Communication Support
Education
Employment
Funding/Finances
General Information
Health
Housing
Legal Advice, Advocacy, Disability Rights
Leisure and Social Life
Local Authorities
Participation
Safety/Bullying
Sex and Relationships
Transport
Carers
Publications
AbilityNet
AbilityNet provides free information and advice, individual assessment of technology needs, the supply of assistive technology with free support, a programme of awareness education, and consultancy for employers on system and workstation adaptations.
0800 269545
enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
www.abilitynet.org.uk
Aids to Communication in Education (ACE)
ACE Centre Advisory Trust provides information to parents and professionals working with non-speaking children and adults.
01865 759800
info@ace-centre.org.uk
www.ace-centre.org.uk
Acting Up
Acting Up has developed an IT package that helps people with learning disabilities to take more control of their lives. A computer-based catalogue of a service-user's daily activities and personal history is built up into a user-centred resource that can be accessed at home or in a day centre for a range of purposes.
www.acting-up.org.uk
Widgit
Widgit is a picture symbol communications system. The company produces a wide range of software.
www.widgit.com
Alliance for Inclusive Education
A national network of individuals, families and groups who work together to help change our education system. The website has useful information and publications as well as information about Young and Powerful, a group of disabled and non-disabled young people who fight to have their friendships, especially in schools, supported so they can support each other.
0207735 5277
allfie@btinternet.com
www.allfie.org.uk
Association of National Specialist Colleges
NATSPEC works in partnership with others to promote the provision of a wide choice of innovative, high quality, cost-effective education and training to meet the needs of people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
www.natspec.org.uk
Department for Education and Employment
www.dfes.gov.uk
Devon Parent Partnership
Devon Parent Partnership is an independent service created to provide information, training and support for parents and carers of children with special educational needs from 0 to 19 years.
www.parentpartnershipdevon.org.uk
Learn Direct
This is a free and confidential telephone helpline and website for people looking for impartial information and advice on courses and careers.
0800 100900
www.learndirect.co.uk
Rathbone
Provides services for people of all ages with learning disabilities. Outreach services for independent living, vocational training and employment opportunities. Helpline offers advice and information to young people, parents and carers.
0161 236 5358
0800 917 6790 Special Education Advice Line
0161 238 6345 minicom
info@rathboneuk.org
www.rathbone.org
SEN Regional Partnership
These partnerships were set up to help local authorities and other providers work together, so they can share experience and knowledge, and where possible, plan and develop services as a region, rather than individually. The website has information about and links to each partnership.
www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/sen/regional
Skill
National Bureau for students with disabilities. Skill is a national charity that promotes opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of disability in post-16 education, training and employment across the UK.
0800 328 5050
0800 068 2422 textphone
020 7657 2337 textphone
info@skill.org.uk
www.skill.org.uk
Teachernet
This is a website for teachers that has a large amount of information about new initiatives that impact young people with special educational needs.
www.teachernet.gov.uk
Young Person's Guide to the Residential Special Schools Standards
This is a website for young people in residential special schools outlining the standards that every residential special school in England must meet. It has a long list of the rules that all schools should use, useful contacts and advice on what to do if things go wrong.
www.rssinfo.org.uk
Department for Work and Pensions
www.dwp.gov.uk
Employers' Forum on Disability
Advice on disability issues in the workplace for employers.
020 7403 3020
020 7403 0040 minicom
website.enquiries@employers-forum.co.uk
www.employers-forum.co.uk
Employment Opportunities
A national charity helping people with disabilities find and retain work. They also provide a wide range of support and advice to employers on disabilities and employment issues.
020 7448 5420
info@eopps.org
www.opportunities.org.uk
Jobcentre Plus
If you need extra support, specialist advisers can help you plan the best way for you to find work.
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Learning and Skills Council
The Learning and Skills Council are responsible for planning and funding high-quality vocational education and training.
www.lsc.gov.uk
The Prince's Trust
UK wide organisation that helps young people including disabled people to succeed. Provides employment opportunities and training for young people.
