In this issue Introduction
Real Opportunities Annual Conference
Olympic Fever
Special Olympic Ski Success in Carmarthenshire
All Aboard
Update on the All Aboard Transport Challenge by Disability Wales
Peer Mentors
The benefits of peer mentor support and how it impacts on employment and training.
RNIB Cymru Transitions Oveview of support from RNIB Cymru’s Transitions Officer
Can Do Holidays
Lisa Newton helps families find accessible holiday accommodation.
Training & Events
A list of upcoming project training and events.
Regional SEN Transition To Employment Project Newsletter
June 2012 On 3rd July, the Real Opportunities project is hosting its first annual dissemination conference at the Future Inn hotel, Cardiff Bay. The conference will be sharing methods of best practice from the Real Opportunities project model and will initiate discussion as to how this can work for professionals across the board, to support young people through transition. A core aim of the project is to find out what works, and then share that knowledge as widely as possible, so that effective transition protocols can be established. There have been many successes so far over the first year of the project. Project Manager Angela Kenvyn said: “It’s hard to believe that the first planning meeting to develop this project took place 5 years ago now. Time goes by so quickly! The difference that has been made in the lives of young people and their families was just a dream at that point and has already exceeded expectations. It’s a real privilege to work with such dedicated and skilled staff without whose support it could not have happened. Managing such a large project can sometimes be a challenge but hearing the success stories and achievements being made by the young people makes it all worthwhile. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the young people, their families and project staff for making that dream come true.” During the conference young people, parents, peer mentors and project staff will deliver presentations about how the project has impacted their lives so far. Speakers will discuss how the project fits in with statutory reform, policy agenda, education and supported employment. News from the conference will be put on the Real Opportunities website, which will be launched and go live at the conference. Laura Davies Project Information Officer
Providing Real Opportunities for Young People in the Transition to Adulthood
OlympicFever With the Olympics hitting London this summer Real Opportunities participants in Carmarthenshire have been catching the buzz thanks to the Special Olympics! Elizabeth (Liz) Allen, aged 18 from Ysgol Heol Goffa in Llanelli, who is currently working with the Real Opportunities Hub Team in Carmarthenshire, represented Wales at the Special Olympics Great Britain’s National Alpine Ski Championship in Pila, Italy back in January. Liz competed in the four-day skiing competition along with fellow schoolmates and Real Opportunities participants Christopher Bowen, Joshua Harper, Kirk Phillips, Neil Price and Jordan Edwards. The group came back with a haul of six gold, two silver and three bronze medals between them after a series of slalom events, with Liz winning one Gold and two Silvers and earning a spot on the Great Britain Ski Team for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea next year!
have already been selected to represent GB at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea next year. Congratulations to Elizabeth who is the only Welsh skier to be part of the team as well as the second youngest squad member. We know they will all make Britain proud.”
Special Olympics Special Olympics Great Britain is part of the Olympic family, but different as it provides yearround sports training and competitions for all people with learning disabilities rather than a single event for elite (professional) athletes. This charity is important in the lives of thousands of people with learning disabilities of all ages and abilities right across Great Britain. Special Olympics has proven that sport can transform lives, giving those with learning disabilities and their carers new confidence, hope and belief that they ‘can’. Athletes also improve their social skills, make friends and experience different cultures. Some things you might like to know about Special Olympics Great Britain: •
• •
•
Liz representing Wales in Italy. The group of young people from Ysgol Heol Goffa put in a lot of preparation prior to the event, training at Pembrey ski slope every week, and will now be heading to Manchester in September to get some extra practice in at the indoor ski slope there. Whilst discussing the competition with Psychology Support Worker Kate Jones from the Carmarthenshire hub team, Liz said she was very excited about taking part in the Special Olympics in South Korea next year. Karen Wallin, Special Olympics Great Britain CEO, said: “We are delighted that seven skiers
•
There are around 1.2 million adults and children in the UK with learning disabilities and more than 200 babies with these disabilities are born every week. There are 8,000 people with learning disability who currently benefit from the Special Olympics Sports programme. Right now Special Olympics has over 130 groups run by over 2,600 volunteers and provides coaching and competition opportunities to 8,000 learning disabled athletes. They offer a wide range of sports from cycling to athletics and judo to table tennis and football. 157 GB team athletes won 88 medals in the Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Athens in June 2011.
Special Olympics GB is working to bring the power of sport into the lives of many more people with learning disabilities, helping them to live their lives to the full. You can help this come true by taking part in the British 10K. For more information visit the charity website www. specialolympicsgb.org.uk 2
ALL ABOARD!
Travel training is an important aspect of the support given to young people on the Real Opportunities project. Being able to get around independently for work, education, and training or for social activities is fundamental for living independently. Throughout the project, staff are reporting transport as a barrier again and again. How accessible is our public transport? Particularly vital when you’re living in large rural counties like Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire! The ‘All Aboard’ transport challenge set out to answer that question. Back in April this year, Disability Wales, in partnership with Pembrokeshire Young Voices for Choices (PYVC) took part in a transport challenge, during which a number of young people took to the trains and buses to monitor the accessibility of public transport around Wales. The team made up of young people from PYVC travelled across Wales over four days, starting from Haverfordwest and going through Newport, Wrexham, Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Swansea; a journey in excess of 800 miles! The event was part of a year of events and celebrations marking Disability Wales’ 40th Anniversary.
transport challenge on both the bus and train journeys. The general feeling was that train journeys were more comfortable than bus journeys. There have been many positive changes made to the accessibility of railway and bus stations as well as access to and on the carriage or vehicles themselves. This is in part because of funding from the National Station Improvement Plan and the National Station Improvement Plan Plus which is an initiative specific to Wales. However, many access barriers still exist; these include physical barriers such as limited availability of lifts and ramps especially at rural or unmanned stations; attitudinal barriers such as staff uncertainty perhaps in meeting the access requirements of disabled passengers and communication barriers such as access to information while at stations or when travelling on board the vehicles.
During their journey around Wales, the young people noted several positive experiences that included: • Arriva Train staff were helpful/polite. • Bus driver was very helpful. • Staff checked to see if wheelchair space was clear from obstruction. • Ramps were ready on arrival / departure. • Taxi companies were excellent. In terms of negative experiences during their journey, the young people reported these points: • Luggage in space reserved for wheelchair users. Not enough space for luggage on the train. • Gap between carriage and platform not always announced beforehand. • Staff speaking to support worker not the wheelchair user herself when discussing ramps. • Some audio announcements were not so clear. • Bus timetables were too high up and not easy to understand. • Only 1 wheelchair space on the bus – not enough space; if two wheelchair users want to use the bus they would have to travel separately. • Also the necessity of wheelchair users having to travel backwards on buses spoils the journey, wheelchair users may find this an unpleasant experience.
What’s next? Disability Wales aims to act on Mark Isherwood’s suggestion of presenting findings to the Cross Party Group on Disability Issues. It is hoped that Pembrokeshire Young Voices for Choices (PYVC) and Disability Wales can present the challenge findings which will include showing their own video recordings, photos and presentation. Arriva Trains made it clear that improvements to accessibility of their stations are ongoing. The continued roll out of the Perspex ‘Aberdyfi’ humps to resolve height discrepancy gaps between train carriage and platforms at many stations. Arriva will also continue with the installation of new more accessible information systems especially at rural stations throughout Wales. Disability Wales calls for transport systems that work for all disabled people ‘anywhere, anytime’, without having to book 24 hours in advance through the Assisted Passenger Reservation Service. Having to book in advance prevents ad hoc, spontaneous travel, which greatly thwarts the rationale of independent living. From the findings of the young people from PYVC undertaking the transport challenge it seems that overall it has been a positive experience but further improvements are needed. For more information contact Rhyan Berrigan Policy Officer (Access and Transport) Rhyan.berrigan@disabilitywales.org
Summary There were some positive and negative experiences during the four day ‘All Aboard’ 3
PEER MENTORS
SUPPORT, EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
Peer Mentors have become an integral part of the Real Opportunities project, with more and more young volunteers giving their time to support and befriend participants on the project in a more natural and preferred way. These stories tell us how peer mentors are supporting young people in different situations, and how they are benefiting from the work they are doing – gaining new skills, qualifications and employment. Employment with Elite Peer Mentoring is helping young people gain employment, through the support given to young people with disabilities and the skills gained by peer mentors. The Real Opportunities project provides young people with the opportunity to gain a qualification in peer mentoring, part of which includes supporting an individual with a disability in leisure activities identified during the participant’s person centred planning. Young people also have the opportunity to further their peer mentoring experience by applying for a peer mentor position with Elite, involving supporting young people with disabilities in the work place.
Newly employed peer mentors Kira, Catherine, Annie, Bryony and Vicki at Elite. Bridgend and will be recruiting peer mentors in Elite have held a number of interviews within Merthyr Neath Port Talbot and Swansea areas the Rhondda Cynon Taf area, and have very soon. Peer mentor Catherine Lumby said “I recently recruited 5 peer mentors from Treorchy am really happy that I got the job at Elite, and I Comprehensive School. The 5 peer mentors am excited to see what challenges the position of have currently completed induction training peer mentor will present”. and training on systematic instruction. They are awaiting further training on task analysis and health and safety before going on to shadow an Peer Mentor Activity Support in Caerphilly Elite trainer supporting a participant in the work Peer mentors volunteer their time to support place. project activities on a regular basis, providing The 5 peer mentors will now join the 4 other active invaluable additional support for young people. peer mentors Elite have previously recruited. As During the Easter school holiday nine young a peer mentor, their roles and responsibilities people supported by peer mentors and project will be to offer 1:1 support and training within staff from Caerphilly embarked on an overnight the workplace, to support the participant with all residential stay at Llangorse activity centre. The work related aspects, such as travel and social two days were packed full of fun-filled activities aspects, to promote integration and to monitor that enabled the young people to develop their progress. Elite have had a really positive response independence and social skills. during training and all the new peer mentors are keen to put their new skills into practice. New The young people were supported by staff and recruit Kira Hardy said “I have really enjoyed the peer mentors to complete household tasks training that I have had, and I am really grateful including washing dishes, laying the table, to Elite for giving me the job. I’m looking forward making beds, hoovering and cleaning. The group to working and meeting new people and seeing shopped for, cooked and served a delicious what the job brings and the experience that I am evening meal along with breakfast and lunch the following day. As well as choosing appropriate going to have.” clothing and footwear for activities, the young Elite currently have 6 peer mentors working in people were also responsible for maintaining Rhondda Cynon Taf, 2 in Caerphilly and 2 in their personal hygiene. 4
Siana has found new focus for her skills and a desire to pursue a career working with children with disabilities as a result of her experiences within the project.
The young people had the opportunity to participate in various activities including the National Navigation Award, rounders, table tennis and team building games. The highlight of the residential was a climbing session that was kindly funded by Barclays bank. Young people overcame their initial fears to successfully manoeuvre through an indoor cave, traverse a high ropes course, scale an indoor climbing wall and finally whiz down the zip wire.
Since completing her OCN peer mentoring course Siana has also enrolled on other courses to improve her skills in this area and has completed further training in sign language, youth work, safeguarding as well as embarking on a degree in childhood studies at the local college.
