| Update May 2009 |
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Welcome to Update from norfolkparents.org.uk, May 2009.
What's here:
Introduction to Advocacy in Supporting disabled parents
Advocates help people to have their say and make informed choices about their lives. http://www.norfolkparents.org.uk/introduction-to-advocacy-in-supporting-disabled-parents.htm
Book by Monday 8th June 2009
Several disabled parents gave views on NHS Norfolk's recent Maternity Services Strategy consultation. All the changes are on the NHS Norfolk website, www.norfolk.nhs.uk
A key issue incorporated into the revised strategy on women with disabilities, including learning difficulties, now highlights that "services will be based on principles of equal access for all, that are responsive to diverse needs, and free from stereotyping and discriminatory practices.
Antenatal screening for disabled women will be approached sensitively, with awareness and understanding of inherited and non-inherited disabilities."
We said it was hard for some parents to have their say because there wasn't an easy read format of these plans. A new consultation on Equality due in May has taken notice of what we said. The full version has a shorter summary, and an easy read version in print and on audiotape, so more people will be able to take part.
Disabled Parents Network has scrapped the membership fee and is now free to all disabled parents. Check out the national community of disabled parents, including a helpline, forum and yahoo discussion group. www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk
Shift.ms is a fantastic new website for young people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. The aim is to provide MS'ers with a platform to share their experiences with others in similar situations. Ideas and info on the site are user generated and based on experience, and they hope to show that by thinking outside the box, they can continue to let the good times roll! http://shift.ms/index.php
Swifts and Night Owls are a new rapid response service for disabled people designed to help in a unexpected emergency. One of NDPA's Mums has used the service and says "My daughter and I have a genetic condition which causes fits. I had just come out of hospital when my daughter had a fit and she ended up going into hospital. It left me on my own and unable to get back to bed as my husband was with my daughter. So I called social services who sent out Night Owl's to help me get back to bed. The next day I phoned social services to ask for some regular help. Now it is just a case of waiting to see how direct payment's work. It was a tough thing making that first call to social service's but we are glad we did." To contact Swifts or Night Owls phone 0844 800 8014
A Living Library is like a regular library, except that instead of borrowing a book, you borrow a person for 30 minutes. You are free to ask any questions at all about their chosen title, which have included Homosexual, Male Nanny, Muslim, Police Officer, Ex-gang Member, Refugee and Homeless Man.
If you have an event or resource that would interest disabled parents or those who work with them, tell us and we'll put it in the next Update. Email: info@norfolkparents.org.uk
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If you don't need Update in the future, please email info@norfolkparents.org.uk with "unsubscribe Update" in the subject line.
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Introduction to Advocacy in Supporting disabled parents
Maternity Consultation Success!
Good News from Disabled Parents Network
Website review: Shift-ms
Swifts and Night Owls
Living Library