A new guidance leaflet which gives young disabled people information and advice on making the right choices about their future was launched yesterday (Thursday 4 March 2010) by Deputy Minister for Children Huw Lewis.
‘My Life, My Way’ is aimed at 14 to 25-year-olds and aims to guide young people through the options available such as college, training and employment. The leaflet highlights the professional support available to help young people whilst empowering individuals to make a plan that is based on what they want to do.
The leaflet was written by young people with support from Learning Disabilities Wales, who receive funding from the Welsh Assembly Government. It contains information on helplines, various resources and interactive websites developed by Careers Wales and Skill UK.
The Deputy Minister announced the leaflet during his keynote speech at a conference in Builth Wells organised by Care Co-ordination Network UK (CCNUK) entitled ‘Moving on together: exploring the transition experience of disabled young people and their families in Wales’. Around 200 delegates attended the conference including disabled young people and their parents or carers, and professionals working in the statutory and voluntary sector.
Huw Lewis said:
“We have been listening closely to the experiences and difficulties that young people face in the transition from school to adulthood and we’re working hard to ensure that this transition process best serves young disabled people.
“It is important that those who support young people actually do just that, and that they plan with young people rather than for them. We must avoid using complex terms and listen closely to their hopes and aspirations.
“All young people want the same things. They all want the opportunity to socialise, have access to sports and leisure facilities, to learn to live independently and do their own thing. Turning to a wider audience, we need to ensure that we all work together to make these hopes and dreams a reality.
“We have made a clear commitment to improve the life chances of disabled children and young people in Wales, and this must continue when children are preparing to finish school.”
The Welsh Assembly Government has also funded pilot projects through CCNUK to improve key working services, which was one of the key recommendations of the Education, Lifelong Learning Committee and the Equal Opportunities Committee. The work of the pilot projects was showcased at the conference and includes guidelines, DVDs, transition protocols and the development of key working support services.
