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Listen
Children's lives
Babies and small children
What the Group found
Most babies and small children spend most of their time with their parents. They go to play-groups and nurseries and meet other children. At the same time their parents meet other parents.
Things are different for children with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
Things are different, too, for people with learning disabilities who are parents.
The Group thinks that this should change
Babies and small children with learning disabilities should be able to go to the same nurseries as other children. Their parents should get the help they need to make this happen.
Parents should get good information so that they know their rights.
Brothers and sisters should get information and help to handle bullying.
Professionals should listen to what families want and need.
Teachers and other professionals should take time to get to know the child.
People should be able to get an advocate if they want one.
People with learning disabilities should get the help they need to look after their children whenever possible.
School children
Some children with learning disabilities go to special schools. Some go to mainstream schools. It is hard for families to decide what is best for their child.
Children learn to be independent by making friends and playing. Play is about having choice. Sometimes children with learning disabilities only play with adults. People sometimes think that play is not safe for people with learning disabilities.
Children with learning disabilities need to have opportunities to play and make friends.
Good things that the Group wants to happen everywhere
All schools and teachers should think about including children with learning disabilities.
Children should have time to get to know a new school before they start.
Schools and families need to work together.
Schools should help children to help each other.
Special schools and mainstream schools should do things together.
Young people
Young people want to have friends and relationships.
They want to work or study.
They want a home of their own, one day.
They may want a partner and to start a family.
All young people want a good social life.
Young people begin to make these plans at high school. They go for work experience or visit colleges.
Until now a lot of people with learning disabilities have not been able to do these things.
The Group thinks that this should change
Everyone involved with a young person with learning disabilities should be involved in planning their future.
Planning should start two years before the young person leaves school.
Young people should be involved in planning their own futures.
Young people and their families should get good information.
Young people and their families should get advocates if they want them.
Everything should be agreed six months before the young person leaves school.
We will know that things are getting better for children and young people when
- They can go to a Local Area Co-ordinator for services and support.
- They have more control of their lives because they have an advocate.
- They have more control of their lives because they get direct payments.
- They are part of the community and have a social life.
- They have better health.
- They do not get bullied or harassed.
It is important that children, young people and families can get support from organisations who can help them. Annex D of the main report has a list of organisations that can help.
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