Children and young people with complex communication needs

Yesterday, I attended a lively question time with parents of children who are deafblind and have disabilities. During my introduction, I highlighted my response to the four requests being made of council candidates.

1. Assistance to ensure that all new parents with accurate up to date information about accessing support. Commitment to ask for an update of the online version of "Paving The Way" Guide published by Glasgow City Council.

2. Support the need for specialist childcare support by asking for a review of service provision as part of the Personalisation agenda.

3. Support to disabled people and their families based on need, rather than age. There is recognition of the need to support school leavers by providing a guarantee of training, apprenticeships, supported employment or personal development programme. Development of services for adults who are aged 16 and over is a priority. I agreed to gain further information from social work services, developing ideas and take forward proposals to meet the gaps in service provision in partnership with concerned parents.

4. There is a need to develop elected members as champions for disabled people. Councillors from across all political parties are needed to be spokespeople on equalities issues including disability rights. There is also a stakeholder group to review personalisation which will have a wider membership to encompass carers, service users, and cross party elected representation. It can be hoped that this will help to champion the issues facing disabled people. 


Useful link:


Four requests for the Scottish Local Elections 2012 - http://www.sensescotland.org.uk/resources/public-policy/local-election-pledges-2012.aspx