“I just want to be like everyone else” 12th October 2015 Dear All An extra update on the Chocolate Cake Consultations; next one is tomorrow evening. Highlights below…
“I just want to be like everyone else” Can’t argue with that! This sentiment is coming across very clearly – and is presenting itself as a key principle for the Accessibility Strategy. We had our first consultation last week, and what struck a chord was the parent that said “I dread school trips”. We had a good honest discussion about this and will be preparing a Model School Trip Policy as part of this work. This policy will include sensible ideas like ‘visit the site in advance and identify an accessible route’. And… always discuss the practical implication of any school trip with the parents and/or young person. (How many parents reading this are thinking “about time too” ?) We also talked about getting in & out of school getting around a school the implications of seating & special chairs what is a ‘reasonable adjustment’ and how do you know if you’re asking for one? * the importance of socially appropriate interventions and support (does a 15 year old really want a mother figure accompanying them around school?) What does Accessibility mean to you and your family? In particular, accessibility within schools… so, is that about ramps for a wheelchair, classrooms on the ground floor, brightly coloured warnings on steps & stairs, a quiet route to a classroom? So… please come to one of our ‘Chocolate Cake Consultations’ on this subject - rsvp to this e-mail or telephone 07469 746 145. Thursday 8th October
10am to 12noon
Room F, Guildhall 2, Kingston
Tuesday 13th October
6pm to 8pm
Room 7, York House, Twickenham
Thursday 5th November
10.30am to 12.30pm
Bedelsford School, Kingston
Tuesday 24th November (especially for young people, no parents expected) Wednesday 2nd December
6pm to 8pm
Langdon Down Centre, Teddington
6pm to 8pm
Room 7, York House, Twickenham
* Putting in a lift is often not considered a reasonable adjustment given the costs, whereas rearranging a timetable to place all lessons on the ground floor could be considered reasonable.