PARENTS
Afasic Cymru is always looking to help and inform parents about speech and language impairments. We have a new parents group (see below) as well as a useful FAQs section to answer the queries many parents have about their child's SLI.
We also have a UK wide Helpline and a parent's message board found in our Resources section.
Transition from primary to secondary school – an important time in a child’s life
The move from primary to secondary school is an important change in most children’s lives when they leave the familiarity of the primary school, where the child has become the oldest and often the biggest in school to becoming the youngest.
To be successful at secondary school, the child must be able to successfully complete tasks such as packing a bag, navigating around a school environment and reading a timetable. Some children will leave primary school without some of these skills in place and may be at a disadvantage when they arrive at secondary school.
For this reason it is important to fully prepare children for transition as early as possible. Allowing the child time to learn and develop these skills means that he or she is able to grow in confidence and feel ready for the move to secondary school.
www.move627.org is an innovate website which aims to help support children, parents, teachers and health/education professionals during this important stage. The site includes:
- a diary system
- Adaptable tools such as colour coded timetable makers, to do lists, activity makers
- Fun and interactive games
Getting out and about
Getting out and about and doing the activities that all families enjoy is important for children with speech, language and communication needs. It is also important for their brothers and sisters. Many attractions offer concessions to visitors with special needs - you may be entitled to apply for passes/wrist bands to avoid excessive waiting times. For more information see The National Autistic Society website to view a list off attractions and concessions they offer.
Understanding Community Care Law - 15 September
This course aimed at delegates who are carers themselves or who work with carers. It will consider the needs and rights of carers who look after disabled children or adults with health and social care needs. The course will also consider the provision of Direct Payments and also what remedies may be available where someone is unhappy with the outcome of the assessment.
The course will take place at the Learning Disability Wales office in Cardiff on September 15th 2010.
By the end of the course, the delegates will:
- Be aware of how carer’s rights are considered during the assessment process (both for adults and children);
- Know when and how to obtain a Carer’s Assessment;
- Know how the local authority decides eligibility for carer’s services;
- Know about the availability of Direct Payments to deliver services;
- Know what remedies are available for those people who wish to challenge the decision of the local authority.
For more info, please email:
Inacia Rodrigues, Training Administrator
Learning Disability Wales - Anabledd Dysgu Cymru
41 Lambourne Crescent
Cardiff Business Park
Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GG
Tel: 029 2068 1160 Fax: 029 2075 2149
www.learningdisabilitywales.org.uk
New inquiry by Enterprise and Learning Committee
An inquiry is being set up to find out how the Welsh Government is helping young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
The National Assembly for Wales’s Enterprise and Learning Committee will look at the effectiveness of strategies in place to ensure people aged 16–24 are either in learning, in jobs or are acquiring the necessary skills to forge a career.
Learn with Grandparents Day
Margam Country Park, Port Talbot on Wednesday 18th August 2010 from 10am.
Free Entry to a grand day out!
A day to remember - To get parents/grandparents, and children playing and learning together for more information please click here.
Afasic England Conference
Title: Empowering parents and young people
Date: Saturday 6th November 2010
Venue: Aston University Business School, Birmingham
Cost: £15 parent members, £25 parent non-members, £75 professional members, £85 professional non-members
This day will include presentations from parents and young people, together with a choice of workshops offered by a range of professionals. Further details and booking forms will be sent out with the Autumn issue of Afasic News circulated in September.
For further information contact Carol Lingwood on 01273 381009 or email her.
Skills 4 u
The Dyscovery Centre, University of Wales, Newport is currently running skill building days for young people with Special Education Needs aged 14-17 years.
Skills 4 u teaches essential living and learning skills such as organisation, social skills and computing in a university environment. All skills are taught through fun, interactive activities in small groups.
Skills 4 u sessions are free of charge to families. For more information or to reserve a place for your child, please contact:
Lisa Edwards
Tel: 01633 432330
Email: dyscoverycentre@newport.ac.uk
Changes to state pension
From 6 April 2010, parents and carers are eligible for credits to build up State Pension entitlement. You may be eligible for credits if you care for a child under the age of 12, or for a sick or disabled person. Registered foster carers are also eligible.
Afasic Cymru Wrexham
Afasic Cymru Wrexham parent support group - open to any parent/carer who has a child with Speech, Language or Communication difficulties.
The next meetings in 2010 are: -
10th June
1st July
16th September
14th October
At Glyndwr University, Wrexham, Room B32 5pm-6pm (change of time and venue)
The meetings are followed by Parent Information Sessions 6pm-8pm. We invite you to attend either one or both of these events.
See the Parent Information Sessions flyer for full details .
Article about official launch
Minutes of 2 June 2009 meeting
Minutes of 4 February 2010 meeting
For further information:
Yvonne Brooks – send a message or call 01745 550461
Cath Moore – 01978 340950
Wrexham Maelor Hospital
If any of our members/supporters need to visit Wrexham Maelor Hospital for an appointment – they are eligible to claim back travelling expenses. You can download an expense form below or ask at the clinic you are attending.