In this issue: 
Have yourselves a merry and inclusive Christmas! (all ages)
The festive season should be fun for everyone but not all children and young people will find the Christmas period easy. We've put together a list of different websites and resources with advice on how you can make sure that everyone you're sharing Christmas with is included:
Making Christmas fun for those with autism
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but can be difficult for some autistic people. Here, the National Autistic Society explain some of the reasons why, and offer some autism-friendly Christmas tips.
Making Christmas accessible for those with a visual impairment
This article from SCOPE has some great suggestions for making Christmas more accessible for those with a visual impairment.
Making Christmas Deaf friendly
The National Deaf Children's Society have put together some top tips to help you make deaf children and young people feel included at Christmas time. You may want to share these with family and friends, or anyone who’ll be spending time with your child during the festive season.
Buying Christmas gifts
Toy Like Me have scoured the internet looking for toy products that represent disability and difference - and they've put them all together in one place. Check out their website if you're looking for present ideas this Christmas.
New FREE Herts Mini Movers resources (ages 2 - 5)
Recent research indicates that only 9% of UK children are getting the recommended physical exercise. We have worked with physical development professionals to put together some practical tips and ideas to get young children moving!
These fun activities are designed to encourage young children to be more active and will support their development in areas such as balance, co-ordination and movement. They've been designed for use in educational settings but can be used for keeping kids entertained at home too.
Access the Mini Movers resources. You can also email earlyyears@herts.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Waterways Experiences for young people (aged 14 - 25)
Waterways Experiences are an all volunteer charity who specialise in making boating on the Grand Union Canal accessible to all.
In August 2024 they will be running four fully funded Enable residential canal trips in August 2024 for young people with special needs.
Take a look at this flyer for more information about the trips and how they provide a great deal of fun but also great benefits for all the young people on board.
They are also looking for young volunteers (17-25) to assist on the Enable holidays. This is a residential volunteer position and there is no charge. The volunteer role would qualify as part of the Gold Award for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. This could also be useful for experience in working with a variety of people and for personal statements when applying to University, College, Apprenticeships, work etc.
If you have any questions about these experiences, please contact enable@wexp.org.uk
Find out more about Waterways Experiences
Support for families of children with life-limiting illnesses (all ages)
Together for Short Lives is a charity which supports families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions to make sure that they get the very best care and support they can and make the most of every moment together.
They can help you with:
- Emotional support
- Practical help
- Financial support
For more information and to find out if you're eligible for support, visit the website. or call the helpline free on 0808 8088 100.
Christmas SEND HAPpy camps (ages 4-11)
There are still places left in the SEND HAPpy Camps! Camps are free to school aged children (Reception to Year 11) in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. If your child is eligible and you haven't had your code yet, please contact your school.
To search for SEND specific camps, click on 'show filters' then 'about the activity', tick the 'suitable for a disability' box, then 'apply filter':
Events
View all Christmas events
View all SEND courses and activities
Doughnutting - SPACE and HDSF
Wednesday 3 January, 4-5pm, Gosling Sports Park
Sit in the doughnut shaped fun ring, slide down the ski slope, have lots of fun! It really is that simple.
Cinderella pantomine, relaxed performance
Thursday 28 December, 2.30pm, Spotlight Theatre Hoddesdon
The best-loved of all pantomimes, Cinderella is the all-time classic rags to riches tale.
Families in Focus - a complete guide to parenting neuro-diverse children
10 week course, starting Tues 9 January 2024 6.30pm
This 10 week course is free to any parent living in Hertfordshire and caring for a child aged 2 - 11 awaiting diagnosis or with a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD.