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NDT
Albion Wharf
Albion Street
Manchester M1 5LN
Tel: 0161-228-7055
Fax: 0161-228-7059
office@ndt.org.uk

Registered in England No. 27566R

Initiatives

[Initiatives]
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[Themes]

Family Matters

What is it all about?

Family Matters continues a major programme of work by the NDT which is designed to achieve the development of inclusive, community based supports for disabled children and their families. The work will focus on holistic approaches which empower families and young people themselves, particularly at times of transition. Family Matters intends to provide a foundation for people with learning disabilities to live their own lives in their local communities, as individuals with the same rights and expectations as other citizens; the same ability and opportunity to influence for themselves and others, and choice and control over their own future.

Why is it needed?

The present century has seen the development and the disadvantages of a range of segregated and specialist services for both children and adults with learning disabilities. The children of today will be the adults of tomorrow, and as we approach a new millennium there needs to be a shift from services which create dependency towards a climate of co-operative partnership between agencies to develop inclusive supports within local communities.

Family Matters seeks to develop a movement of real citizenship for children and young people with disabilities. Family focused, co-ordinated implementation of relevant legislation, regulation, guidance and other initiatives are at the heart of this 'theme'. There will be a particular emphasis on listening to and empowering families, carers and those who use services; and on developing mature and genuine partnerships with and between the different agencies involved.

What the 'theme' seeks to achieve:

1. To explore ways of :

• linking all issues to the family, and supporting not supplanting it.
• bringing together child health, education and Children Act issues, making them individual, family and community issues.
• developing informal natural individual supports for families including circles of support and family centred planning.
• developing the concept of a 'family service plan' that promotes co-ordinated partnerships of listening services and which provide continuing health care, social and educational support from obstetric and paediatric services, through pre-school, school and further education into adult life, training opportunities and employment.
• avoiding the development of segregated experiences and promoting inclusion.
• avoiding the creation of dependency on 'specialists'.
• promoting inclusive responses by communities.

Family Matters is already working with a number of Development Partners on initiatives which embrace inclusive information systems; focus groups of families and of disabled children to be partners in policymaking; supports a major consultation exercise for 'Best Value' with children with severe and multiple disabilities; the family support needs of Asian families and much more...

Through the Development Partnership the NDT can offer organisations the opportunity to focus on the needs and priorities of their locality whilst being part of a national network from which to draw on new initiatives and best practice.

The work of Family Matters offers a national profile through conferences, seminars, publications and shared learning, as well as the opportunity to influence policy through regular contact with central and local government departments. The Development Partnership offers the wide range of additional benefits described in the accompanying brochure.

[Transition Information - Key Facts (PDF File, 49Kb)]

Last updated : 2 August 2001

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