Disability conference in Llanelli
Families who have children with disabilities and special needs were among those who attended the launch of a new strategy designed to address better communication between individuals and professionals.
The Disability Service Communication Strategy was launched at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli.
A range of organisations and professionals attended, including Homestart, the Family Information Service and representatives from Llys Caradog and Blaenau respite centres.
Representative groups presented debates and scenarios about effective and poor communication and the difficulties faced by children with disabilities and their families.
Children and young people took part in activities to let people know how it feels to have a communication difficulty, and parents spoke about various issues they face.
Frances Lewis, Integrated Disability Service Manager, said: “Good communication is the key to high quality person-centred services, and so it is essential that there is effective communication both within the Disability Service and with all those that come into contact with the service.
“We want to ensure that children, young people and parents feel confident when they contact any part of the Disability Service of receiving an efficient, professional response, and that they feel their views have been heard and their questions answered.”
The strategy was developed following feedback from parents responding to a questionnaire that was issued in May 2008.
The responses indicated that, whilst 67% of parents described communication as excellent, good or acceptable, 33% said it was poor.
A working group of parents and staff was formed to identify how communication could be improved and to put these ideas into a communication strategy.
Their suggestions for improvement include developing a website where parents can post queries and get responses, as well as links to other websites where they can access more information; and a parent support network with quarterly meetings and drop-in facilities.
The strategy also includes practical tools and guidance for staff, parents and young people so that they know what to expect in respect of communication.
Executive board member for health and social care, Cllr Pat Jones, said: “Communication should not be a barrier, but a way of expression, and we must make it easy for children and young people with communication difficulties to express their emotions and opinions clearly.
“This strategy will ensure meaningful participation by children and parents at all stages of planning and decision-making processes so that there is effective two-way discussions between families and Disability Service teams.”
Picure captions: First year student nurses Sara Oddy and Sandra Mcgovern chat with family officer Jamie Martin at The National Deaf Childrens Society Cymru stand, part of the launch of the Social Inclusion Strategy. Pic Jeff Connell
Pictured at the launch of the Social Inclusion Strategy are, from left, Avril Chambers and Mari Gravell of the Children’s Partnership with parent representative John Jenkins and Integrated Disability Service Manager Frances Lewis. Pic Jeff Connell.
The Disability Service Communication Strategy was launched at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli.
A range of organisations and professionals attended, including Homestart, the Family Information Service and representatives from Llys Caradog and Blaenau respite centres.
Representative groups presented debates and scenarios about effective and poor communication and the difficulties faced by children with disabilities and their families.
Children and young people took part in activities to let people know how it feels to have a communication difficulty, and parents spoke about various issues they face.
Frances Lewis, Integrated Disability Service Manager, said: “Good communication is the key to high quality person-centred services, and so it is essential that there is effective communication both within the Disability Service and with all those that come into contact with the service.
“We want to ensure that children, young people and parents feel confident when they contact any part of the Disability Service of receiving an efficient, professional response, and that they feel their views have been heard and their questions answered.”
The strategy was developed following feedback from parents responding to a questionnaire that was issued in May 2008.
The responses indicated that, whilst 67% of parents described communication as excellent, good or acceptable, 33% said it was poor.
A working group of parents and staff was formed to identify how communication could be improved and to put these ideas into a communication strategy.
Their suggestions for improvement include developing a website where parents can post queries and get responses, as well as links to other websites where they can access more information; and a parent support network with quarterly meetings and drop-in facilities.
The strategy also includes practical tools and guidance for staff, parents and young people so that they know what to expect in respect of communication.
Executive board member for health and social care, Cllr Pat Jones, said: “Communication should not be a barrier, but a way of expression, and we must make it easy for children and young people with communication difficulties to express their emotions and opinions clearly.
“This strategy will ensure meaningful participation by children and parents at all stages of planning and decision-making processes so that there is effective two-way discussions between families and Disability Service teams.”
Picure captions: First year student nurses Sara Oddy and Sandra Mcgovern chat with family officer Jamie Martin at The National Deaf Childrens Society Cymru stand, part of the launch of the Social Inclusion Strategy. Pic Jeff Connell
Pictured at the launch of the Social Inclusion Strategy are, from left, Avril Chambers and Mari Gravell of the Children’s Partnership with parent representative John Jenkins and Integrated Disability Service Manager Frances Lewis. Pic Jeff Connell.
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