0800 842842
020 7543 1234
020 7543 1374 minicom
webinfops@princes-trust.org.uk
www.princes-trust.org.uk
Prospects
The National Autistic Society's employment and training service for people with autism and Asperger syndrome who wish to work.
www.autism.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=473
Department for Work and Pensions
www.dwp.gov.uk
Direct Experience: a guide for councils on the implementation of Direct Payments in children's services (2004) Jeanne Carlin & Christine Lenehan
This guide details the experiences, concerns, developments and success of 13 councils in implementing Direct Payments within a children's legislative context. It is useful for all councils working with Direct Payments, children's disability services and the advice and advocacy services that support them.
To order a copy email mbremmers@ncb.org.uk
or download an order form from www.ncb.org.uk/cdc
Disability Alliance
Disability Alliance campaigns for improvements to the social security system.
www.disabilityalliance.org
Disabled Student's Allowance
DSAs help disabled people with costs incurred as a direct result of a disability when attending a course. Information about the allowance can be found in 'Bridging the Gap; a guide to the Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs) in higher education' available from:
www.dfes.gov.uk
0800 731 9133
Braille and large print versions available.
An Easy Guide to Direct Payments 2004 Department of Health
An accessible guide about Direct Payments for people with learning disabilities.
08701 555455
08700 102870 mincom
dh@prolog.uk.com
www.dh.gov.uk/publications
Independent Living Fund
The Independent Living Funds were set up as a national resource dedicated to the financial support of disabled people to enable them to choose to live in the community rather than in residential care. The funds make payments to people with disabilities so that they can afford to employ personal assistants (PAs), or a care agency, to provide the support that they need to remain at home.
0845 601 8815
funds@ilf.org.uk
www.ilf.org.uk
National Centre for Independent Living
Advice on independent living, direct payments and personal assistants.
020 7587 1663
020 7587 1177 textphone
ncil@ncil.org.uk
www.ncil.org.uk
My Money, My Way: a young person's guide to Direct Payments by Scope
This is an accessible guide for young people who are interested in getting Direct Payments. It describes what they are, and how to get them and what this might involve. It contains helpful examples and useful practical advice. It was written with a group of young people.
020 7619 7342
publications@scope.org.uk
www.scope.org.uk/issues/directpayments
Ability Online
Disability information, news and views, updated daily.
0151 678 2288
After 16
A website for young people and their families with information on opportunities and services after school. It has information about transport, employment, education, friends and health, the law and so on. Developed by the Family Fund.
www.after16.org.uk
British Institute of Learning Disabilities
The British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) influences policy makers and other decision makers, encourages good practice among practitioners from a wide range of disciplines and helps people with a learning disability take charge of their own lives and become part of an inclusive society.
01562 723010
www.bild.org.uk
Centre for Accessible Environments
Gives information and advice on design and accessibility of buildings.
020 7357 8182
www.cae.org.uk
CHANGE
CHANGE is a national organisation run by disabled people. It fights for the rights of disabled people, especially people with learning disabilities who are deaf or blind. The website has images to make documents more accessible, publications and information for people with visual impairments.
0113 243 0202
0113 243 2225 textphone
www.changepeople.co.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Connexions
Connexions offers a range of guidance and support for 13 - 19 year olds to help make the transition to adult life a smooth one.
www.connexions.gov.uk
www.connexions-direct.com
080 800 13219
Connexions Cornwall and Devon
www.connexions-cd.org.uk
Contact a Family
Contact a Family is a UK-wide charity providing support, advice and information for families with children with disabilities.
www.cafamily.org.uk
Contact a Family - Transition in England and Wales
www.cafamily.org.uk/transition.pdf
Council for Disabled Children
The Council for Disabled Children provides a national forum for the discussion and development of a wide range of policy and practice issues relating to service provision and support for disabled children and young people and those with special educational needs.
www.ncb.org.uk/Page.asp?sve=785
Devon Children's Trust
www.devonchildrenstrust.org.uk
Findsupport
A free directory that list self-help groups, support groups and charities in the UK.
