monday 16th April from 10.00am - 11.30am at Enterprise House on Valley Street.

Steam Shed

Steam Shed, offers opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in drama, dance and music. It is based at the Education Village and Darlington Arts Centre. It has established three groups, a Childrens Theatre, Youth Theatre and an Adult Company.

Whether your child has experience or not they'd love to hear from you.

You can contact Steam Shed via email on steamshed@educationvillage.org.uk

RAC Breakdown

The RAC offers discounts of up to 33% on their top breakdown package called ‘Solution 4’ for Blue Badge Holders. For further information you can contact them on 0800 029029 or visit them online at www.rac.co.uk

Produced by Darlington Association on Disability

Registered Charity No. 518265

Tel: 01325 489999