Once Siana had enrolled on the peer mentoring course and been given an insight into working with young people with disabilities she was keen to broaden her experiences further. She began to volunteer to support young participants at the Pembrokeshire hub team’s Thursday evening activity club and is now a regular volunteer for the project during holidays. She juggles this commitment alongside her academic studies and other out of school activities organised by the hub team. Participants and peer mentors at Llangorse activity centre Siana was an instant success Peer Mentor Emily said: “I enjoyed supporting the with young people and staff alike. Jodie Evans, participants and helping them develop new skills. peer mentor coordinator in Pembrokeshire said of It’s exciting to stay away from home and be given Siana: “She has been one of the most committed some responsibility. The activities were great young people I have worked alongside, her fun.” Peer mentoring is going so well in Caerphilly, work within the project as a volunteer has been two project participants have now completed the outstanding and she has shown the true value of what peer mentoring can bring to both the peer entry level peer mentoring course. mentor and the young people who have benefited The participants had a fantastic time at Llangorse from her support”. Siana said: “I’ve gained some and displayed excellent communication, social useful information for working with children and and independent skills. Feedback from the young adults, whilst having fun and meeting new participants included: people. Worth every minute.”
‘I’ve had a great time and made lots of new friends’ – CS The best part of the activity was ‘sleeping away from home’ – MC ‘Please can we stay away for two nights next time’ - FB
The young people and staff would like to say a huge thank you to Barclays bank for funding the climbing activity.
Training Success, Pembrokeshire Peer Mentor qualifications are leading to bigger things! Siana Harries 21 from Pembrokeshire requested a place on a peer mentoring course last December and has since gone on to achieve a level 2 OCN qualification. However, for Siana the journey has been about far more than Peer mentor Siana supporting participant, Max Clarkethe achievement of a single qualification. Trevis. 5
RNIB CYMRU AND
TRANSITION
Real Opportunities is working hard to provide support for young people with severe and complex needs, a learning disability or Autistic Spectrum Disorder through the transition to adulthood. Research commissioned by SeeAbility and RNIB in 2011 found that people with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have serious sight problems than other people. Sophie Dyment, RNIB Cymru’s Transitions Officer discusses the specialist support that RNIB can provide for young people with visual impairment through transition. My name is Sophie Dyment and I have been working as RNIB Cymru’s Transitions Officer since January 2010. My role involves working with young people between the ages of 14 and 25 to help ensure that they experience a smooth transition from school to Further Education, Higher Education and/or employment. There are various ways in which the Transitions Officer can support young people through this process but in this article I will focus on a few examples.
Support Towards Employment Programme (STEP)
RNIB Cymru research conducted by the Transitions Officer in March 2010 ascertained that there were 140 people at Higher Education Institutes across Wales who had declared a visual impairment and concluded that there was very little support post-graduation to help those with sight loss make the transition to employment. Consequently RNIB Cymru designed a brand new residential programme that was piloted in Cardiff for the first time last year. Sixteen graduates and undergraduates with sight loss attended the five day residential and sessions throughout the week covered issues such as how to disclose sight loss at interviews and many other issues relevant to those with sight loss. We had fantastic feedback from the week and within three months of attending the course, almost half the participants had secured full time work.
Support at school Part of my work involves visiting individuals at school to offer advice and guidance through their transition to college or university. To date, I have attended a number of Review of Statement meetings to offer advice regarding the further education options available and the types of support that young people can expect when they leave school. I also visit schools to speak to older people at sixth form who are considering applying to university. I recently visited a Year 12 pupil in North Wales who is considering an undergraduate degree in economics at Manchester University. He was keen to know about the support he would be entitled to so we discussed his entitlement to Disabled Students Allowance and the different forms of support this will enable him to access.
We are delighted to be running the course again in July 2012 and if you are interested in attending we would love to hear from you.
Transitions Guide RNIB Cymru also produces accessible publications so that young people are able to make better informed choices about their own futures. “Bridging The Gap” contains information about the support that young people can access upon leaving school and is available on request from RNIB Cymru.
Young people in Wales have responded well to this one-to-one advice and guidance service. People often know very little about the support that’s available beyond school and it’s important that they are made aware of things like Disabled Students Allowance or the Access To Work Scheme so that they have the confidence to believe that they can achieve their aspirations and be supported in doing so.
3 top tips for graduates applying for jobs 1. Form a disclosure strategy where you plan how you tell an employer about your sight loss. This enables you to positively discuss your sight 6
loss on your own terms and retain a focus on your own skills and abilities.
little success. I saw a real need for a simple way for people to confidently book accommodation to meet their very individual needs.
2. Many employers are unaware of the Access To Work scheme. Discuss this with your potential employer. This will address any concerns they may have about additional costs, raise their awareness about the help that is available and allow them to focus on your skills and abilities.
Whilst there is a great deal of accommodation available, the quality and suitability for individuals is so variable. For this very reason I travel around the UK and personally assess each property and only list those that meet strict criteria. As a manual handling instructor I undertake ergonomic assessments and can advise individuals as to which properties would be most suitable.
3. Find out what the interview process involves in advance. It may include a written test so you’ll need to request that this is made available in your preferred format.
I work from home and as a mum of 2 boys have a hectic life running round the country in a quest to get the best accessible holiday accommodation listed on the site. Setting up a new business has been very challenging but also very rewarding. So many people don’t think holidays are even an option for them, so matching them with a perfect property and getting a call telling me what a great time they have had gives me a real buzz.
For further information on anything you have read please contact Sophie Dyment on 02920 449 571 or email sophie.dyment@rnib.org.uk
CAN DO
Lisa can also help carers enjoy a holiday as well. She said: “Lots of people think they haven’t got enough money but if they get in touch with us we can try to find charities, societies and other organisations that offer grants to help.”
HOLIDAYS
There is a wide range of accommodation on the site from across the UK and new ones are being added every week. For more information, log on to www.candoholidays.com or follow @ CanDoHolidays on Twitter.
Summer is fast approaching and many families will be off on their holidays, dreaming of sun, sea and sand! But for families with children who have learning disabilities it’s not always easy going, and it can be frustrating trying to find accommodation that meets their needs. That’s why Lisa Newton, after 17 years in a career as a carer, decided to found Can Do Holidays, specialising in finding and reviewing accommodation for people with a wide range of disabilities and needs. Lisa tells us more! Hi my name is Lisa, I recently founded Can Do Holidays in 2011 after a career in health care for 17 years. One of the common things that people used to complain about was not being able to find holidays that were suitable. I heard so many horror stories from people, and that’s where Can Do Holidays came from! I often found myself getting frustrated trying to book accessible holidays for clients with
Lisa at her home-based Can Do Holidays Office 7
Training & Events To book onto any of the following training events or seminars contact the information and training team at realopportunities@learningdisabilitywales.org.uk for a booking form. For further information regarding the events listed please contact Hannah at Hannah.cox@ learningdisabilitywales.org.uk.
Annual Conference
Date: 3rd July 2012 Time: 9:00am - 3:45pm Venue: Future Inn, Cardiff Bay For: Professionals
5 Day PCP
Date: 10th & 11th July 2012 25th & 26th September 27th November Time: 10am – 4pm Venue: Waterfront Church, Swansea For: 2 Places per Hub Team
Employment and Opportunities Network Date: 13th July 2012 Time: 10am – 1pm Venue: Forge Fach CRC For: TKW/SEA Reps
Introduction to PCP
Date: 16th July 2012 Time: 10am – 4pm Venue: Lolfa Cynin, St Clears For: Anyone in Swans, Carms, Pembs
Introduction to PCP
Date: 10th August 2012 Time: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cefn Cribwr For: Anyone in Merthyr, Bridgend, NPT
To get your story in the newsletter, or for more information contact Laura on 01792 817224 or at laura.davies@learningdisabilitywales.org.uk 8