Deafblind Awareness Week
Deafblind Awareness week takes place from 27 June - 3rd July this year, and is all about raising awareness of dual sensory loss. This affects more people than you might think - around 400,000 people are affected by combined sight and hearing loss in the UK. It affects everyone differently, and to varying degrees, but for anyone affected, everyday activities can be difficult and time consuming.
Deafblindness can affect people at any age. If your child or young person is affected by deafblindness then we there is help available. Find out more about support for children and young people on the Deafblind UK website
In Hertfordshire, our multisensory impairment team supports children and young people aged 0-25 who have combined hearing and vision loss (are deafblind). They are part of the Integrated Services for Learning team, and can help by
- providing advice and support to parents
- giving advice around EHC assessments and the right time to request one
- providing assessments for children and young people, focusing on vision, hearing, communication and development
- giving parents and professionals strategies to support the child in the best way
- working with the hearing impairment and visual impairment teams to provide assistive technology and additional support in school
- supporting your child to learn independent life skills.
Hertfordshire Family Centres - for ages 0 - 11
Want to learn more about what happens at our Herts Family Centres?
You can read more about them in the Hertfordshire Family Support Services 2021/22 Annual Report. The engaging report highlights their numerous programmes (both during and after the pandemic) and a snapshot of their activities and priorities - Hertfordshire Family Support Service Annual Report April 2021 – March 2022 (hertsfamilycentres.org)
To find out more or join groups, telephone them on 0300 123 7572 or visit Family Centre Service website
HPCI - Specific Learning Difficulties survey
A quick reminder that HPCI's survey about SpLD services and support in Hertfordshire is open until 3 July. This survey is for the parents and carers of children with a Specific Learning Difficulty or SpLD which includes dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD/ADD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder), dyscalculia or dysgraphia either identified or suspected. The purpose of this survey is to help gather evidence that builds a picture of the current experience of families with SpLD in Hertfordshire. The more voices heard, the more powerful our message, so do complete this if you have a child or young person with SpLD.
Have your say and complete the SpLD survey
SENDIASS website and helpline
SENDIASS provide information, advice and support about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities for families living in Hertfordshire.
The service aims to empower and enable children and young people with SEN/D and their parents/carers to take an active role in decision making on matters relating to their needs. This is done by providing free, impartial and confidential information and support through the dedicated helpline, online resources, at events and workshops and through ongoing casework for some individuals. This is also available to professionals working in Hertfordshire.
SENDIASS can advise and provide support on issues relating to an individual’s SEND, including national and local policies, your rights and choices and how you can access support.
SENDIASS is also available in the holidays (and is not a term-time only service)
Email SENDIASS with your queries: info@hertssendiass.org.uk
Phone them for advice: 01992 555847
Visit the SENDIASS website for information, advice and resources
Transitions - for children and young people starting new school, or moving on from school
At this time of year, many parents will be thinking about the next steps in their child or young person's education - whether they are starting a new school, or moving on from school. Our 'transitions' page on the Local Offer has information and tips from professionals and parents on how you can help them to manage this change and prepare them for what to expect.
Take a look at our Local Offer transitions page
Events
View all events here
Action for Children - FestivAll
Sunday 17 July 12 - 9pm
Family friendly, and inclusive, outdoor music event in Rickmansworth
NESSie in ED/ HMHRT - Supporting Children & Young People who are Gender Questioning for Parents/Carers
Monday 4th July 6.30 - 7.45pm, online
This workshop is designed for parents and carers who may be supporting children and young people in the LGBTQ+ community who may be trans or gender questioning.
SPACE - Online Cookery session
SPACE Hertfordshire are pleased to host this online Cookery Class, hosted by Carole Rose who runs the Alphabake Cookery School. During this session we will be making Picnic Chicken Filo Parcels!
Monday 11 July 5.30 - 6.30pm
Angels - workshop on Emotionally Based School Avoidance
Tuesday 5th July 1 - 2.30pm
A workshop to help parents develop an understanding of the factors that may contribute to their children's difficulties attending school.