0870 241 3449
info@findsupport.co.uk
www.findsupport.co.uk
Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
Conducts research into improving quality of life for people with learning disabilities. The foundation runs the Choice Forum, an online discussion forum on issues in the lives of people with learning disabilities in the UK.
020 7802 0300
fpld@fpld.org.uk
www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
Home Farm Trust
Runs a wide range of projects supporting people with learning disabilities. They offer a range of services including; supported living, registered residential care, day services, specialist services, supported employment, carer support service, transition workshops, advocacy, short breaks, ICT training and research.
0117 930 2600
info@hft.org.uk
www.hft.org.uk
Moving On Up
A website for young disabled people from an ethnic minority community who are moving on to being an adult.
www.movingonup.info
Plain Facts by the Norah Fry Research Centre
Plain Facts is a magazine and tape for people with learning difficulties and their supporters. Each issue is about the findings of a different research project. A number of the projects are about things that are important to young people in transition.
www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/NorahFry/PlainFacts/index.html
Transition Information Network
The Transition Information Network (TIN) is an alliance of organisations and individuals who come together with a common aim: to improve the experience of disabled young people's transition to adulthood. TIN has a website with links to information, runs seminars and produces a magazine.
www.myfuturechoices.org.uk
Values into Action (VIA)
Carries out research and development of good practice; provides advice and information to policy makers at national and local levels; and publishes books to publicise and promote best practice. They also run conferences and training for people with learning difficulties, their supporters, practitioners, managers and commissioners of services.
020 7729 5436
via@btinternet.com
www.viauk.org
Yourable.com
This website has information, products and services for disabled people about money, employment, shopping and more.
www.youreable.com
Alcohol Concern
Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. They work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems.
www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
Alateen
Alateen is part of the Al-Anon fellowship and is for young people, aged twelve to twenty, who are affected by a problem drinker.
www.al-anonuk.org.uk/alateen/index.asp
Al-Anon Family Groups
Al-Anon Family Groups provide understanding, strength and hope to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking.
www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Children First for Health
Information about what it's like in hospital, illnesses and growing up for children and young people of any age. Also has information about bullying.
08451 228636
www.childrenfirst.nhs.uk
Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk
North Devon Hospital
www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk
Primary Care Trusts
East Devon PCT
www.eastdevon-pct.nhs.uk
Exeter PCT
www.exeter-pct.nhs.uk
Mid Devon PCT
www.middevon-pct.nhs.uk
North Devon PCT
www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk
South Hams and West Devon PCT
www.shandwd-pct.nhs.uk
Teignbridge PCT
www.teignbridge.info/index.cfm?articleid=217
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
www.rdehospital.nhs.uk
South Western Ambulance Service
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides ambulance and out-of-hours care services for the residents and transient population of Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
www.swast.nhs.uk
Talk to Frank
For free confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours a day talk to FRANK.
frank@talktofrank.com
www.talktofrank.com
0800 917 8765
Valuing People
This is the website of the Valuing People support team. It has information about who the team are, what they do, links to regional pages and resources to download.
valuing.people.info@doh.gsi.gov.uk
www.valuingpeople.gov.uk
Exeter Housing Action Group
01392 430228 advice line
www.ehag.org.uk
Housing Options
An independent advice and information service to assist people with learning disabilities with housing and supported choices.
08454 561497
enquiries@housingoptions.org.uk
www.housingoptions.org.uk
MacIntyre
Supporting children and adults with learning disabilities by providing a range of services including housing and employment. MacIntyre Housing Association provides housing for people with learning disabilities.
01908 230100
webeditor@macintyrecharity.org
www.macintyre-care.org
National Centre for Independent Living
Advice on independent living, direct payments and personal assistants.
020 7587 1663
020 7587 1177 text
ncil@ncil.org.uk
www.ncil.org.uk
Shelter
Advice to anyone with any housing-related difficulties.
020 7505 4699
0808 800 4444 voice and minicom
info@shelter.org.uk
www.shelter.org.uk
Supporting People Team
This website has information about what the supporting people team do, how the initiative will work, how it will be implemented and what's going on locally.
www.spkweb.org.uk
United Response
Supports people with learning difficulties and people with mental health problems across England to live in the community. This is done in many different ways, from supporting people in their own homes to working with people to access training and work opportunities.
