Dreaming Of A Good Night’s Sleep?

Sleep issues are highly prevalent when individuals have a SEND. This seminar will address why this can occur and what practical strategies can be used to improve sleep patterns. The seminar draws on an evidence based approach successfully used by the charity since 2012.

Onwards and upwards: Supported standing and stepping in complex paediatric physical disability

This seminar will discuss the importance of supported standing and stepping for children with complex physical disability. These children are the most marginalised in society, and it is pivotal they are supported to be active, have fun, participate, learn and socialise. Recent innovations in supported standing and stepping devices have made it possible for children with even the most complex disabilities to continue standing and mobilising. We want to re-frame the benefits of standing frame and adaptive walking frame use, approaching their use holistically and with child-centred thinking.

Objectives for this seminar:

• Complex physical disability – with a focus on complex posture and increased motor impairment
• Effects of sedentary behaviour and growth in these populations
• Types of standing and walking frames
• Key physical barriers to walking and standing in complex needs – and innovations to help overcome them
• Other barriers
• Key considerations for prescription – holistic thinking!
• 24-hour movement approaches
• Overview of child-centred thinking – utilising evidence from cerebral palsy

After this seminar the audience will be able to:

• Understand the impact of ‘complex’ physical disability on posture and mobility
• Discuss specific types of adaptive walking and standing frames available
• Identify key positioning innovations to achieve supported standing and stepping for more complex disability
• Define 24-hour postural care and 24-hour movement
• Identify all the F-Words for Child Development

Unleashing the power of language with AAC

Clinical AAC Specialist (SLT)
Smartbox

Language is more than words, it’s how we connect, learn, grow, and stay safe. For many disabled children and adults, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is the key that unlocks this vital part of being human.

In this session, we’ll explore how AAC can bring language to life for those who cannot always rely on speech. We’ll discuss why language access is not a luxury, but a fundamental right, one that empowers individuals to express who they are, build relationships, and navigate the world on their own terms.

Sling Selection

This session will cover all the factors that should be considered when prescribing a sling for a client. It will include sling sizing, hoist/sling compatibility, the transfer being executed, client’s presentation ( medical needs, postural needs, skin integrity, fluctuating condition, size and shape), LOLER, what to include on the handling plan and wider considerations.

Delegates who are professionals will be able to integrate the information to inform their assessments and prescription, ensuring they are following best practice. Parents, carers and others will have an understanding of all the factors the professional has to consider in the assessment process to help them better understand why a particular sling has been prescribed. They will also be able to use this information to inform the professional involved in the care of the individual if they feel current prescription is no longer meeting need or LOLER requirements.

Mobility in Motion

Coming soon…

Dietz

Sensory Steps for Toileting Success

Skill development for toileting is challenging for many children and their families. Sensory issues often contribute to difficulties.

This session will consider the skills required for toileting and adaptations to promote successful learning for children with different learning and sensory needs. It will take a step-by-step approach to skill development and to managing any sensory differences so that children feel safe and supported while learning. Signposting to additional resources will be included.

This seminar will be relevant for families and professionals supporting children with a wide range of additional needs including autism, developmental differences or learning disabilities.

Wheelchair users in education; Whizz Kidz research and the impact of the right wheelchair.

The seminar will focus on some key outcomes and feedback from our recent research into the experiences of young wheelchair users in education. We undertook research with young people and education professionals to identify themes and our own youth board have compiled recommendations. We will also discuss the impact of having the right wheelchair in an education setting, particularly through transition into higher / tertiary education and employment.

Coming soon…

EHCPs and SEND appeals

We will take parents through:

An overview of the EHCP process and providing tips on securing an EHC needs assessment and EHC plan. We will also provide advise on the content of an EHC plan.

Background information on EHCPs

• How to secure an EHC needs assessment and information on the assessment process
• Explain the legal tests for securing an EHC needs assessment and EHC plan
• Advice on content of the EHCP and enforceability
• How to identify when you have a final EHCP with the right of appeal.
• What you can do when your child is not receiving their EHCP provision.
• How to appeal, the appeal framework and top tips for appeals
• Parents will be made aware of how to secure an EHC needs assessment and EHCP
• Parents will be made aware of the legal tests for securing an EHC needs assessment and EHCP
• Parents will know more about what a specified EHCP should look like, how to enforce missing provision.
• Parents will be advised on how to appeal and how to increase their chances for success.