020 8246 5200
020 8785 1706 minicom
info@unitedresponse.org.uk
www.unitedresponse.org.uk
British Council of Disabled People
The British Council of Disabled People works to promote and protect disabled people’s human and civil rights.
www.bcodp.org.uk
CHANGE
CHANGE is a national organisation run by disabled people. It fights for the rights of disabled people, especially people with learning disabilities who are deaf or blind. The website has images to make documents more accessible, publications and information for people with visual impairments.
0113 243 0202
0113 243 2225 textphone
www.changepeople.co.uk
Children's Legal Centre
The Children's Legal Centre is a unique, independent national charity concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people.
0845 456 6811
www.childrenslegalcentre.com
Children's Rights Officers and Advocates
Provides rights, advocacy and participation services to children and young people 'looked after', 'in need' and those involved in child protection procedures.
01773 820100
info@croa.org.uk
www.croa.org.uk
Devon Children's Rights
Devon Children's Rights is for young people looked after by Devon Children and Young People's Service.
www.devonchildrensrights.org.uk
disability.gov
disability.gov helps you find out about your rights as a disabled person.
www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/fs/en
Disability Rights Commission
The DRC gives advice and information to disabled people , employers and service providers, supports disabled people in getting their rights under the Disability Discrimination Act, supports legal cases to test the limits of the law and campaigns to strengthen the law.
08457 622633 helpline
08457 622644 textphone
enquiry@drc-gb.org
www.drc-gb.org
National Youth Advocacy Service
National Youth Advocacy Service is a ‘not for profit’ charity which offers socio-legal advocacy services to children, young people, parents/carers and professionals.
0800 616101
www.nyas.net
People First
People First is a self-advocacy group of people with learning difficulties.
www.peoplefirstltd.com
Arts For All: the accessibility of arts and cultural venues for families with children with a learning disability Mencap (2003)
A report about the barriers and obstacles that face people with learning disabilities trying to access arts and culture. The report sets out what the problems are and provides recommendations for change. The report is made up of the personal accounts of six families' trips to a selection of arts, cultural and tourist venues in the London area. Available to download from the website.
www.mencap.org.uk
Hello! Are you listening? Disabled teenagers' experience of access to inclusive leisure Pippa Murray (2002)
This project consulted with over 100 disabled teenagers to uncover their experience of 'inclusive leisure'. Published for the Joseph Roundtreee Foundation by YPS (ISBN 1 84263 074 1 £14.95). The report can also be downloaded from the website.
www.jrf.org.uk
Holidays, Play and Leisure
Contact a Family factsheet that provides information about what exists and suggests ways of accessing play and leisure for disabled children and young people.
0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk
Kidsactive
Kidsactive is a national charity promoting play for disabled children.
020 7736 4443
ktis@kidsactive.org.uk
www.kidsactive.org.uk
Devon County Council
www.devon.gov.uk
East Devon District Council
www.eastdevon.gov.uk
Exeter City Council
www.exeter.gov.uk
Mid Devon District Council
www.middevon.gov.uk
North Devon District Council
www.northdevon.gov.uk
South Hams District Council
www.southhams.gov.uk
Teignbridge District Council
www.teignbridge.gov.uk
Torridge District Council
www.torridge.gov.uk
West Devon Borough Council
www.westdevon.gov.uk
One For Us
This is a website for people who have a learning difficulty. It has information and stories about people who have learning difficulties. The website has information about relationships, housing, health, money, leisure and work. It is a place for you to be proud of achievements and to learn how to take more control over your own life.
www.oneforus.com
The Site
The Site has information and advice about life for young adults aged 16-25.
www.thesite.org.uk
Trans-active
Teenagers with and without learning disabilities working together.
www.trans-active.org.uk
Bullying online
Website with advice for pupils and parents, legal advice, school projects, help for teachers and youth leaders, advice for parents of bullies, and more.
www.bullying.co.uk
Bullywatch
Bullywatch supports those who are being bullied by giving them someone who will listen to their problems and help them try to resolve those problems.
www.bullywatch.org
CAP
Devon Child Assault Prevention Project (Teignbridge & South Hams).
www.devoncap.fsnet.co.uk
Childline
Childline's website has loads of information and advice about bullying. It also has young people's stories, information sheets, conference reports and press releases about bullying.
www.childline.org.uk
Kidscape
This is a national charity working to help prevent bullying and child abuse. It has information for young people about what to do if they are being bullied, about saying no, about changing schools and making friends. It also has information for parents and teachers.
www.kidscape.org.uk
NSPCC
www.nspcc.org.uk
Brook
Brook Advisory Centres - commonly know just as Brook - is the only national voluntary sector provider of free and confidential sexual health advice and services specifically for young people under 25. Brook runs a unique network of 17 centres across the UK, delivering innovative services, designed with the help of young people. The centres provide contraception advice, and counselling to young people about sexual health, as well as outreach, education, and satellite services in response to local need.
0800 0185 023
www.brook.org.uk
Contact a Family
Contact a Family has published a series of booklets looking at how being disabled might impact on issues around sex and relationships for young people. The booklets offer guidance on what support is available to young people as they start to form intimate relationships. There are three booklets:
Available from:
0808 808 3555
www.cafamily.org.uk/packs.html
Me and Us
A resource website for teachers of sex and relationships education. It has resources such as 'Picture Yourself', which is a teaching resource specifically designed to be used with people with learning disabilities.
www.me-and-us.com
Outsiders
Outsiders is a nationwide, self-help, community providing regular mailings, and unthreatening events where people meet up and practice socialising. Members appreciate a club where they are totally accepted, and some of the most amazing relationships have been formed.
07074 993527
outsiders@clara.co.uk
www.outsiders.org.uk
Sex and relationships education for children and young people with learning difficulties Martinez A (2004)
A fact sheet to support staff in special schools, mainstream schools and other settings in developing and reviewing SRE policy and practice. Available to download and print from the Sex Education Forum website.
www.ncb.org.uk/sef
Sex Education, Sexual Health, Sexuality and Relationships: Resources for people with learning difficulties
List of resources, such as books and leaflets for people with learning disabilities.
www.respond.org.uk/business/Sexed.pdf
Sexuality and Learning Disability Fanstone C and Katrak Z (2003)
Highlights a range of creative approaches to working with people with learning disabilities.
Talking Together...about growing up Family Planning Association £12.99
An illustrated workbook for parents and children with learning difficulties. It contains exercises to help parents introduce topics such as puberty, body parts, public and private behaviour, keeping safe, and feelings and relationships.
Talking Together...about sex and relationships Family Planning Association £14.99
This book is aimed at schools, parents and carers working with young people with learning disabilities. Suitable for work with people aged 13+.
The 3 items above are available from fpa Direct.
0845 122 8600
www.fpa.org.uk
Community Transport
Community Transport gropups provide serves for the disabled and elderly such as Ring and Ride and Shopmobilty
Crediton and District Community Transport
www.geocities.com/cdcta/creditoncomtransport
Exeter Community Transport Association
www.exetercta.co.uk
Exmouth & District Ring and Ride
www.exmouthringandride.co.uk
Newton Abbot and Teignbridge Community Transport
www.natct.fsnet.co.uk
North Devon Community Transport Association
www.northdevontransport.com
Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC)
The website provides information on DPTAC's role in advising the Government on the transport needs of disabled people. It is meant to be a resource for everyone from disabled people to those aiming to provide services that meet everyone's needs.
www.dptac.gov.uk
Door to Door
Door to Door has been developed to give disabled people information about transport and advice about travelling using all forms of transport. It brings together in one website all the information that disabled people need to make informed decisions and choices.
www.dptac.gov.uk/door-to-door/index.htm
Getting There: A Guide to Long Distance Travel for Disable People Radar £5.00
Information on air travel, sea travel, ferry companies in Britain and abroad, rail travel, Eurotunnel, coach travel and insurance.
www.radar.org.uk
Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service (MAVIS)
Provides practical advice on driving, car adaptations and car choice, for disabled drivers and passengers.
01344 661000 voice and textphone.
www.dft.gov.uk/access/mavis
Traveline
Public transport information.
www.traveline.org.uk
Whizz Kids
A national children's charity that provides customised mobility equipment to disabled children and young people to increase their independence and improve the quality of life for them and their families.
020 7233 6600
www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
Carers in Devon
The information on this site has been developed specifically for carers in Devon and contains a range of Social and Health Care information reflecting local partnership working.
www.devon.gov.uk/carers
Carers UK
Carers UK is the voice of carers.
www.carersuk.org
Exeter Carers Focus
Exeter Carers Focus is an independent body dedicated to serving the interests of carers in the city.
www.exetercvs.org.uk/projects/exeter-carers
Princess Royal Trust for Carers
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is the largest provider of comprehensive carers support services in the UK.
www.carers.org
Young Carers
A UK-wide website, run by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, for young carers who look after someone in their family who has a disability or health condition.
020 7480 7788
youngcarers@carers.org
www.youngcarers.net
AFASIC Youth Info Pack
A fun and lively information pack aimed at young people at secondary school or starting work. Over 40 full colour pages filled with advice and including an identity card.
www.afasic.org.uk/pub.htm
All Change: Transition into Adult Life Robina Mallett, Margaret Power, Pauline Heslop, Pavilion ISBN 1841961078
A resource for young people with learning disabilities, family carers and professionals. Resources about transition; part 1 for supporting adults, part 2 accessible illustrated text for young people.
Count me In! Published by the Red Cross (2004) £9.50 + p&p
A disability awareness training resource pack written and developed by young people aged 16 and over. The training resource pack was developed over 3 years and includes games and activities, disability awareness training and communication modules.
0800 731 1663
Directory of Opportunities - opportunities related to training, education and employment provision for young people Leonie Riddett Disability Information Service, Surrey £25.00
01306 875156
Enhancing Quality of Life University of Cambridge & SKILL (2002)
Resource pack looking at options for young people with profound and complex learning disabilities.
www.skill.org.uk
Financial Assistance for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education
SKILL £2.50 each (students), £6.50 each (professionals)
Further Education for Young People with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities Learning and Skills Council
024 7686 3000
Future Positives (2004)
A pack to assist local authorities in the development of effective and joined up services which support young disabled people as they leave the care of 'looked after' children's services, be this a transition to adult services, home to family, residential college, a supported living situation or into independence.
Order from dfes@prolog.uk.com quoting DfES/0880/2004
Hurtling into a Void; transition to adulthood for young disabled people with 'complex health and support needs' Jenny Morris Joseph Roundtree Foundation (1999)
This review summarises existing research in this area. It also presents information from six health and social services authorities, and the views and experiences of 16 young people with 'complex health and support needs'.
01904 629241
publications@jrf.org.uk
www.jrf.org.uk
Make Your Move: a video guide to independent living for people with learning difficulties Andrew Holman £10.00 (people with learning disabilities), £30.00 (others)
www.viauk.org
Move On Up Barnardos (1999)
A practical guide for adults involved in planning transitions with young people.
020 8551 6870
www.barnardos.org.uk
The Road Ahead Nora Fry research Centre, North Somerset People First, Home Farm Trust
Online report from a project that explored the nature of the information needed by young people with learning disabilities, their parents and supporters at transition.
www.scie.org.uk/publications/tra
Transplan
Transplan is a practical interactive step by step guide to successful transition for young people age 13 -19 with Statements of Special Educational Need. It can also be used a s a model of good practice for all young people with special or additional educational needs. To order a free copy of the CD:
0845 602 2260
0845 6055 5650 textphone
Transition in England and Wales Contact a Family
Booklet for young people with disabilities and their families about the transition process.
0808 808 3555
info@cafamily.org.uk
www.cafamily.org.uk/factsheets.html
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